Laguna Niguel Restaurateur Bets on South American Pastries

A new empanada restaurant opened Tuesday near Mission Viejo High at 26131 La Paz.

"The Empanada Maker" is the dream of Cameron Davis of Laguna Niguel. Davis spent two years in Cordoba, Argentina, before spending another 10 in Orange County selling real estate.

To make an empanada, cooks wrap dough around meat, cheese, vegetables, fruit and other stuffings. Some of the restaurant's pastries are baked, while others are fried.

Davis said his concept is to offer more traditional empanadas, like beef, chicken and ham and cheese, while also tempting customers with new flavors. Here are some of the options:

• Philly Cheesesteak: Sliced roast beef, peppers, onions, provolone and cream cheese
• Asian Shrimp: Shrimp, carrots, ginger, snow peas and water chestnuts,
  in a soy and sesame glaze
• Veggie: Caramelized fennel and onions, roasted garlic, peppers, potatoes,
  peas and corn, parmesan cream sauce