Arepas Cafe

I was introduced to the most delicious arepas today. My friend who is a fellow food lover brought me to Arepas Cafe in Astoria. She had been here before and suggested that we each get our own arepa and split a third one. She also recommended the Tajadas con Queso (plantains). So after much deliberating here is what we ordered:

Her: Guayanesa Tropical - Guayanes cheese, fried sweet plantains and avocados

Moi: Arepa Pabellon - Shredded beef, black bean, fried sweet plantains, sprinkled with aged white cheese

Shared: Mi Amor - Venezuelan roast pork with cheddar cheese

After our order was placed our waiter returned to tell us that they were out of plantains and suggested Mini Cachapas ( (5 Bite Size) Sweet Fresh Corn Pancake with Venezuelan Melted Cheese). We said ok and a few minutes later we saw the last plate of plantains pass our table and proceeded to be placed down at the table behind us. It was only embarrassing when the waiter caught us both staring the other customers down for ordering our appetizer. Damn their eyes! But then we received our little plate of cachapas and it was pure heaven. Little disks of corn topped with a soft cheese and yogurt sauce for topping it all off. The waiter subtly waited behind the bar watching us to see our reaction and laughed when we both bit in and giggled with joyous happiness.

Looking at the arepas one may think, sure I can eat 2+. I'm telling you right now, you are wrong. They are filling and pack a mean punch to your belly. I left full. I am excited to return and try other arepas because there are definitely more combinations that sounds tasty. This little cafe is right off of the 36th ave stop on the N/Q right near the Museum of Moving Image and a delightful shop we discovered called SITE. Also my friend pointed out the beer garden at Studio Space which will be visited this summer along with the Astor Room.

3 out of 5