Caracas Aprea Bar

Widely exposed through Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network in 2008, Caracas Arepa Bar currently churns out a whopping 1,000 arepas daily.  The little artsy hole in the wall restaurant racks up an hour long wait at any given time of day but the unique meal is well worth the wait.  

But wait, what are these pita like pockets? Arepas are "straight from Venezuela, with New York temperament, stuffed or plain, arepas can be a snack or a meal, exotic or familiar.  Their versatility is probably their only constant and the reason why in Venezuela they are at the center of every meal; from breakfast to lunch, dinner, and the occasional after party treat" claims the Caracas Arepa Bar. 

Stand out Signature Dishes  

LOCATION: 93 1/2 East 7th Street (Between 2nd & Avenue A) - $$

NEAREST TRANSIT: (4,5,6) (F) (L)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.caracasarepabar.com/index_2.php

Pomme Frites

LOCATION: 123 2nd Avenue (Between 7th Street and St Marks Place) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (4,5,6) (N,R) (L)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.pommesfrites.ws/

Restaurant Detour - Recipe Worthwhile

Meatballs Avgolemono

(veal meatballs in a lemon & egg sauce)

                      YIELDS 3

Murray's Bagles

Bagels in New York City are religion and Murray's Bagels are the best.  While bagels may be the generic go-to for breakfast, Murray's Bagels are anything but simplistic and dull.  Each bagel is individually hand rolled every day, kettle-boiled and then baked with the basic ingredients of flour, yeast, water and salt.  The cream cheese is notable and the selection is endless. Both creamy and perfectly blended, the lox and vegetable spread pack a punch of flavor.  The best part – Murray's Bagels is not shy with the cream cheese and each bagel contains a generous heap.  

LOCATION: 500 Avenue of the Americas (Between 12th and 13th Street) *original location* - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (L) (F,M) (1,2,3)

LOCATION: 242 8th Avenue (Btwn 22nd and 23rd Street) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (A,C,E), (1,2)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.murraysbagels.com/index2.htm 

Souvlaki GR

After a few weeks of feeding eager Manhattanites it’s no surprise that the Souvlaki GR food truck has won the hearts of New Yorkers.  Taking home the Vendy’s 2010: Rookie Award and opening up a permanent store front only six months later, the restaurant has developed a vast following on the lower east side. The Greek eatery mirrors those on the island of Mikonos.  The décor is adorable.  The whimsical avant-garde floor is painted white and grey to resemble a sea of cobble stone.  Souvlaki GR even has a stand inside selling Greek newspapers, magazines and traditional treats.  Walking into Souvlaki GR host and co-owner, Abby Sierros, greets everyone like family.  The restaurant is the perfect place to linger and there is something completely genuine about the space.

  

The menu is straight forward, simple and authentic souvlaki is the focal dish. The marinated chicken or pork souvlaki is served inside a warm doughy pita accompanying fresh tomatoes, tzatziki sauce, slice of red onion and french fries folded inside just like in Greece ($4.50).  Since the portions are small, the perfect addition to the meal is the pikilia that serves two.  The pikilia is a plate of warm pita and french fires with a variety of delicious side dipping sauces ($10).  To top off the delicious feast and order a carafe of Greek wine that serves four for only $22.

LOCATION: 116 Stanton Street (Between Ludlow & Essex Street) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (F), (J,M,Z)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.souvlakigr.com/