The empanada is beloved in South America because it is filling, easily eaten, easily carried and cheap — a meat pie that fits in your hand. We like the empanadas at La Pequeña because they're always freshly baked, hot, stuffed with a fragrant meat-potato mix and drippy with meaty gravy. They sit in a little case next to the cash register. If you're going to eat in your car, don't forget a big pile of napkins — these empanadas are wonderfully messy.
La Pequeña Colombia Restaurant, 6312 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, 813-876-8338.
