Yo Quiero Empanada

The blocks just north of the intersection of Clark, Diversey and Broadway, on Clark St. are so desolate that on certain days they can actually feel haunted. And on a dry summer day in August, if there were tumbleweeds rolling along I would not be surprised at all if a Western was actually being filmed on this dead street. I love the Super Walgreens, but it does nothing to reinvigorate those blocks. There are a few spots that have weathered the storm of nothingness over the years in this no mans land. You've got The Duke of Perth, which offers a nostalgic atmosphere along with choice beverages and the infamous endless fish and chips platter. There's the Creperie. I've been there 3 times in the last 13 years and I have yet to be impressed. Sorry to the loyal Creperie customers. Come over on a Sunday morning and I'll make you a better crepe. And some love El Nuevo, but the verdict is still out on my end. But amongst these relics, there is a small corner restaurant that stands out with steaming hot, freshly prepared, delicate-deliciousness.
With it's brightly and boldly painted bright blue facade, 5411 Empanada calls out to those who pass by. And you should answer that call. Eating here some days can make you delirious from the goodness inherent in these small golden treasures. And stepping inside will save you from the dreariness still present on these blocks of Clark St.

Can't miss this? Well, some people do. An oasis of taste.

What I Eat: The Empanadas. Duh. Is there anything else on the menu? There might be, but I don't really care. The Empanadas here are made with homemade care and attention. Each pocket of heaven with different folds and crimped edges indicating what you are getting on the inside. There are a number of choices for the filling. I'm not sure you can really go wrong and it is all really personal preference, but I have honed in on my favorites.

I went twice this week. For some reason, the size of the empanadas weren't consistent,
but I guess that means you order one more. 

Top choice is probably the Sweet Corn or the Malbec. I'd get the Sweet Corn every time. It can be hot, so wait just a second before biting into it or you'll burn the roof of your mouth. I once stood by the kitchen with my mother at a wedding waiting for the hors d'oeuvres to come out and we made this mistake. But I digress. Same goes with the Mushroom Thyme Blue Cheese. Wait a sec. That one just oozed all out when I got anxious and cut it open too soon. The mushroom is fragrant and scrumptious. I like it a lot but it's a powerful flavor. The Beef is well seasoned and is best with either sauce. I like it with the Chimichuri and dump a lot on to balance out the dryness inherent in the ground beef. It has a classic Argentinian flavor and texture and while it might not be for everyone, I really love it. The Malbec may be tied with my favorite (Corn), or even a step above depending on the day. It's a marinated shredded beef with carrot and onion and is very well seasoned. I don't love the spinach and cheese. Cafe Tola on Southport makes a better version of that one.
What She Ate: Claud got the Date-Bacon-Goat Cheese. She kept moaning while eating it, so I'm assuming that it was quite good. She also had a Sweet Corn (more moaning), and a nutella. She's got more of a sweet tooth than me. I refuse to eat nutella in a empanada. I prefer it in a crepe.
I wouldn't bother with the BBQ chicken. I just don't feel that flavor should be in an empanada. I mean, it's fine in flavor, but it doesn't make sense to me. The ratatouille (my kids say "rat-patooty) is good, but lacking a bit of seasoning.

Your mouth is now watering. Look at how perfect those are.

In the end, they are all worth trying. I'm picky. But to recap, get the Sweet Corn, Malbec, Beef and the Bacon for sure. Get a minimum of 3. I tend to eat 3 and order another. . . which is really 4 I guess.
There are 2 locations now plus a food truck with new stores opening in the loop and in the Southport Corridor. Hopefully, my location in the Dark Clark Corridor will remain. Come and support it. I'll see you there.