Sometimes the only thing that will do is a griddled Venezuelan corn cake smeared with salty white cheese, or with sweet plantains and avocado, or with grilled chorizo and jalapenos. These aren’t those flabby street-fest arepas. At Caracas Arepa Bar, they’re expertly handmade (or, to use that insipid word, “handcrafted”) by Venezuelan owners Maribel Araujo, Aristides Barrios, and chef Ilse Parra. Two words: magically delicious. Stop at the take-out shop for instant gratification, or wait in line for a table in the boisterous, narrow dining room at prime meal times.
Caracas. 93 1/2 E 7th St. between First Ave. and Ave. A; (212) 529-2314. Also in Williamsburg: 291 Grand St. between Havemeyer and Roebling Sts., 718-218-6050.
Prices/Features: CHP, VGT (See Welcome to Salmaland for key to letter abbreviations.)