I felt a strong immediate attraction for Arepas Cafe as I entered the the eight year old Venezuelan restaurant in Astoria. Attraction is the colorful native decor, the glorious voice of Franco De Vita (one of the country's biggest stars) the warmth of the manager . . . and soon, and best of all, the food. A cuisine I have never had before, and it proved not only to be delicious, but uniquely different from other South American cuisines. 

One thing that jumped out at me immediately were two large impressive painting. Both paintings splashed with bold colors and expressive. I found the artists style reminiscent of a Frida Kahlo. I was disappointed that the manager did not know the name of the artist, though confirming that she was from Venezuela and now living in New York. In addition to the paintings, there is a huge map of Venezuela gracing the one wall, and a large flag of the country on another. Cafe Arepas is a restaurant that is vibrant, and indeed has "personality."

This is Venezuela's National Dish, "Pachellon Criollo," (shredded beef, white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains which are sprinkled with grated cheese.) The beef was very moist and flavorful. 

The shredded beef might be the "national dish,"  BUT . . . the most well recognized and beloved is the Arepa. Arepa is a flat bread made of ground maize and served with a wide variety of fillings. The above is known as "Gazon" (baby shark) with red and green peppers. An unusual taste, but I liked it. At Arepas Cafe they have THIRTY selections of Arepas. Some of the fillings that looked especially attractive were; the mixed seafood, white mushroom, and roasted pork.

The head-chef, Mauilec (on the left) and the manager, Adriana.

The Mini Platter, which contains; 3 tequenos, 3 mini cahapas, 3 mini empenadas, a 4 fried yuca. I found it interesting to look at, but the taste a little flat.

Each of these bottles contains a special and unusual flavored sauce which works terrific on the food. The greenish one on the left has a cilantro like taste, and on the right, the one which I preferred, is papaya but not sweet tasting, but with a spicy bite. 

"Jugo de Papelon con Limon," (Brown sugar, homemade lemonade) a Venezuelan specialty.  Very refreshing.

Spanish (Venezuela) language lesson - "Hello"  (Hola)  "Thank you"  (Gracias)  "Delicious"  (Delisioso)

Interesting fact about Venezuela - The world's highest uninterrupted waterfall is Angel Falls in Venezuela's Canaima National Park, at the height of 3,212 feet, and direct plunge of 2,648 feet - from Auantepui Mountain. 

Address - 33-07 36th Avenue  (718) 935 - 3835