Queen Street West has long been considered one of the most eccentric strips in Toronto. Odds are, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here from tattoo parlours to award-winning Indian food.
But recently, Arepa Cafe, a casual, come as you are joint, modestly burst into the scene, adding a splash of Venezuelan to the strip. Great Latin flavours? Yes. Spicy vibes with a good energy? For sure!
The Manager of this tiny big spot, tells me that Caracas is filled with and famous for all night eateries. ‘Areperias’, as they’re called are restaurants that serve arepas around the clock.
So what’s an arepa, anyway? It’s a hand-crafted Venezuelan-style cornmeal bread sandwich filled with a variety of goodness. And this place doesn’t compromise on texture, size and taste! Made fresh to order, grilled and filled with anything your heart desires with plenty of meat and veggie options available.
What do I suggest?
You can’t go wrong starting with Raw Brown Sugar Cane Lemonade. Tangy, sweet, refreshing.
If you’re like me, a Meat-etarian, your best bet is the Carne Mechada. Loaded with delicious and tender shredded flank steak, it’s also stuffed with tomato and seasoned with garlic pepper and cumin. It’s HUGE and easily enough for one sitting. But it’s so good, I push the limit, get another one. La Llanera is all about the succulent and a massive amount of beef tenderloin, along with avocado, fresco cheese and tomato. Messy and sometimes hard to handle, there are no regrets.
Two people can have lunch or dinner here and it won’t break the bank. Be prepared to spend around $30 combined (including tax and tippage).
Here are the details:
490 Queen Street West, Toronto (between Spadina and Bathurst)
Jim Bamboulis has held several posts over the past 12 years, including National Sportscaster, Food Host and Writer, Talk Show Host, Olympic Researcher and Travel Film-maker.
Born and raised in Toronto, Jim learned early on that the combination of travel and food meant ultimate living. Combining his insatiable creative spirit and desire to document his travels, Jim took his unshakable travel bug and set off to explore. Add the fact that Jim also grew up in a Greek household and he learned that not only does Mom always make the best meals, but as importantly learned the importance of understanding and appreciating the countless beautiful cultures and the integral role food plays in every corner of the World.
In August 2009, Jim founded Travel Mammal, a site that brings together his travels and experiences (both good and terrifying) with the hope that others are inspired to share their own. We are all storytellers, especially when it comes to travel and food. He urges everyone to be inspired, explore and love the world and the people that share it with us. Or in other words, Live to Travel and travel to live!
