Brooklyn Italian Restaurant Duo Opens Williamsburg Empanada Spot

WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN — Owners of two Italian restaurants in the borough will unveil another part of their heritage this month with an empanada spot in Williamsburg.

Andres Whang and Andres Rodas — who own Piccoli Trattoria in Park Slope and Belli Osteria in Clinton Hill — plan to open "Masa Empanadas," an Argentinian empanada eatery at 804 Grand St. on Monday, Oct. 21.

The new restaurant will focus on serving up the Latin American staple "with Brooklyn flair," Whang said, and celebrate the flavors of Spanish countries including Argentina, where both owners grew up.

"We feel that it’s a great time to bring this healthful and savory option to the elevated taste buds of our neighbors," Whang said. "Being raised in Argentina with Italian and Korean heritages, we will sure be introducing unique flavors as well!"

So far, those flavors include more traditional options like beef empanadas slowly roasted in an Argentinian Malbec wine reduction, or the chorizo shrimp empanadas with Spanish smoked paprika "extremadura pimenton."

Some sweet options are also on the menu, like the apple and cinnamon empanada sprinkled with turbinado sugar.

All of the empanadas will be served in a "no forks, no plates, no worries" style at the Grand Street storefront.

"The rustic yet modern decor will celebrate Brooklyn's authenticity and charm while introducing a little touch of Latin flare to the table," Whang said.

The grand opening on Oct. 21 will include free samples of the empanadas in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month for those that follow the restaurant on social media. The opening starts at 12 p.m.

Whang and Rodas' other restaurants show a different side to their backgrounds.

Piccoli Trattoria is a highly-regarded wine bar and Italian restaurant on Park Slope's Sixth Avenue. The eatery recently was named the top-rated wine bar in New York City, according to an analysis of Yelp reviews by CBS.

Belli Osteria is a similar Italian fare restaurant on Fulton Street. It advertises hand-crafted burgers, homemade pastas and local ingredients from New York City, according to the Belli website.

This story has been updated to reflect a postponed grand opening that was originally scheduled for Oct. 14 and will now be held on Oct. 21.