Vendor Spotlight: Empanada Lady
It began, as with most big things, a life change and a dream. When Cindi, the Empanada Lady, lost her job of 15 years during the 2009 recession, she found herself in culinary school and on a completely new career path. Unsure where the road would lead, she started by making empanadas for friends, family and local merchants while she was still in school. This led to a bit of catering, and eventually an account with a local bar, giving her a taste of what it would be like to own her own business.
She finished her culinary program, and although she was gaining experience in the field, what Cindi really hoped for was a business of her own.
“I wanted to work for myself. I was hungry and determined to continue to dream about having my own business,” Cindi said.
She just never thought it would be selling empanadas at farmers markets.
Then she saw an ad about becoming your own boss at farmers markets. Inspiration was sparked, and Cindi took advantage of the growing industry to learn as much as she could. She worked for another company for a season, selling products at markets and learning the trade. She learned so much that within one season of starting the Empanada Lady, she realized she had become a household name.
Have you tried Cindi’s famous empanadas?
Her spritely pink food truck offers empanadas in varieties for every palate, including beef, chicken, egg and cheese, kale and plantain, loaded potato, Indian samosa and mac & cheese. You’ll even find dessert empanadas like apple pie, guava and cream cheese, nutella with fruit and more. She also sells Cubano sandwiches with plantain chips and sides like yucca fries and fried sweet plantains, plus daily lunch specials.
For those who want more… Empanada Lady also caters. Her menu includes the famous ¼ pound empanada (or cocktail size for those craving finger food), speciality sandwich platters, wings and things, salads, spreads, dips and sides as well as main dishes in beef, pork, chicken and vegetarian options
Find all this and more on her full menu at the cafe in Verona where you can get everything from small bites, to salads, homemade soups, sandwiches, and made-to-order platters that include carne asada or the fish of the day.
Meet the Empanada Lady at her food truck every week at market, or visit her online or at the cafe in Verona at 20 Grove Ave. Call ahead for daily lunch options, or to start a catering order.
Food Truck: 201.675.7465
Cafe: 973.239.7812
