Areppas NYC
We aren’t Texas or California, but New York can still hold its head up when it comes to Hispanic food. I mean, we have not one, but two all night eateries devoted solely to empanadas, a secret taco joint in Chelsea Market, and, more importantly, the best tres leches cake on the East Coast (don’t fight me on this). But now, we have another classic hispanic dish to add to our repertoire -- with the opening of Areppas , the Venezuelan Arepa is coming to take NYC by storm.
Prior to visiting Areppas, my only experience with arepas were the ones you get from the street fairs -- you know, the sweet corn and mozzarella treats the vendors griddle up right in front of you. I had never known arepas could be anything but cheese filled -- I suppose I just love cheese too much to think that I could be having other fillings too! But thankfully, after my recent visit to Areppas, my eyes have been opened. With five signature arepa combinations that include pulled pork, de mano cheese, avocado, and short rib -- as well as the option to make your own, Areppas has plenty of options to choose from, and although the arepas may look tiny, they’re definitely way more filling than you’d expect.
But if you’re not into arepas (don’t know why you wouldn’t be, but whatever), Areppas has plenty of other dishes on their menu. I’m talking cachapas, empanadas, rice bowls, vegan bowls, and even churros. Oh, and did I mention the cheese stuffed tequenos?
There’s something even more amazing about Areppas than the food, however: its altruism. With every purchase of an arepa, Areppas, in partnership with the Friends of Fe y Alegría foundation, provides a meal for a child in Latin America -- and since the opening of Areppas in September 2018, the restaurant has provided more than 92,000 meals for need children. If that’s not a reason to go over there and try some of the food, I don’t know what is.
Feel free to drool over Areppas’ arepas by browsing through their instagram, @areppas, or just go ahead and visit them at either Gramercy at 115 East 23rd Street, or at their flagship at 954 3rd Avenue.
