Arepa de Pabellón
@ Pica Pica Maize Kitchen

The Dish:

Hailing from Venezuelan traditions, the Arepa de Pabellón at Pica Pica Maize Kitchen is a creation full of texture and flavor: the shredded beef is tender with a little spice, the queso fresco is tangy, black beans add substance, and plantains lend some complimentary sweetness. All of this goodness is stuffed into a grilled, crisp yet nicely chewy, corn flour arepa. Food allergy sufferers rejoice! This dish is gluten free (as is the entire menu and kitchen of Pica Pica – there are no wheat products in the entire place), and if you can't "do" dairy, just make the request.

Key Ingredients: Shredded beef, queso fresco, black beans, plaintains, corn flour arepa

The Place:

Pica Pica is a casual kitchen. Place your order at the counter with a full menu board and even actual dishes on display. The staff is knowledgeable and helped me match some of their special sauces with my order. There's something for everyone here.

Other Menu Musts:

I can never have enough plantains in my life, so I ordered a side dish: tajadas, which are sweet plantains topped with queso fresco and your choice of dipping sauce. I went for the spicy ketchup – aka Pica'chup. Delicious!

Just for Fun:

Pica Pica's dynamic owner, Adriana Lopez, was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, where she developed her love for food and skill for preparing it. Check out PicaPicaBlog.com, where she shares fun tips and recipes.

Recommended By:

Sweet-n-Spicy is Maya's favorite combination (in both food and men). She believes in Karma, alternative flours for baking, and butter. The books on her nightstand are cook books and, when she's not roaming the foodie-verse, she's either out in nature, or at her day job.

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