Shop the Season: TopArepa

Today's guest blogger Sarah visited TopArepa at The Holiday Shops, where she went a little Forrest Gump over the corn arepa dough in these traditional Venezuelan patties. 

Being a New York City transplant, I am on a mission to try all of the classic street foods in this city.
I have yet to try arepas myself, despite their regular appearances at summer street fairs on Lexington Avenue.  I love anything made with corn; you can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it…pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried, the possibilities are endless.

There are two kiosks selling arepas at The Holiday Shops this season, but I was drawn to Toparepa (H09) because of its attractive décor and brightly lit store front, and who could resist a free sample offered by the friendly Moti?

I chose the ham and mozzarella arepa for $6.00. I was pleasantly surprised with the combination of slightly sweet corn patties and its melted salty center. It was not heavy or greasy at all like most street foods, and definitely satisfied my cravings for something both sweet and savory.



You can be more adventurous than me and choose your own toppings (or toparepas). I imagine an arepa topped with strawberry, roasted almonds and condensed milk would taste heavenly. Buy two arepas and you can get a free drink.

Next up on my NYC street food tour: roasted chestnuts.

TopArepa

Booth H09 on the 42nd Street side of the park behind Celsius (map)

 
The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park  Official hours*
Monday – Friday: 11am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

*Look for special extended hours during the holidays. Some shops may be open on Christmas Day.