Shauna Eats Sunnyside

We Love Py.

On another tireless search for the ultimate empanada last Sunday, we wandered into the I Love Py. Bakery Cafe (Greenpoint Ave b/w 42nd and 43rd Sts.) after peeping two telltale signs: a bustling dining area and futbol on a flat-screen.

Unbeknownst to us, Py. actually stands for Paraguay. Paraguayan in Sunnyside, who knew?? National flag-toned window signage says “Empanadas,” and who the hell are we to argue?

B and I perused the shelves of South American goods near the counter, and chatted it up with the inquisitive shopkeeper while fawning over their array of yerba matés, bombilla and gourd hardware, and powdered-sugar-ensconced sweets. I Love Py. apparently has a full eat-in menu in addition to its customary takeout display case of fresh empanadas and meat wonders, and judging by the packed house, the locals were loving it. We spotted monstrous bowls of soup, heaping plates of yellow rice, and if savory aromas are a giveaway, Py. has more to offer in the way of stewed meats than meets the eye. We hope to return promptly for an in-depth sit-down session.

Futbol side note: It’s a proud time for Paraguayans the borough over, as their national squad (led by Roque Santa Cruz) is on top of the South American World Cup 2010 qualifying group.

B’s take: “They’re really wrecking shit right now. It’s incredible. You’d never look at the standings and think that a little country like Paraguay would be ahead of powerhouses Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia…”

We left the Py. hut with what we initially believed to be a baked beef empanada — given our luck with such requests, not quite. True, it had beef, but also a 70/30 ratio of hardboiled egg bits, creating a unique rocket of breakfasty goodness that surprised and rewarded with every squooshy bite.

I also nabbed a papa rellena, which B quickly shucked off as a “mystery paté pellet.” I reassured him that it was, in fact, just whipped potatoes and ground beef creamed up and deep-fried into a borderline-phallic turdling. I liked it, thought it certainly wasn’t anything special, and lacked the pounce of texture and taste to prevent it from being brazenly passed off by the average bystander (cough, B).

After a game-time consult with the shopkeep, B picked up a box of Pajarito Paraguayan 100% yerba maté teabags, which he found to be convenient for the office, a bit more potent than other brands he’s tried, effective digestively speaking, and festive with country colors on each bag’s paper tab.

I also insisted on a the excessive indulgence of this dulce de leche-ribbonated powdered sugar-fab cake log, and though B’s looming cavities predictably resisted, it ended up being a delectable tea-friendly dessert. The rivers of milk caramel were vast and easily tonguable (which I did). The cake was moist and not too heavy. Whence eaten, we promptly lusted for round two.

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I Love Py. Bakery Cafe
43-16 Greenpoint Avenue (b/w 42nd and 43rd Sts.)
Sunnyside, NY 11104
718-786-5534