La Arepa es mi favorito comida.

So I'm sure my grammar is completely off but the point is these little South American "sandwiches" are heaven.

I was first introduced to Arepas last July when a friend of a friend insisted that we try the restaurant Caracas Arepa Bar. The founders are two Venezuelan women who were seeking to satisfy their cravings for their country's favorite street food. So they open Caracas Arepa bar.

Now I have been to Caracas more times than any other restaurant in New York City. In fact I have been there three times in the last two weeks. Back in November I was surprised and pleased to discover that a new location had opened in Williamsburg.

The best part about Caracas is its a no frills establishment that focuses on good ingredients and authentic recipes. The arepas are served in a parchment lined paper boat and are accompanied by a squeeze bottle of chimichurri.

The arepa itself is a white corn based cake that is baked through and then grilled so the outside has a crispy crust. Inside the corn is lighter but still has the grit of corn meal. The filling varies from fresh avocado and chunks of chicken, salty white cheese, and chorizo. The best seller, De Pabellon is filled with black beans, fried plantains, salty cheese and spicy braised beef. Delicious.

But for me, Latin food shines best when it involves pork.

La De Pernil.


My favorite arepa and one that I order every time. The slow roasted pork, oh so simple yet oh so delicious sits on top of fresh tomato and is dressed with a fresh mango salsa. Of course every bite gets a shot of chimichurri.

Try it and don't do what my bland brit of a roommate does and order a chicken, onion and cheddar cheese arepa. There is one in the East Village on 1st Avenue and East 7th Street and another in Williamsburg on Grand Street and Roebling Street.