Wednesday, September 4, 2013

El Aripo Cafe 08-31-2013

Location: 172 Delancey st.
Time: 1pm
People: RB, CK and myself

Feelings: Alongside of the base of the Williamsburg Bridge in the Lower East Side is El Aripo Cafe, a small family-run spot. This family affair specializes in traditional Latin American flavors, from arepas ($2-$5.75), empanadas ($3) to patacon ($5.75) and maduros ($3.75).

The corn patties of the arepas are crispy on the outside and soft inside, absorbing all the rich flavors from the fresh fillings of your choice. The black beans with sweet maduro plantain fillings were carefully cooked with bold flavors, complimenting the subtle flavor of corn arepas.

RB was in love with his patacon ($5.75, two large tostones sandwiching the filling of choice with lettuce, mozzarella cheese and Caribbean sauce). He thought the crispy texture of the tostones was a perfect bread substitute for the tender chicken inside.

The tostones ($3.75, with shredded cheese and pink sauce) are amazing. The homemade sauces they brought out made the meal more satisfying. They are delicious and filling, however, do not reheat very well, so be sure to share them with a friend and finish them in one sitting.

The quality of food at El Aripo Cafe is impressive, and the service is friendly and heartwarming. It's as if you entered into their family home. We can't wait to go back for more of their tasty treats.

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