Table Hoppin': Che! Empanada in Kelley Square offers taste of Argentina

Che! Empanada at 19 Kelley Square, Worcester, is a new place where you can find a little piece of Argentina.

Albie Alvarez-Cote of West Newton and Chef Roy Caceser of Concord, New Hampshire, opened the restaurant Jan. 6 with plans for a grand opening celebration sometime in late February. The business is located in the spot once occupied by Anthem Bagel Co.

Che! Empanada is a “dream come true” for Alvarez-Cote, who first started selling her handmade empanadas in Newton, hoping to open a storefront there. “I had a location but at the last minute the owner changed her mind about selling,” said Alvarez-Cote. “A friend knew that Roy wanted to open a restaurant and asked me if I wanted to meet him. We met and learned about the Worcester location.

“We decided it would be perfect, especially with all the future development in the city," said Alvarez-Cote. “We love our little space and being located near other businesses. And, the kitchen is just the right size.”

Alvarez-Cote is familiar with the Worcester landscape. She is married to Jim Cote, a former Worcester resident.  The couple, who share a “large blended family” (children and grandchildren), have lots of friends in the Worcester area, said Alvarez-Cote, a financial advisor and director of FEI Financial Education Institute, Greater Boston Area. She also is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs and a founding member of the Latino Council, Milagros para Ninos at Boston Children’s Hospital, with a mission “to improve the health and well-being of children in New England.”

Caceser was a chef in Argentina before coming to the United States, and several of his siblings are restaurateurs in Argentina. The chef owned and operated an Argentinian restaurant in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, for four years. He is a tango and Argentinian folk-lore singer who has performed for 20 years.

Che! Empanada's owners make artisanal, Argentinian-style (flour-based) empanadas daily. The delicious bite-sized empanadas are a way of life in Argentina, said Alvarez-Cote, adding she learned how to make the signature street food from her parents.

“Our empanadas are good sized and three of them can make a meal,” she said, adding that “kids love them.” The empanadas last well for up to five days, according to Alvarez-Cote. 

The current menu at Che! Empanada features more than 10 different varieties of empanadas: Classica Argentina (ground beef, onions, red peppers, potatoes, boiled eggs, spices), Ham and Cheese, Chorizo, Spinach/Chard Cheese, Caprese, Vegan, Classic Chicken, Fatay Beef, Corn/Cheese. The deliciously baked and perfectly shaped hand-held pies cost $3.50 each; $20 for a half dozen. Larger quantities may be ordered. By late February, the owners’ goal is to offer more than 20 varieties of empanadas (gluten-free is in the works) on their menu, in addition to salads and sandwiches. FYI:  Caceser makes sausage for the restaurant.

Look for weekly specials on the restaurant chalkboard. Last week, three empanadas, a soft drink and a bag of chips cost $10.99.

During this interview, Alvarez-Cote and her husband’s son, Max, commented about being his mom’s empanada taste-tester when she and Caceser introduce new flavors. The young elementary student was quick to answer, “Ham and cheese, corn and cheese and spicy chicken,” when asked what his favorite flavors were. Alvarez-Cote said Max sometimes takes orders for empanadas at the private Catholic school he attends. “Our business really is a family affair,” she said. “Roy’s family is very involved, too.”

Current hours at Che! Empananda: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday for take-out and delivery. Curbside pickup and catering are available. Seating inside is very limited, keeping with COVID-19 regulations. The restaurant normally would seat 12, according to the owners, who said four people can now be accommodated. Call or text (781) 268-7782 to learn more about online ordering and catering. Follow the business on Facebook and Instagram. Note: A new business website is being built.

Alvarez-Cote and Caceser said in the future they would like to expand the business by investing in a food trailer. Another idea for when warmer weather rolls around is to offer an empanada board, similar to the epic charcuterie board with veggies, olives, fruits, etc.

We say, bring it on!

The food paired with Argentinian wines enjoyed with a few friends outdoors can’t come soon enough.

Uno offering pizza deal for restaurant workers

Uno Pizzeria & Grill in Millbury, Westboro, Leominster and Sturbridge are among locations offering restaurant workers $5 pizzas on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Jan. 27.

Restaurant workers, including furloughed and laid-off, should ask their Uno servers for the $5 Restaurant Worker Pizza to redeem the offer, good for dine-in only. Not valid with other offers coupons or discounts. Individual Deep Dish, Thin Crust Pizza and Uno’s gluten-free pizza are included in the offer. Visit www.unos.com/pizza5 for more info.

Smokestack temporarily closed

Smokestack Urban Barbecue, 139 Green St., Worcester is closed until the beginning of February, according to a recent Facebook post.

From Smokestack:

“Due to new government restrictions on occupancy and the levels of confidence in dining out we have decided to temporarily shut down. This mini-hibernation will be in effect until February and will be re-evaluated at that time to reopen. This was by no means an easy decision to make, but at this time feel as though it is best.” A thank you for support and love was in the message.

 Richard Romaine owns Smokestack with business partner Peter Rano, who runs the barbecue business.

Wine tastings at Castle Restaurant

The Castle Restaurant in Leicester announced its January Tastings & Events schedule, beginning with Wines of Argentina on Jan. 17.

Here’s what’s happening:

Tasting of 12 “incredible” Wines of Argentina begins at 3 p.m. One sparkling, three whites and eight reds are included in the cost of $48 per person, all inclusive. Limited seating.

The Castle’s Chateau Musar Wine Dinner will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 31. Space is very limited. Cost: $111 per person, all inclusive. There will be rare vintages of musar available for sale. Note: Chateau Musar reportedly was the first producer in Lebanon to achieve organic certification for its vineyards in 2006.

Event reservations: Call (508) 892-9090 and ask for the Castle’s owners James Nicas or Evangeline Nicas.

If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.