New Latin Restaurant Hits Mesa: Republica Empanada

By admin March 18, 2014 15:26

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By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

A new eatery near downtown Mesa is unique to the community abut also sparks the interest of all who step foot into this trendy chic restaurant called Republica Empanada.

The name tells customers what the must-order-item is: the empanadas. There are 15 different types to choose from. From the Boricua, which has pernil with arroz con gandules, rice and pigeon peas and ham hock, all the way to the cheeseburger empanada, which has ground beef and cheese inside.

Each item is an original creation that will have customers ordering another round.

For those craving something sugary, the sweet empanadas will hit the spot. Similar to the savory empanadas, they come in seven different varieties such as Nutella and banana or the unique fig cheese and caramel — South American style.

“It is a wheat flour pillow like a gourmet hot pocket,” said Marco Meraz, the man behind this urban restaurant.

Being half Mexican and half Costa Rican, he wanted to create a restaurant that had influences from every part of Latin America.

“This place has been in my head for about 10 years. It is an idea that has evolved, and I have taken inspiration from travels around the world,” Meraz said.

From Tijuana, Mexico to Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina, Meraz combined the best of all culinary designs and culture and brought them to the tables in Arizona.

“I want it to be what a pan Latin American bistro should be,” he said.

Although the restaurant is ran by a Mexican family, the Merazes did not want the food to be mainly of Mexican influence. They wanted to showcase Central America and even parts of the Caribbean, while the empanadas are a representation of South America.

“A lot of our food is what we have grown up with from my mother’s kitchen,” Meraz said.

The yucca frita, arroz con pollo, and fried plantains are the reflection of the Merez family childhood. They are continuing to add more favorite items as the company grows.

Republica Empanada’s exotic decorations include souvenirs from different Latin countries, but there is a home environment no matter how busy the business may get.

The restaurant has been open for eight months, and the crowds that come to dine are from all different backgrounds.

“I was craving this food because it’s simple and delicious,” said Tyson Udall, a customer who longed for authentic Latin food.

Not only are first-timers excited to try Republica Empanadas cuisine, but so is the Mesa community as a whole.

“We have a lot of customers come in and do not know what an empanada is, so it is fun explaining what it is,” Meraz said.

Republica Empanada is a new Valley treasure that will attract customers who want to taste the flavors of Latin America without leaving the States. It will also draw in curious customers who want to try the new-found empanadas.

Republica Empanada