Comments on: NYC Venezuelan Arepas: If You Haven’t Been to Caracas Arepas Bar, You’re Missing Out

By: Yguylatino

Yguylatino — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:52:44 +0000

Just to Clarify, all friends!!!! I try the one on queens Astoria and this was even a great deal with a better sabor and cheeper!!! Toody is the same just that the Brasilian a bit more swite…

By: Before Sunrise

Before Sunrise — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:31:12 +0000

Thanks for clarifying about the Toddy, Camuri. I think I’m going to stick with their coconut shake because it’s really good!

By: Camuri

Camuri — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 22:02:24 +0000

Just to clarify, Food Guy,

The arepas shown in your pics are not fried. We (Venezuelans) also have fried arepas, but the ones offered at Caracas Arepa Bar are grilled.
Another important thing to note is that the Toddy is indeed the same Brazilian Toddy (a cocoa powder you mix with milk for a delicious chocolate milkshake).
As for the making of the arepas you can use PAN Flour as noted by BWC but that’s just one of many brands such as MASAREPA or the Goya Corn Flour.
When going to Caracas Arepa Bar, try also the Tostones mochimeros…it’s one of my favorites over there…and one of my favorite arepas which is called LA PELUA..although the REINA PEPEADA is a Venezuelan National classic.

By: The NYC Food Guy

The NYC Food Guy — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:28:43 +0000

BWC,
That sounds like a great recipe, especially with the cheese and jalapenos added. Do you mix the cheese and jalapeno into the batter or just drop it on top, let it set and flip? How do you get them thick enough to cut into so you can make them into pockets?

By: BWC

BWC — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:42:54 +0000

FG; I actually learned how to make them from my boss – he is a Venezeulan and arepas are typical there. To make the arepa is simple; just get a mixture called P.A.N (you can get this in the Mexican aisle in any supermarket) and mix water and a little salt with it. I like my patties a little thinner and a little more crispy than those in the picture. I just fry the patties in olive oil. I serve this up with some tilapia or some chili (actual shredded beef chili that takes 6 hours to make; not hamburger meat with taco seasoning), or simply some black beans and ham. The arepa itself is kind of bland so I do add some jalapenos or maybe a little jack cheese into the arepa before I fry it. Not really traditional but then again with all the fusion cuisine going on (what’s next? Ethiopian/Mexican fusion), what really is traditional?

By: The NYC Food Guy

The NYC Food Guy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:34:25 +0000

BWC & Bill,

My mistake. I don’t really watch the show, I hear about it all the time though and mistakenly confused the arepas with the pupusas from Soler dominican.

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:55:17 +0000

NYCFG,

Actually, Caracas is the place that battled BF on Throwdown. I’ve been hitting Caracas for a few years now and I love the De Pabellon arepa. It really reminded me of the BBQ beef sandwiches I’d have at my grandma’s picnics.

By: The NYC Food Guy

The NYC Food Guy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:30:18 +0000

BWC,
I’m fairly sure this isn’t the place that was on Food Network. How do you make arepas? Care to share a recipe? What do you fill them with?

By: BWC

BWC — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:46:38 +0000

Hey – I think this place was on the Food Network, if I am not mistaken. Do two chicks run this place? If so, they were battling Bobby Flay on an episode on the Food Network. Sometimes I make arepas at home – you can top them with anything and they are great.

By: The NYC Food Guy

The NYC Food Guy — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:16:51 +0000

Before Sunrise,
The De Pollo – grilled chicken breast with caramelized onions and cheddar cheese – sounds like a great choice for next time.

Phil,
I didn’t get any sweet chips but I’ll keep an eye out next time. The shake, on the other hand, needs to be had immediately.

Jack,
What did you get when you went?

dinosaurcookies,
That’s some good information, I was actually debating that. Glad to hear your assessment because it definitely changes future plans. Which arepa did you get when you went? Have you tried the banana shake?

jerry M,
First off, thanks for the kind words. 2nd, if you want to stay in the Time Square area, your best bet for food and games without a wait is probably Dave N Busters. There’s a place called Blue Room on the Lower East Side which has all flat screen TVs and supposedly some good food. What kind of sports are you going to be watching? Depending on the event, I can recommend some specific places. Back Page on the UES is good too, great wings.

jennifer houston,
Ha thanks, like dinosaur said earlier, you need to try during non peak hours, maybe after a cookie delivery. Regardless, give a shout when you get over there and maybe we can meet up.

Sweet Freak,
Thanks for the reccs. They now move to the top of the list, it was that final “very” that pushed it all over the edge.

Phil,
Here’s a link from NYMag.com with a list of Thanksgiving ideas. I’ve never had Ethiopian food but I’m definitely intrigued. You will be the first to know if I do. Email me with your email and I’ll give you some reccs from an Ethiopian friend.