Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the South American flavors of Fuegos LA

EXPOSITION PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Our final stop celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month takes us to Fuegos LA, located in Exposition Park.

Customers here delight in baked empanadas, traditional sandwiches, grilled steak and provoleta, a melted spiced cheese.

Stepping inside, the atmosphere and flavors transport you to the South American country of Argentina.

"We get together with family and friends, and spend hours and hours drinking and eating," co-owner Federico Lavoureau said. "That's the idea of what we wanted to create here."

Lavoureau and co-owner Maximilian Pizzi moved to America more than a decade ago to work in the film industry.

Once the writers and actors' strikes hit, work declined, so they cooked up a tasty idea: they'd start selling their handmade empanadas.

Beef, ham and egg, and vegan options are all popular bites at Fuegos LA.

"The community has always supported us," Pizzi said.

The restaurant is now celebrating its first full year in business.

The owners are so proud to provide their Exposition Park community with the Argentine dishes they grew up eating, curating a culture that encourages connection.

"Every time we have people dine in at our restaurant, nobody's with their phone," Pizzi said. "Everybody's talking with each other."

Fuegos LA hosts tango and jazz nights, and even yoga classes.

"We are always trying to create community around this area and get together," Lavoureau said. "It's rewarding to see that they get the concept and want to support us."

Fuegos LA is open Tuesday through Sunday and is located at 3957 S Western Ave., in Los Angeles.

What's your favorite local restaurant? Share with us and we may highlight your submission on Community Eats with Rachel Brown.