Latin-inspired flavors hit Rutland

By James Kent

There is exciting news in the culinary world. The Rutland area has two new eating destinations with Latin-inspired flavors that will expand palates and stuff tummies with delicious treats from regions such as Peru, Venezuela, and Argentina. 

Pao Pao is a Peruvian restaurant that opened on Dec. 6 at 124 Woodstock Ave. off Route 4. Serving a mix of food from Peru and Venezuela, the Mountain Times stopped in for dinner on Dec. 10 and found a lot of exciting items to enjoy. The Venezuelan Tray, which features a sampling of appetizers from mini empanadas, tostones, arepas, and tequenos, provided a perfect opportunity to taste a variety of foods that all grabbed our attention.

In addition to the sampler, we ordered a Venezuelan rice with chicken dish that knocked our socks off, a delicious side order of huancaina potato, which is a boiled potato cut in two, served with a rich and spicy Peruvian cheese sauce, and pabellon, which is a tropical rice dish with shredded stewed beef, stewed black beans, sweet plantains, and white cheese. How good was this food? We brought along a notoriously picky twelve-year-old eater; to our shock, he tasted and loved every dish. He wants to come back, and so do we.

In a conversation with our waitress, she said the owner’s inspiration for bringing Peruvian food to the area was partly due to the contingent of Peruvian J-1 students who come abroad every year to experience ski culture in Vermont. If Pao Pao can provide a little taste of home, it could be a welcoming place for those on the mountain looking for their culture’s zesty and savory flavors. And for everyone else in the area, it’s an opportunity to enjoy food that feels both familiar and new. Pao Pao isn’t a one-time trip. You’ll go there once for the experience, and you’ll return again and again to try what you couldn’t fit on your table the first time around. 

Ana’s Empanadas expands

There was even more good news to share in Rutland’s Latin-inspired flavor-seeking world. On Monday, Dec. 16, everyone’s favorite Vermont Farmer’s Market mainstay, Ana’s Empanadas, celebrated the grand opening of its first downtown Rutland brick-and-mortar location. 

Those who can’t get to the farmer’s market on the weekends can get their empanada fix at Ana’s new location at 24 Wales Street. Ana’s still serving the same delicious Argentinian dough-wrapped delights at the same reasonable prices, but now they’re far more accessible thanks to this permanent location. 

With the editions of Pao Pao and Ana’s Empanadas, Rutland area residents have two more reasons to get excited about dining out. 

For more information, visit paopaovt.com and facebook.com/Ana.Empanada.

Are you unsure what to order at Pao Pao? The Venezuelan Tray offers a variety of appetizers that will satisfy any tastebud, or perhaps the tender and savory beef and black beans in Pao Pao’s pabellon will satisfy. Either way, it’s a win-win.