Description

Can you count how many times the word ‘empanadas’ was mentioned in this video? Johnny Pacific does not serve your regular empanadas. The restaurant is known for adding a modern twist to the Latin American fried pastry. Joining James on this episode of James Deen Loves Food is Ernesto Lopez, chef at Johnny Pacific. According to Ernesto, he’s got over 20 different empanadas to serve, with his favorite flavors being beef and chicken. The restaurant’s interior is also one not to miss. It’s filled with pictures and artwork depicting waves and surfing, and it really gives customers a chill, pacific vibe. Meanwhile, James Deen bases his anticipation on the notion that empanadas are like deep fried burritos. He loves burritos, and he is definitely looking forward to discovering what empanadas taste like. On with the empanadas: On James’ table, there are two plates with a six empanadas each. The sauces and garnishes that come with the empanadas are placed on a separate plate. One by one, Steven Lindell introduces each of the flavor to James: Chicken El Pastor, BBQ Pulled Pork, Kailua Pork, Beef, Bacon Jalapeño and Grilled Corn. The Kailua Pork, which is, according to Steven, similar to a Hawaiian sweet and sour pork, is the first one James tries. He likes it, along with the Chicken El Pastor and the Grilled Corn (James, however, noted that this particular flavor needs to have meat). Next he tries the Beef-flavored empanada, followed by the Bacon Jalapeño empanada. Bacon Jalapeño is the newest flavor on the menu. After taking a huge bite, James is a little sad that the Jalapeño dominated the overall taste, with a bacon zing to it. Aside from savory empanadas, Johnny Pacific also serves sweet versions of the beloved Latin American deep-fried pastry. Pineapple, Banana-Nutella with Mascarpone Cheese (the best-seller) are just some of the dessert empanada flavors that Johnny Pacific has to offer. James was not really a fan of sweets and dessert empanadas, so he only tried the Pineapple flavor and the best-seller. Despite the Banana-Nutella with Mascarpone Cheese being a crowd favorite, both James and Steven agree that the Pineapple flavor packed a lot more flavor in their tastebuds. To sum up James’ experience dining at Johnny Pacific, all the empanadas were good. They offered great selection and great food. A word of caution from James: “If you order 6 [empanadas], you might end up on the couch in a food coma.”