From now until our Best Of issue, we are counting down our 100
favorite dishes of the past year. If you've missed some, we've included a
linked list at the end.
#72. Spinach Empanadas at El Gaucho #2
You could be forgiven for never knowing to order these; after all, the sandwich counter on the north side of the excellent El Gaucho #2 Argentine market is oriented more toward sandwiches, especially those of the skirt steak (entraña) and sausage (choripán) varieties.
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You'd be missing a lot, though, because what is almost the only vegetable on the menu is also the best thing on the menu: baked turnovers filled with fresh cheese, chopped spinach a hint of nutmeg and garlic. Grab one of the jars of homemade chimichurri from the counter when you pick up your order and slather them over the golden-brown, tender crust. At $1.25 each you can afford to have three for lunch–financially, if not calorically–and you'll never miss the fried variety of empanadas.
El Gaucho #2, 847 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim; (714) 776-6400.
The list so far:
#100.
Jerk Carnitas Torta at The Crosby
#99.
Nem Nuong Cuon at Brodard
#98.
Pork Chop Anything at Nice Time Deli
#97.
Flying Saucer at Alberto's
#96.
Frozen Custard at Marc Burger's in Macy's Signature Kitchen
#95.
Collard Greens at Johnny Reb's
#94.
Strawberry Shortcake from Job's Daughters
#93.
Cuban Sandwich at DeSimone's Deli
#92.
Lamb with Preserved Cabbage at Mas Islamic Chinese
#91.
Baked Rice at Luc Dinh Ky
#90.
Beans on Toast at The Olde Ship
#89.
Midnight Al Pastor Burrito or Taco at Taqueria Tapatia
#88.
Budino di Cioccolato, Pizzeria Ortica
#87.
Beef Teriyaki Bowl, Teriyami
#86.
Salmon Onigiri at Cream Pan
#85.
Beef Fat Fries at SideDoor
#84.
Silken Tofu & Thousand Year Old Egg at Asian Tapas
#83.
Cambodian Beef Jerky at Sophy's
#82.
Com Tam at Com Tam Tran Quy Cap
#81.
Chipotle-Piloncillo Goat Cheese at SOL Cocina
#80.
Nem Nuong Cuon at Au Lac Restaurant
#79.
Blackened Mushroom & Tofu Burger at Taco Loco
#78.
Fried Veggie Fish Fillet at Dong Phuong Tofu
#77.
Tofu Vegetable Salad at BCD Tofu House
#76.
Che Ba Mau at Thach Che Hien Khanh
#75.
Barracuda Sushi at Ohshima
#74. Whole Lamb with Kabsa at Olive Tree
#73. 5 a.m. Chitterlings at Tri-Village
