South American food has often suffered the same fate as Chinese cuisine. It is undervalued, diluted, and sometimes bastardized. Most of us are still dabbling in some tacos and empanadas, not even knowing what those are truly supposed to taste like. For a foodie, it’s hard to know what to write or say. Luckily, a Venezuelan source deems the fare authentic (or authentic enough). You can now add this to your transcontinental palette, define in your mouth what an arepa is.
Hailing from Venezuela--The Arepas Bar
Arepas are sometimes called Venezuelan Corn Cakes, but are eaten in many areas in South America like a pseudo-sandwich, though most popular in Venezuela and Colombia. As is the case with most foods from Central and South America, there are variations on a theme across the countries (which makes tasting the differences a culinary must). You’ll find in Caracas Arepas Bar a number of fillings including chicken, pulled pork, chorizo, etc. etc. in all sorts of wonderful combinations.
Look Familiar?
Let me first recommend one such variation on a favorite: guacamole and chips. The guacamole has a nice hint of tartness from the onions and lime, and a creamier texture than the norm. Thankfully, it has a lighter cilantro undertone, which I’m partial to. The chips are made from plantains, which makes them the tiniest bit sweet and sturdier.
Guac and a different kind of chip
Now for the actual arepas. The menu can be found on their website, so you can think about what combination of awesome you want to look forward to. The first time I got the pulled pork arepas with mango salsa, which I remember being a pretty good start. This time, camera in tow, I ordered the chorizo, stuffed pepper duo. Loved the amount of chorizo packed in there; you’ll be surprised by how filling the whole thing is. My friend got a mix of chorizo, guacamole, chicken, and chimi churri deliciousness. The only complaint I got was that there was too little of the sauce, making it a little dry.
Look at that Chorizo...Delish? Yumo? Fan-fricken'-tastic.
More chimichurri please.
We ended with the flan. A lot more textured than the smoother varieties, it can definitely taste funky. Like the chairman says, “open mind, empty stomach.” Don’t get the reference? Watch more food-network 
What a looker...
Gone baby gone
For the price, it’s nice and filling. The arepas are all around $7 and everything is even a bit less. The only real discomfort is finding a seat. Caracas Arepas Bar is split into two, the actual restaurant and “to-go.” The restaurant has seating for 25 so will fill up quickly, in that case, look next door, its next-door version serves food from the same kitchen and offers up a couple more seats.
Same kitchen kids, same kitchen
Arepas have a street food upbringing, making them that kind of delicious. It’s not pretentious, nor is the restaurant. The emphasis on fine dining has deprived us somewhat from that down-to-earth goodness, making New York’s street food culture somewhat of a disappointment…but in its own way, the city makes up for it.
Jessie
Rating: 
91 E. 7th St., New York, NY 10009
212-228-5062
