Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, achievements and cultures of Americans with origins from Spain, Mexico the Caribbean and Central and South America. This year, celebrate with a delicious meal at one of these five authentic restaurants:
- El Pulgarcito (5921 Merriam Dr., Shawnee, 913.384.3887) is a small family-owned restaurant that serves authentic El Salvadoran food, including fried green plantains, empanadas, tacos and a variety of Central American entrees. Must Try: Known for their papusas, an authentic Salvadoran dish made with handmade corn tortillas filled with meat, cheese and beans, they offer a variety of flavors and sauces to enjoy.
- Poco’s (3063 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.931.2526) serves authentic Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This eatery has been voted best for fish tacos, chilaquiles and huevos rancheros in contests over the years. With made-from-scratch fiery salsas and a vast menu of spicy favorites, Poco’s offers much to savor. Must Try: A little bit of everything…but we are partial to the fish tacos.
- Empanada Madness (906 SW Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.503.6931) is a casual Venezuelan restaurant on Southwest Boulevard. In addition to their namesake empanadas, they serve arepas (meat-filled fried bread pockets of deliciousness), and a to-die-for tres leche cake. Must Try: They know what they do best, and it is their empanadas. The stuffed corn pastries are fried to a delicious perfection. Choose a variety of meat and cheese fillings.
- Piropos (4141 N. Mulberry Dr., Kansas City, MO, 816.741.3600) is an upscale Argentinian restaurant in Briarcliff Village, perfect for a romantic date night or celebration. It features a piano bar and great view of the city skyline. The eatery serves seafood, soups, empanadas and grilled steaks. Must Try: The crab bisque is out of this world.
- Em Chamas (6101 NW 63rd Ter., Kansas City, MO, 816.505.7100) is an upscale Brazilian rodizio-style steakhouse in the Northland. Serving beef, pork, lamb and chicken slow roasted over a wood-fired grill, the staff offers continuous tableside service style called "rodizio." Customers signal the servers with a coin to indicate whether they do or do not desire to try more delicious meats. In addition to the grilled meat, you enjoy unlimited trips to the salad bar. Must Try: Everything! That is the treat of Churrasco dining.