Empanada Kitchen Launches Second San Diego Location In North Park

September 25, 2019

A local purveyor of authentic handmade Argentinean empanadas, Empanada Kitchen has opened its second San Diego storefront in North Park.

Owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Matias Rigali and Dan Housenga, Empanada Kitchen was born in 2016 from a notion to bring a piece of Argentine culinary culture to San Diego. Originally the owners began freshly baking and selling their empanadas in multiple farmers markets around the city. Due to increasing popularity with flavors like traditional beef, braised lamb, ham & cheese, and sauteed chicken, as well as vegan options like ratatouille and various vegetarian choices such as sweet corn & basil, mushroom & goat cheese, and more, they felt compelled to open a brick and mortar storefront location to keep up with the demand. The flagship location launched at 819 C Street between 8th and 9th avenue in early 2018.

Stemming from the Spanish word "empanar," which means to fold or wrap in bread, empanadas are a staple cuisine in Argentina, with each region of the country having its own style and manner of preparation. Many families have their own unique recipes, just as Empanada Kitchen’s handmade recipe was handed down to Rigali from his family where he first learned to bake them as a child.

The new Empanada Kitchen is located at 2855 El Cajon Boulevard in Boulevard Center Plaza where Heart & Trotter Butchery also sits. For more information, visit empanada-kitchen.com.