Food Corner: Panas Gourmet Empanadas

Panas Gourmet Empanadas began as an idea that the owner pursued in college with the encouragement of one of his professors. It became a reality in June 2010 with its debut in Dupont Circle.  

Panas Gourmet Empanadas stands on the basement level at 2029 P St NW and can be spotted with its floor to ceiling window. Chairs and tables are on the small patio for sunny days, while the inside greets visitors with modern sculpting, bright white walls and stainless steel accents. Latin music plays throughout the eatery creating an environment where customers will visit and eventually return. The tables in the dining area are white lacquer with bright orange chairs and plastic grass on one wall, which is a conversation piece for many of its customers.

Panas' menu is simple but the variety of empanadas is impressive. Options range from empanadas, pastries filled with sweet or savory from the basics such as Jamon y Queso, ham and cheese, to the Chicken Melodia, or grilled chicken, with Sauvignon Blanc mushroom sauce, onions and cilantro.

 Oscar Madrid, Panas' manager, said that what makes the restaurant's empanadas special is that they are 100 percent natural, homemade and baked fresh each day.

"The name Panas is an abbreviation for empanada," Madrid said. "It also means friend or buddy is some South American countries."

This co-meaning works well with the friendly environment that Panas provides for its customers.

Panas currently has two locations, one in the DuPont Circle area, and another in Bethesda, Md.  Madrid says that Panas' management is also expanding the menu to contain more than empanadas, but also skewers and larger meal options called Canoas, for groups complete with empanadas and sides such as a Churizo or plantain skewers. For the future, the restaurant hopes to achieve the goal of 15 more locations across the country.

In spite of the rocky economy, Madrid said that they are meeting their business goals which he believes is a result of Panas' good service and food.

 Panas is well received in the Dupont Circle area. Madrid said they have many regular customers, and that there is strong loyalty to the restaurant.  When you walk around Dupont area, there are few places where someone can get a quality empanada. When Madrid was asked about the direct competition in the empanadas business he said, "there is always competition, but we don't have problems with anybody."