Being from a more Urban area I am exposed to a number of small«bodega» types of grocery stores and Hispanic bakeries. Bodega’s inventories are a combination of overpriced general groceries, tobacco products, and quite often deli select sandwiches. On my block, if you are a Bodega you also have Empanada. Ok. My neighborhood is predominantly Hispanic, as am I. Who cares how great your bacon, egg, and cheese is in my neighborhood? It’s all about the EMPANADA baby! There are literally a dozen places on Elmora ave(my block) that make their own empanada. La Bottega Dei Sapori locks it UP, Down, and side to side! The shell is warm, crispy, and has almost a hint of sweet, i don’t exactly know. Then the meat filling is seasoned so wonderfully and is cooked to absolute perfection. They always taste like they came from the same kitchen, but you can tell they make them fresh daily. My absolute favorite is waking up(at any time) and stopping in for an Empanada on my way to get coffee. I would say to come right here if you are on my block but it is actually quite fun to taste test all the other empanada on my block too! There is also something else that makes me appreciate this Bodega over any other on my block. Inside, they carry fresh produce. It is literally 100 paces from my home. I cook. All the time, I cook my meals. I eat out don’t get me wrong. But I frickin love to get it in and cook too! IF I run out of garlic or need a red onion I only have to walk to the corner. Fresh fruits too. A lot of times when I walk my son to school we stop in so he can get his Empanada and bananna, They offer other cuisine too lol. Don’t want it to be ALL about the empanada. But it is the highlight of this Bodega.
