s there any illness Arroz con Pollo cannot cure? Arapzo on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio is the cure for you
Photo credit by author, Libby Winkler
I have a confession to make.
I am obsessed with Latin American food. In fact, I have been known to plan entire trips based solely upon the region’s cuisine and beverages.
No Fake-Ass Mexican Here
I imaging since the founding of Taco Bell, America thinks they love Mexican food.
With the creation of such dishes as a taco pizza, Gordita (not made up but completely different thing in Mexico), and nachos supreme Americans discovered they really did like Mexican food.
In my travels in Latin America, nothing is a better conversation starter with a local like, “hey, where is there a Taco Bell?” This question is sure to get a good laugh, or at least a chuckle and eye roll, as well as letting the other person know you are a red-blooded gringo with a sense of humor.
Simple is Better
Living in Cleveland, Ohio is not for the faint of heart to be sure.
One of the many challenges is finding the cuisine my soul craves, the genuine authenticity of latin food. The food my abuela made, filled with solid, homegrown ingredients, prepared with care, and served with pride.
Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash
Straight forward carnitas.
Salsas with flavor, depth, and character.
Food with a story and not a marketing department.
Arepazo Latino & Bar delivers all this and more.
Ba-zinga! I found What I’m Looking For
In an unassuming location, the corner of Detroit and Warren Roads, in Lakewood, Ohio, a tiny piece of authenticity is found.
Home - Arepazo Latino & Bar
Welcome amig@s to a Latin experience. We are located in Lakewood Ohio 14725 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 - Call us…
The simplicity of solid wooden tables, bright colors, and amazing food do not disappoint.
Never fear, the establishment has bowed to the very American tradition of a complimentary basket of chips and salsa to greet each customer. As expected, the full bar stocked with the best tequilas available in Ohio (topic for another time) mixed into cocktails strong enough to make you smile but not so strong you can only enjoy one.
Photo by Ana Maltez on Unsplash
Finally, the center piece of the experience, dinner arrives.
Regardless of the menu choice for dinner, an authentically homemade cena is the result.
One will find all the usual suspects — from topes, carnitas, fajitas to the latin American favorite arepas.
Nothing disappoints.