Washington, D.C. - May 20, 2009

Breakout Food

Panas Gourmet Empanadas

The moon’s hit your eye enough to leave a bruise, you’ve become the mayor of (chow) Mein Street, and the Mall street cart vendors are planning to get you your own hot dog mobile. It’s time for new takeout options.

Turn over a new leaf with (ahem) a literal turnover: Panas Gourmet Empanadas.

The local company creates hearty South American snacks filled with enticing combos of meats, fish, and veggies that taste more like gourmet entrees than savory pie fillings.

Sink your teeth into Carne, a flaky shell filled with succulent beef, capers, egg, and fresh green olives, or add a touch of Euro spice with a pesto-filled chicken and cheddar offering. Dulce de leche rounds out the meal nicely.

Panas can also cater parties and deliver larger orders.

There’s a crescent moon on the rise.

Available at Yes Organic Market, 658 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, between 6th and 7th Streets (202-546-9850 or livingnaturally.com); online at panasgourmet.com.