One of my favorite cycling routes begins at Sleepy Hollow High School, winds past Rockefeller Preserve, then travels up through Briarcliff Manor and into the hilly roads near Millwood.  It’s beautifully scenic and challenging.  Adding to the difficulty is a new obstacle: the recently opened MED Empanadas that sits directly on the route.

So now I’m supposed to ride past the wafting aroma of freshly-fried empanadas and not stop for one? Or two?  Really? That’s like asking a horse to race the Kentucky Derby while its favorite oats are placed at the side of the racetrack.  At least the horse gets to wear blinders.

From what I can tell, MED’s the first of its kind in Westchester — a shop exclusively about empanadas, nothing else.   It’s an unusual idea that’s also maybe a bit daring, so here’s hoping MED’s a huge success.  By the way, does MED stand for something? Making Empanadas Daily?  Major Empanada Distraction?

There are over thirty different varieties here, ranging from traditional ground beef, to gourmet types like roquefort and walnuts, to dessert styles such as nutella or quince. MED also offers the option of having your empanada fried or baked.

I played it conservative for my first visit, ordering a Beef Mendocina (green olives, peppers, ground beef, chopped hard boiled egg) and a spinach and goat cheese. No re-heating going on; the server fried them to a golden brown, wrapped them up and sent me off with a warm bag and a side of hot sauce.

Ooooh, empanadas hot out of the fryer… Both were crispy and flaky, and the ground beef was moist but not oily.  The spinach and goat cheese was reminiscent of a Greek Spanakopita.

We’ll see how I do come spring when I cycle past MED on a training ride for the first time.  I’m thinking this is a test of willpower that I will lose.  I may have to change my route.

MED Empanadas
1205 Pleasantville Rd.
Briarcliff Manor, NY
914-432-7063