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| - It's a truck... it's a tent... it's a brick-and-mortar!
Yep, Rika Arepa Express has now settled into a stationary home. They're in a very nondescript plaza on Flamingo near Sandhill. This is great! Not only have I always longed for more Venezuelan food options ever since trying out the original Rika Arepa Express truck, but this side of town (especially this section of Flamingo) has been sorely lacking for non-chain food in general ever since I've been here.
Prices are a bit higher than I recall, but the Pabellón ($8.50) is still as enjoyable as it was when I last tried their tent (in other words, still not the same as the old truck). It came out quickly and was piping hot. The arepa dough is almost sturdy enough to hold all the fillings to the end, and the combo of shredded beef, black beans, plantains, and mozzarella is a classic. The cilantro sauce and mild chipotle sauce aren't show-stealing but should be used generously to maximize satisfaction.
I would've been satiated with the arepa alone, but I had to add on a couple of sides for scientific purposes. The Tequeño ($1 each) is a dough-wrapped stick of non-stringy, semi-crumbly-yet-soft cheese, and it's the superior choice. The Empanada ($3.50) comes with beef, chicken (my choice), or cheese filling, but none of that is too relevant because the dough is too thick, too gummy inside, and not flavorful on its own or even with the aforementioned sauces. It's far worse than my favorite local Venezuelan empanada, which comes from a food truck that's still in operation.
I'm glad that Rika Arepa Express is now regularly available in this particular neighborhood, even if it's not quite as good as the original. The arepa is a fast, hearty meal, and this place is the only option that comes to mind if I don't feel like visiting one of my favorite Thai restaurants. I'll either try the La Sureña arepa (chicken, smoked sausage) or perhaps a plate next time.
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