real deal

La Arepa

The surprisingly loud jangling chimes aren’t the only thing that will delight when you walk into La Arepa in Pawtucket — a tiny find with foot-tapping Latin music on the radio and five red-topped booths. Jorge Garcia and his wife, Nohemy Rodriguez, ran a catering truck in the area before expanding into this cheerful spot six months ago. Staying true to Nohemy’s Venezuelan heritage, the specialty here is — no surprise — the arepa, a tasty white corn cake stuffed with a choice of meat and cheese or avocado (a bargain at about $3 each). Douse them with housemade guasacaca, a sauce of chopped cilantro, green peppers, onion and vinegar. Or try the warm sweet corn cakes that come two to a plate topped with quick-melting Spanish cheese ($3.25). They offer a Venezuelan take on the American burger, too. Marinated beef is formed into patties and topped with ham, egg, bacon and “pink sauce” (a ketchup and mayo combo). Pair anything on the menu with a tropical drink ($1–$1.75). Our favorite? The Soursop, a juice with hints of pineapple, citrus and banana.

574 Smithfield Avenue, Pawtucket, 335-3711. Open Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Cash only. Off-street parking. Wheelchair accessible.