THE PLACE
It's not everyday that you run across a Venezuelan restaurant. And to be honest, we wouldn't have either if it weren't for my NYC friend that recommended the place to us. So, you're thinking, "what is an arepa? Isn't that illegal?" That was my initial thought too. Come to find out, arepas are uber-popular in the South American countries of Venezuela and Colombia.
An arepa is a flat and round corn patty stuffed with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. Similar to a pita, the spongy pocket can be grilled, baked or fried. Kind of a taco-pita-like dish.
The actual restaurant itself is a little tough to find. Located in the East Village, it probably deserves the moniker "hidden gem". And once you find it, be prepared to wait unless you get there right when it opens because the dining room is small. There are probably 10 tables which can seat around 30 people. And these aren't big, spacious tables where you can spread out. They are tiny tables that must be pulled away when one-half of your party needs to get up. It's cozy to say the least.
An arepa is a flat and round corn patty stuffed with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. Similar to a pita, the spongy pocket can be grilled, baked or fried. Kind of a taco-pita-like dish.
The actual restaurant itself is a little tough to find. Located in the East Village, it probably deserves the moniker "hidden gem". And once you find it, be prepared to wait unless you get there right when it opens because the dining room is small. There are probably 10 tables which can seat around 30 people. And these aren't big, spacious tables where you can spread out. They are tiny tables that must be pulled away when one-half of your party needs to get up. It's cozy to say the least.
THE FOOD
 |
| La de Carnes |
"La de Carnes" included (i) "La de Pernil" - roasted pork shoulder with tomato slices and a spicy mango sauce, (ii) "La de Pollo" - grilled chicken breast with carmelized onions and cheddar cheese, and (iii) "La Pelua" - shredded beef with cheddar cheese.
Our favorite was La de Pernil. The spicy mango sauce added a nice kick to the juicy pork.
 |
| Michelada |
Caracas' take on the Michelada. A mixture of beer, lemon, housemade spicy panela (unrefined whole cane sugar) and salt. Perfect for a hot summer day or to cure that pesky hangover.
THE VERDICT
The food is solid and is a great lunch spot. I can't say it's the best thing I've ever eaten but it was worth the 20 minute trip to East Village. And while you can literally take a drink or bite of food from your neighboring table, their service is lightning quick. We were in and out of there in about 30 minutes. I always am looking for ways to broaden my culinary horizons and I accomplished just that with this meal. I can now say I am a fan of the Venezuelan arepa.
Food: 7.5/10
Atmosphere: 6.5/10
Service: 8/10
Caracas Arepa Bar (East Village)
93 East 7th
New York, New York 10009
212.529.2314
http://www.caracasarepabar.com/
http://www.caracasarepabar.com/
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