Style
With a bright-blue interior, cheery with sunshine-yellow chairs, this casual South American spot opened in December in the former home of a Rocket Fizz franchise.
The scoop
With Que Ricas (“how rich”), Sahar Soleymani pays soulful tribute to her mother’s Venezuelan roots. Her broad smile is always on display in the open kitchen.
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The menu
The food lives up to the restaurant’s name. The core menu is divided into three categories: empanadas, arepas and platters. Some of the empanadas bridge traditions, as in the Besitos, stuffed with guava and mozzarella, or the Jawn, a riff on a Philly cheese steak. Arepas, essentially overstuffed sandwiches on maize buns, come in many tempting combinations, such as the Shaggy—shredded chicken, sweet plantains, fried queso blanco, pico de gallo and cilantro mojo. Platters give you a choice of a protein and a multi-ingredient base. Churros—stick-shaped, fresh-fried doughnuts—come with dipping sauce.
Heads up
Guasacaca is Venezuela’s version of guacamole (pictured), thinned to a smooth dip. A cup is $2, and well worth it for dipping or simply gobbling up by the spoonful.
What are Quick Bites? Short takes on casual, affordable dining.
Restaurant Details
- Cuisine Type:South American
- Price Range:Inexpensive