t seems to be evident that the farther South you venture in the Americas, the more hospitality you are welcomed with. This is equally true at this Venezuelan restaurant that combines the Taguarita (a hospitable place that welcomes travelers with homemade food) and an Arepera (a restaurant that offers areperas 24hrs a day). Offering a large selection of stuffed areperas and empanadas, these dishes appeal not just to Venezuelan foodies, but also vegans, health nuts and the adventurous diner.


The corn flour flatbreads are wheat free and come stuffed with a variety of ingredients from roasted pork, shredded beef, grilled chorizo, white cheese, jalapeños, sautéed peppers, grilled eggplants, sundried tomatoes (antipasto style), caramelized onions… I really could go on and on. You can even try Venezuela’s National Dish, Pabellón Criollo, for a relatively inexpensive meal. Add a Brahma beer and a plate of sliced fried sweet plantains with a sprinkling of aged white cheese and you will understand the friendly hospitality of the Taguarita.
-E.J.