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| - Republica Empanada
204 E. 1st Avenue
Mesa 85210
We arrived at the restaurant at 6:00 and were seated in a few minutes. We were asked if we had a reservation, which we did not. By 6:15 we understood why a reservation is a good thing since the place was packed.
Companions 1 & 2 and myself started off with an order of Maduros (Sweet Plantains), and companion 3 started with Tostones (Unripe Plantains that are deep fried and salted). The Maduros were beautifully cooked and came with some crema. Delightfully sweet and slightly chewy they were a real hit. Companion 3's Tostones were cooked properly, but companion felt they were a little dry. A loan of some of our crema solved the situation nicely.
Since they had so many varieties of Empanada's on the menu, we ordered a large assortment. The Pernil (pork shoulder) was perfectly cooked with wonderful flavor, and the Mushroom Chicken was so good that extra was ordered to take home. The Boricua was very tasty having been cooked in a Sofrito sauce along with a ham hock. The Ham and Mozzarella cheese was tasty if not a bit unusual. One of our party was a vegetarian and was pleased that the menu had a nice amount of dishes that were compatible with that life style.
Next, on to the dessert empanadas. Once again, we ordered an assortment to try. The Fig with Mozzarella and Dulce de Leche was outstanding, as was the Plantain and Crème Cheese. The Guava preserve and Mozzarella had a wonderful strawberry flavor that was quite intense, especially since it was ordered with Ice Cream and Whipped Cream. We also ordered the Banana Crème Empanada as well as the Baked Apple and Caramel Empanada.
We couldn't leave without ordering some extra to take home. We left with several bags with more Maduros, Mushroom Chicken, and Plantain and Crème Cheese. Other companions also took home doggy bags which will not be touched by any dog if it knows what is good for itself.
The place is kept spotless, and fortunately only had one television on the wall which was showing the soccer game.
Service was reasonably quick considering how many people were there, and was always with a smile!
Prices are what can only be described as cheap, with most items in the area of $3.75. My suggestion would be to make a reservation, then run, don't walk to get there and prepare to stuff yourself. It is rare for me to give 5 stars to a little restaurant that doesn't have a fancy interior, but this is an exception I gladly make.
5 stars for outstanding food, great prices, good sanitation, and the wonderful smiles.
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