Calgary, Canada
222 58 Ave SW
$$$
+14032812170
N/A
Great Venezuelan cuisine. We had taquenos (cheese sticks) and cheese empanadas to start with a juice called chicha (rice juice with cinnamon). Appetizers were delicious and full of flavor and the taquenos were rich with cheese. Our main meals were pulled beef mixed with beans, rice, and plantains and a fried plantain sandwich with vegetables and chicken inside. Very delicious. I have to admit that the food was heavy on the carbs, so not a meal I would have everyday. I’d rate this place 5/5 based on authenticity.
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TL;DR - authentic taste! (and GF) This unassuming little family restaurant may not look like much when you first walk in, but the people and the taste are as authentic as they come. I was lucky enough to travel to the country in early 2019, and the warmth of the staff reminded me very much of my experience there. Staff are fluent in both languages, and always took a moment in the conversation to make sure I was on the same page (my partner prefers spanish when possible). The owner even took the time to visit with every party in the restaurant; shaking hands, giving thanks, and getting to know the patrons. The carne was tender, but still had structure, and the flavor reminded me of Venezuelan home cooking. The tajadas had a great balance of rich statchy-ness, with the hint of sweetness from the caramelized edges. The arepas had just the right amount of crisp on the outside while still being moist on the inside. The empanadas were piping hot, generously filled, and just the right size that you dont feel guilty ordering one (or a few) more when you realize how addictive they are. And the quesillo at the end was substantial enough to ice-the-cake, while still light enough that you don't fall asleep after you're done. (Also, all of those items are GF!!) The struggles that Venezuela has endured are heartbreaking, and made all the worse when you have seen how how amazing the people there can be. This bistro reminds me of the good I saw in Venezuela, and gives me hope that they cannot be kept down forever. I will definitely be back.
Great Venezuelan food. Arepas were well priced but the tequenos were ridiculously expensive for their size.
This is authentic Venezuelan food, and the empanadas are amazingly delicious with crunchy and sweet dough and tasty fillings. Before fully entering into the restaurant we were greeted with incredible aromas of beef soup and other tasty Venezuelan dishes that immediately took me back to my childhood. Looking at the menu I wanted everything, but we settled with empanadas, tequeños y pastelitos. All of these are deep-fried goodness that you need to try. Everything was hot and fresh. Cheese, beef and chicken are some of the fillings. And they have authentic salsa de ajo too! (It's garlic and cilantro sauce). One of the greatest things about this place is that they sell chicha, papelón con limón and jugo de parchita (passion fruit juice). By the time I tried the chicha I almost cried, honestly. I couldn't remember the last time I had it, maybe almost seven years ago!!! Melbin was really nice and very enthusiastic explaining about his future plans for karaoke and entertainment. They just got a liquor license and are open late in the weekends. They also have TV for watching soccer games he said. He said all the cooks are Venezuelans, and it shows. I was so stuffed and couldn't keep trying the other dishes but I'm definitely coming back for more. They sell sancocho de res, pabellón, chicharrón con yuca sancochada, arepas, mandocas, etc. I'm dreaming about that already. P.S.: I believe this was a different restaurant before, based on some of the old reviews and old photos (maybe a Chinese place). So please keep this in mind when you decide going or not, based on your research. Today we were told they had been opened for only three months. So older reviews are definitely not talking about the Venezuelan food.
Excellent food! The "Patacon" was amazing.
Very very disappointed in my 15.00 breaded chicken and rice dish. This place was so much better before they switched hands
Everything about this place is fantastic! Just walking in and the music and smells immediately brought up fond memories from Venezuela. The food not only looked good, it was perfectly cooked and had that authentic taste that I had missed so much. Easily the best Venezuelan food I've had in Calgary. Staff was friendly and were enthusiastic about what they offer and told us about future plans for hosting regular social events that are typical in Venezuela (thanks for your hospitality Melbin!). All in all I highly recommend a visit if you want to experience some truly authentic Venezuelan cuisine and ambiance and specially if you are Venezuelan and miss home.
Such a cozy and friendly dining experience. Went here with my coworkers. It was so good! Just ask at the counter what to order and they will recommend something delicious.
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