Tampa Bay Empanada Festival at Derby Lane
The Tampa Bay Empanada Festival took place yesterday at Derby Lane, featuring over 50 varieties of empanadas. The festival offered a wide array of culinary options.
The 4th Annual Tampa Bay Empanada Festival took place at Win! Derby at Derby Lane. The event promised music, various vendors offering empanadas, and cocktails. The festival was designed as a family-friendly outing with a lively atmosphere. Derby Lane, originally named St. Petersburg Kennel Club, has a long history, dating back to 1925. T.L. Weaver, a lumber entrepreneur, sold the land for its construction. Greyhound racing at Derby Lane ended in December 2020, but the venue remains open for simulcasting and poker. The Tampa Bay Empanada Festival featured over 15 food vendors, with more than 50 varieties of empanadas. The event included live music and games. A portion of the festival's proceeds were set to benefit local charities. Empanadas have become increasingly popular in America, evolving from a Latin American staple to a diverse culinary offering. They can be filled with beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables, and are either baked or fried. Empanada styles vary by region, with unique fillings and doughs. The rise of food trucks and festivals has boosted the empanada's popularity, with chefs now putting creative spins on the dish. Empanada trends in 2025 included plant-based options, global fusion flavors, and a focus on local ingredients. The Empanada Fest in Salt Lake City even celebrates empanadas and their "cousins" from around the world, like samosas and strombolis.
