Empanola Expands to Uptown University Area | Eater New Orleans

"I'm excited about Empanola's new Freret Street location (7321 Freret), a creative little empanada vendor known for stalls at the St. Roch Market and the Auction House Market that is about to lay down roots near Tulane University. Construction is nearly done on the tiny spot — in the former New Deal Hair Salon next to the old Cafe Freret — and the interior is mostly kitchen with only a few seats as the owners anticipate a strong carry-out business from college students. Run by wife-and-husband team Jimena Urratia and Marcelo García, who began bringing empanadas from their respective homelands of Argentina and Chile to the St. Roch Market last summer, Empanola's fillings range from expected ham and cheese to New Orleans flavors like gumbo and crawfish étouffée and spinach and artichoke, as well as inventive options such as pecan, onion, and blue cheese." - Stephanie Carter