I do hate how long it takes me sometimes to get around to trying places. I must've read about Cruzao Arepa Bar when it first opened sometime ago now, but only made my rounds sometime last week. They had even suggested I go there on twitter one night when I was openly considering what to eat for dinner one night! That's a sign if nothing else isn't it?
I do like how Cruzao have presented themselves, I love the simplicity of their website and logo, yet it's still all so fresh. Everything I had seen about this Latin American restaurant just screamed of funky, healthy and oh-so-hip.
So Brad and I rocked up for a very late lunch (he's an awful influence on my eating timetable). The place was quiet, although I highly suspect it probably gets quite busy in the evenings and especially on the weekends when the locals might pop in and out, along with those who either are planning a big night out or have had a big night out and need something to fill that tummy.
A nice bright space, I loved the funky mis-matched coloured chairs, I was thrilled to get a mostly yellow one. Yes I am easily amused. Brad reminds me all the time. You know a place is cool when old speakers are refurnished to be tall stools.
Ah decisions, decisions. During the day there's a lunch special menu with the soup, one arepa (with a choice of a few different ones) and a tea or coffee ($12). Or of course, there was the whole arepa menu and pasapalos (nibbles) on the side to choose from.
Well, I'm personally more of a snack type person than a soup type person, so could not resist a nibble. I decided we would go with the 'tostones', plantain slices served with a garlic sauce. And liberally scattered with cheese. A nice chewy thickness and a slight sweetness from the plantain made these quite moorish for me. Not to mention cheese. And garlic sauce. Oh my gosh. We couldn't get enough of it.
Delicious chai for me, I love getting a pot, more drink for me after all right?
Earl gray for Brad.
Which came with the lunch special he decided to get. A rich broth with chicken, beef & vegetables and served with a bit of coriander garnish to apply as seen fit. I suppose initially it did surprise me to see a soup on the menu, but I'm the type of person who likes thick creamy soups. So once I saw it was more of a broth and clear, it made much more sense. And it ended up being a good balance, since you'd want a much lighter appetizer once you discover how filling the arepas are! I quite liked the flavour, and the hidden bit of corn cob in there!
We ended up both getting the same arepa with roast pork leg, marinated in garlic and red wine. Ah, so finally, what is this arepa thing? As per the website, it's a round, flat cornmeal pocket, filled with a variety of tasty options. The concept of it to me, sounded a lot like a taco, but the flavours and textures are completely different.
The cornmeal pocket has a much more distinct flavour, corny even. If you'd believe me. If you've had polenta, you'll get an idea of what this tastes like. It was indeed served lovingly warm, with a bit of a crunch on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside. Quite the contrast. The pork was quite tasty, although maybe a tad tough, we ended up pulling out chunks of the pork without the pocket! Overall though it was incredibly filling! Whilst I can easily devour (or well comfortably) two tacos, one little looking arepa left me quite full to the brim. Brad shared my sentiments. Deceiving little things!
Before we left, I couldn't help but notice they had a little table talker selling their juices made with fresh fruit pulp. And on this menu? Soursop. My dad loves the stuff, so I requested for one to takeaway, blended with water. What can I say, but it was absolutely stellar. It wasn't sugary at all and just thick with fruit. My dad was smitten and I am incredibly eager to get back and try the mango.
So a quick, easy and filling meal on Brunswick St. A great option for anyone who's gluten intolerant too. I certainly don't have much to complain about and am quite keen to come back for dinner when things will hopefully be a little bit more lively and maybe indulge in a mojito or three.
For some other great reviews why not check out these great blogs: ....it pleases us, Hot or Not
I do like how Cruzao have presented themselves, I love the simplicity of their website and logo, yet it's still all so fresh. Everything I had seen about this Latin American restaurant just screamed of funky, healthy and oh-so-hip.
So Brad and I rocked up for a very late lunch (he's an awful influence on my eating timetable). The place was quiet, although I highly suspect it probably gets quite busy in the evenings and especially on the weekends when the locals might pop in and out, along with those who either are planning a big night out or have had a big night out and need something to fill that tummy.
A nice bright space, I loved the funky mis-matched coloured chairs, I was thrilled to get a mostly yellow one. Yes I am easily amused. Brad reminds me all the time. You know a place is cool when old speakers are refurnished to be tall stools.
Ah decisions, decisions. During the day there's a lunch special menu with the soup, one arepa (with a choice of a few different ones) and a tea or coffee ($12). Or of course, there was the whole arepa menu and pasapalos (nibbles) on the side to choose from.
Well, I'm personally more of a snack type person than a soup type person, so could not resist a nibble. I decided we would go with the 'tostones', plantain slices served with a garlic sauce. And liberally scattered with cheese. A nice chewy thickness and a slight sweetness from the plantain made these quite moorish for me. Not to mention cheese. And garlic sauce. Oh my gosh. We couldn't get enough of it.
Delicious chai for me, I love getting a pot, more drink for me after all right?
Earl gray for Brad.
Which came with the lunch special he decided to get. A rich broth with chicken, beef & vegetables and served with a bit of coriander garnish to apply as seen fit. I suppose initially it did surprise me to see a soup on the menu, but I'm the type of person who likes thick creamy soups. So once I saw it was more of a broth and clear, it made much more sense. And it ended up being a good balance, since you'd want a much lighter appetizer once you discover how filling the arepas are! I quite liked the flavour, and the hidden bit of corn cob in there!
We ended up both getting the same arepa with roast pork leg, marinated in garlic and red wine. Ah, so finally, what is this arepa thing? As per the website, it's a round, flat cornmeal pocket, filled with a variety of tasty options. The concept of it to me, sounded a lot like a taco, but the flavours and textures are completely different.
The cornmeal pocket has a much more distinct flavour, corny even. If you'd believe me. If you've had polenta, you'll get an idea of what this tastes like. It was indeed served lovingly warm, with a bit of a crunch on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside. Quite the contrast. The pork was quite tasty, although maybe a tad tough, we ended up pulling out chunks of the pork without the pocket! Overall though it was incredibly filling! Whilst I can easily devour (or well comfortably) two tacos, one little looking arepa left me quite full to the brim. Brad shared my sentiments. Deceiving little things!
Before we left, I couldn't help but notice they had a little table talker selling their juices made with fresh fruit pulp. And on this menu? Soursop. My dad loves the stuff, so I requested for one to takeaway, blended with water. What can I say, but it was absolutely stellar. It wasn't sugary at all and just thick with fruit. My dad was smitten and I am incredibly eager to get back and try the mango.
So a quick, easy and filling meal on Brunswick St. A great option for anyone who's gluten intolerant too. I certainly don't have much to complain about and am quite keen to come back for dinner when things will hopefully be a little bit more lively and maybe indulge in a mojito or three.
For some other great reviews why not check out these great blogs: ....it pleases us, Hot or Not
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looks like a kindergarten for adults =). not surprising it takes ages to get around to places... given how many new places keep popping up.
ReplyDeleteI like this place too! Your photos are beautiful. Oh, and if you're seeking a more energetic atmosphere, some nights they have live music - so that would be a good time to go for dinner!
ReplyDeleteAllan - Haha, I didn't think of that! It does though doesn't it? And it is indeed hard to keep track of everywhere and eat everything!
ReplyDeleteLeaf - Thanks for the heads up! Will definitely be revisiting for dinner one night! :)