Empanadas are taking the Triangle by storm and Makus Empanadas, which has been a popular caterer in the area for years, can’t wait to show off their skills in a brand new brick and mortar shop expected to open in Hope Valley Commons (1125 W. NC HWY 54, Suite 304 in Durham) December 28th!We interviewed one of the owners, Hernan Moyano, about what we can expect from the restaurant and how it will differ from their catering business in the Q&A below.
MAKUS EMPANADAS: It was a couple years ago when we first started playing around with the idea of Makus Empanadas with my childhood friend Ricky Yofre and my brother Santiago. The idea was always to open a restaurant here in the Triangle, but we thought it would be best if we first gained experience through catering.
The catering business has been incredibly successful and rewarding in so many ways. In a little over a year of operation, we were named best caterer in Raleigh in 2015 by Thumbtack based on customer reviews.
BBC: Where
did you learn to make irresistible empanadas?
did you learn to make irresistible empanadas?
MAKUS EMPANADAS: Growing up in
Argentina, empanadas were always a big part of our lives. My grandfather used
to make this delicious beef empanadas and I remember “helping” him
make them as a kid.
Argentina, empanadas were always a big part of our lives. My grandfather used
to make this delicious beef empanadas and I remember “helping” him
make them as a kid.
Years later, I started
making empanadas myself (from recipes that had been passed down through generations).
When we decided to start Makus Empanadas, Ricky and Santiago went back to
culinary school in Buenos Aires to learn new recipes and all the secrets/tricks
of empanadas.
making empanadas myself (from recipes that had been passed down through generations).
When we decided to start Makus Empanadas, Ricky and Santiago went back to
culinary school in Buenos Aires to learn new recipes and all the secrets/tricks
of empanadas.
BBC: Will
there be an expanded menu for the restaurant that varies from the catering options?
there be an expanded menu for the restaurant that varies from the catering options?
MAKUS EMPANADAS: Absolutely. We are
adding several different items: we’ll have a couple more empanadas, delicious
pies/quiches, more sides, desserts and a few surprises for the kids.
adding several different items: we’ll have a couple more empanadas, delicious
pies/quiches, more sides, desserts and a few surprises for the kids.
BBC: What
will the restaurant atmosphere be like?
will the restaurant atmosphere be like?
MAKUS EMPANADAS: We’ve worked very hard
on this. We want it to be a place where people can come in, relax and eat some
delicious food while hanging out with friends, coworkers, or family in a casual
environment.
on this. We want it to be a place where people can come in, relax and eat some
delicious food while hanging out with friends, coworkers, or family in a casual
environment.
BBC: What
are your “most popular” empanadas?
are your “most popular” empanadas?
MAKUS EMPANADAS: That’s a tough
question. I’d say that chicken is the most popular. Among the vegetarian
options, spinach and sweet corn are very popular as well. Kids love ham & cheese, bacon & cheese, and sweet corn, and our veggie empanadas have become
very popular among vegans.
question. I’d say that chicken is the most popular. Among the vegetarian
options, spinach and sweet corn are very popular as well. Kids love ham & cheese, bacon & cheese, and sweet corn, and our veggie empanadas have become
very popular among vegans.
BBC: Is
there anything else you would you like people to know about your
business and the food you cook?
there anything else you would you like people to know about your
business and the food you cook?
MAKUS EMPANADAS: As Latin Americans, we are very passionate about everything we do! We are committed to
bringing our customers and friends the best empanada there is. It took us over two
years of very hard work to open the first Makus Empanadas restaurant because we
wanted it to be perfect and we believe everyone will be very pleased.
bringing our customers and friends the best empanada there is. It took us over two
years of very hard work to open the first Makus Empanadas restaurant because we
wanted it to be perfect and we believe everyone will be very pleased.
All our products are
made with the freshest ingredients…and we have lots of surprises on the menu.
Remember this word…cochitos!
made with the freshest ingredients…and we have lots of surprises on the menu.
Remember this word…cochitos!
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