Venezuelan Arepas at Amara's

Right off of Pasadena’s busy Colorado Boulevard, sits Amara Chocolate and Coffee which prides itself on its unique Venezuelan flavors. Amara is an intimate café with lots of tables for two, a few comfy oversized chairs, and a small patio with outdoor seating. While you can go for dessert at the end of a day shopping in Pasadena, I recommend going for brunch where you can order an entrée and churros. 

The two best arepas on the menu are the Pabellón and the Orinoco. All arepas are made fresh with white corn flour, grilled to perfection with a gold brown outer edge and a soft, pillowy inside. The Pabellón is stuffed with tender, shredded beef, black beans cooked in a garlic picadillo, ultra-ripe sweet plantains, topped with queso fresco and a side of salsa verde. The Orinoco is slightly sweeter than the Pabellón and includes Venezuelan pernil, an eight hour spicy pulled pork, sweet plantains, and queso de mano, a soft mozzarella style white cheese and comes with a side of guasacaca, an avocado based salsa with parsley, cilantro, and green peppers. Both arepas have subtle flavors sweetened by the plantains and complemented by their tender meats and soft cheeses. 

It’s best to come to Amara’s Café hungry because you cannot leave without trying their churros with one of their signature lattes or rich, decadent sipping chocolates. Their churros come to you like small, twisted ribbons, dusted with a smattering of sugar. They are crunchy on the outside and pair perfectly with their dipping sauces like guava and dulce de leche. 

ADDRESS 

55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105,

PRICES

Arepas and sandwiches from $10-12. Churros $7-12. Specialty drinks $3-6. 

DETAILS 

Closed Monday. Tuesday-Thursday 8:30am - 7:30pm. Friday - Saturday 8:30am - 9:30pm. Sunday 8:30am - 7:00pm.

RECOMMENDED DISHES

The Pabellón, Orinoco and La Reina Arepa; aguas fresca; drinking chocolate; churros. 

Eating My Way Around L.A.

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