WanderLust: Caracas

7th Street between 1st and Ave A

Ay Dios Mio!

Never have I ever tasted South American cuisine as delicious as the tasty eats at Caracas, near Alphabet City. The Venezuelan cafe is as tight as a tuna can, but the food is worth the wait (and getting elbow slammed by the waitress and busboys).

My date and I munched on appetizers called Yo-Yos–sweet plantain fried with white, salty cheese in the middle and a sweet, molasses-y dipping sauce. I chose to pass up the provided dipping sauce for the table-side staple dressing: a garlic and hot pepper mayo.

For the entree, we ordered the national dish called the Pabellon Criollo–a smorgasbord of marinated shredded beef, black beans, white rice, sweet plantains and crumbled white cheese. The dish itself resembled the Pepsi logo and the mixture of all the different textures and flavors made for one interesting (and delicious) experience. My date washed his down with a freshly squeezed mango-guava juice, while I chose to satisfy my sweet tooth with the homemade coconut milkshake, the Cocada.

Overall, what Caracas lacks in portion-to-price ratio (our small meal came out to close to $70!), it makes up for in authenticity and kitsch (a bobble head figurine of President Hugo Chavez topped off the tacky abuela-inspired decor).

Check the menu online: http://www.caracasarepabar.com.

Caracas/Caracas To Go: 91 E 7th Street (bet 1st and Ave A). 212.529.2314.

There’s also one in Williamsburg! Caracas Brooklyn: 291 Grand St. 718.218.6050

Delicioso!

Senorita G