Island Empanada, Ronkonkoma: Festive 1st anniversary

Island Empanada in Ronkonkoma, an eatery devoted to stuffed fried Latin turnovers, will mark its first anniversary this Sunday at noon with giveaways and festivities.

The first 50 paying customers will get free T-shirts, and anybody making a purchase will receive a free fountain soda as well as a free empanada.

Later, at 3 p.m., owner Roy Pelaez will host an empanada-eating contest, with a crew from WALK F.M. emceeing.

A year after opening, Pelaez has added to his repertoire rellenos de papas, or deep-fried mashed potatoes balls, filled with the eatery’s signature sofrito-seasoned ground beef. You can also get your empanadas baked rather than fried, but you must order them at least an hour beforehand.

Island Empanada is at 601-13 Portion Rd., Ronkonkoma, 631-617-6427