Gill Out: Arepa Pueblo

By Ronald Martinez •

When customers walk into Arepa Pueblo in Palm Johnson Plaza, they see pictures of iconic Venezuelan locations and hear culturally atmospheric Venezuelan music. To a Venezuelan, it feels like home. But all customers can feel the smiles all around and a welcoming energy.

“[I feel] nostalgic, but in a good way,” said customer Antonia Davila, enjoying an arepa with her coffee. “It makes me feel like I’m back in Venezuela.” Owner Antonio Calero first opened the restaurant as an outlet to share his mother’s cooking. “We wanted to make a rustic atmosphere, one that feels like you’re at home,” he said, adding that it was a way to reconnect to his family’s roots. “My mother is the head chef. She makes everything from scratch.”

One of the first things customers will notice is the cozy yet lively decor. Bright colors adorn the walls, surrounding wooden tables and bright metal chairs. There are hammocks and various knick-knacks strung upon the wall, as well as pictures of classic Venezuelan dishes. The restaurant radiates authenticity, coziness and a comforting feeling.

Various Venezuelan foods, such as empanadas, tequeños and mandocas, are on the menu. Drinks offered include passion fruit juice, papelon, coffee, Fress Kolita and Chicha, a sweet rice drink.

But the main attraction is the arepa, a type of cake made from ground maize dough and filled with various meats, cheeses and more. Arepas are a staple of South American cuisines.

“A lot of restaurants try and do many things at once, but we wanted to focus on arepas,” said Calero.

In typical Venezuelan fashion, the food can sometimes take a while to arrive, but the staff makes sure to keep the energy up so that their customers are always comfortable and entertained.

The arepas are large and filled to the brim with various options, such as beef, chicken, Pabellon and Reina Pepiada.

Empanadas can work as appetizers or full meals. They are freshly made, crispy and can be filled with cheese, beef, chicken or fish. Mandoca, another offering, is a breakfast food made with a sweet dough topped with cheese. Although vegan options are limited, Arepa Pueblo does offer a vegan arepa.

The restaurant is a hidden gem in Pembroke Pines and a choice for someone who wants to revisit the Venezuelan food of their childhood or try something authentic and new.

“Our motto literally is, ‘Travel to Venezuela through our food,’” Calero said.