Boccato Gelato & Julia’s Empanadas
If you live anywhere in the DC area, you’ve probably heard of Julia’s Empanadas. Known for their fresh, handmade empanadas, Julia’s has built a large and very loyal following throughout DC.
Shortly after I started this blog, I mentioned that Boccato was adding a lounge, but I didn’t know many of the details. Back then, I used to get my empanada fix at El Chaparral market, which has since closed. When I saw the sign last week that Boccato was teaming up with Julia’s to serve those famous empanadas to their Clarendon customers, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Not only were empanadas coming back, but they were coming in the form of JULIA’S!
Saturday morning, as soon as Boccato opened, we headed there for brunch. A gelato shop wouldn’t likely be your first choice for a Saturday brunch, but they sure know how to do it right. Hubby ordered the chicken empanada, I ordered the beef, and we both also enjoyed cappuccinos.
The empanadas were baked fresh for our order, and after about five minutes, were served to us piping hot. The chicken was filled with seasoned chicken, potatoes, peas, hard boiled egg, onion, olives, and raisins.
The beef was filled with seasoned ground beef, raisins, hard-boiled egg, onion and olives.
We unanimously decided the beef was the way to go. The chicken was great, but the beef was the quintessence of a perfect empanada. Best one I’ve had in this city by a longshot. Lunch, brunch, dinner - this empanada has the perfect place at any meal.
I have to say - Boccato knows how to run a good business. It might not be as big as some of the other Clarendon businesses, it only has a few menu offerings (the main of which is a cold, seasonal treat), and the shop is a bit tucked away. All things considered, though, every move Boccato has made has been better and better for business. With cold gelato and hot empanadas, there’s a deliciously satisfying option for any time of the year.
