Florida tourism route features Venezuelan empanadas

Experience Kissimmee, the official tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida, has featured Venezuelan and Colombian food in its "Latin Flavors Route." This initiative, part of an online magazine called Atlas Obscura, aims to attract international tourists by highlighting the culinary traditions of Hispanic migrants in the United States.

The project seeks to celebrate the Hispanic and Latino gastronomic legacy in the county, selecting 40 representative restaurants. Among them, 'Pa’ Paraguana' was chosen for its typical Venezuelan empanadas, a staple of the national cuisine. The restaurant offers over 59 varieties of empanadas, alongside traditional Venezuelan desserts.

Colombian cuisine also received recognition with 'La Estación Colombiana' making the list. This restaurant serves dishes rooted in various Colombian regions, including its signature bandeja paisa, grilled meats, and churrasco. The selection also encompasses restaurants offering Mexican, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, and Dominican fare, alongside general Latin American themed establishments.

This interactive travel guide was designed by local authorities to assist seasonal visitors. The initiative underscores the diverse culinary landscape shaped by the region's immigrant communities, with Venezuelan dishes like the Reina Pepiada also being highlighted in a related gastronomic series.