Fodor's Expert Review Arepera Guacuco

Arepas are griddled corn patties filled with meats and cheeses and sometimes vegetables; at this casual Venezuelan restaurant you watch them being freshly patted into shape and griddled, right behind the bar. Start with an order of tajadas (sweet plantains topped with shredded cheese) or the tequeños (fried green plantains). The latter are served with homemade salsa rosada (a mix of ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard that tastes better than it sounds) and picante nula (a hot sauce of jalapeños and tomatillos).