Caracas To Go

Tonight I visited Caracas To Go which is an off-shoot of the original Caracas take out shack on 7th St. between First Avenue and Avenue A.

They’ve split the place in two so that now they’ve got a sit down restaurant, too. No wonder. This food is unique, tasty and the bustling takeout area attested to a strong fan following.

When looking at the menu containing arepas, empanadas and other venezuelan national favorites, there appears to be many can’t-miss dishes.

I ordered the A8 – to those that speak Spanish this is the De Pabellon arepa – shredded beef, beans and cheese with spikey spices. It reminds me a bit of a sloppy joe in the way it falls apart but A8 is a lot more interesting than an SJ. It’s small and the breaded shell is slightly crispy – just enough to keep everything together.

As a “Sidekick” (like a side – that’s what they call them at Caracas To Go restaurant), I got the tajadas… sweet plaintains with cheese. I’ve never been a big fan of cooked plaintains or bananas. The dish was acceptable -even well executed I’d say. I still don’t like eating hot bananas though. Call me a cold banana guy if you must.

To top it off, I tested any sort of lactose intolerance I might have with a “Cocada” – a coconut milk shake with a touch of cinnamon. This was dee-lish. I’m sure Starbucks would be well advised to add this as the next Frappacino flavor.

Total price of this meal was $15. Considering the assortment of foods and the fact I ‘splurged’ by getting the $5 cocada, I think it’s a good deal.

This East Village Blog gives Caracas To Go 4 out of 5 arepas.


For another review of Caracas To Go, visit the New York Times and see it on Google Maps Street View.

 

May 26th, 2007

Entry Filed under: Food