Arepera Guacuco

So hefty are the arepas at Arepera Guacuco in Bushwick that one would be satisfying and two would be belt-loosening. We ordered five. Why? Because they're that good.

The pernil (shredded pork shoulder) and the special brunch arepa with scrambled eggs and beans earned our highest accolades, but the pabellon [top photo], with beef and plantains, deserves notice as well. We also loved the crispy, salty tostones and the cocada, aptly described on the menu as "amazing coconut milkshake." The owner brought his mother from Venezuela to oversee the kitchen in this bright, cheery restaurant, and with cooking like this, we wonder why he ever left home.