May 7, 2004 El Nacional - Arepas en Nueva York By Josh Lichtman Special to amNewYork NEW YORK Venezuela's capital, Caracas is tough town where the rich and poor classes are in a perennial states of aggression. Possibly the only thin they agree on is their passion for the arepas, the Venezuelan equivalent to the Mexican torta. Arepas, which are thick corn tortillas that are stuffed with contrasting ingredients are enjoyed by millions of Venezuelans and serve in swanky restaurants, as well as 24-hours food stands. Caracas Arepa Bar 91 East Seventh Street near First Avenue, East Village, New York (212) 228-5062 Arepas The Caracas Arepa Bar is New York's shrine to the arepa. Located on an offbeat East Village block, the restaurant is bright and cheerful and enjoyed by hipsters and displaced Venezuelans alike. Offering over 18 different arepas, you will be overwhelmed of delicious choices. With prices ranging from ($2.50) to ($4.50) you won't break the bank doing so. Served hot and steamy is its own plastic baskets, the corn arepa is savory and irresistible. Some of my favorite arepas include the Reina Pepiada, a vibrant guacamole combined with shredded pieces of chicken or the De Pabellon ­ tender shredded beef with hints of onions, green pepper, tomato coriander combined with slow cooked black beans and crispy sweet plantains. The kitchen doesn't always play by the rules and offers eclectic choices like the Caraqueña Mediterranea - a combination of age telita cheese, olive spread and tomato confit- an arepa which tastes more like something you might find on the shores of Majorca but still works. Empanadas A lovely little fried cornmeal turnover, the Empanadas is Latin America's answer to an Italian calzone. The Caracas Arepa Bar produces a mighty fine deep-fried thick corn empanada with tasty fillings like black beans and salty Venezuelan cheese. They also offer more exotic daily specials like meaty shark fish with stewed tomatoes and herbs and spices. Beverages The Caracas Arepa Bar has no liquor license and is currently BYOB. They do, however whip up passion fruit and papaya. The Papelon con limon, Venezuelan limonade sweetened with raw sugar is especially refreshing and goes wonderfully with a hot arepa or a shot of tequila. back to top