Elite Event: Sabor Venezolano at Arepas Grill

Wonderful! Miss arepas overall… could never get enough, and Arepas Grill just renewed my love for it! A fantastic event deep in Astoria, Queens. A good DJ set was situated in the back room and although I came a half hour late, hat’s off to the Eliters that came from all difffernt parts of the NYC area, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhatttan, Jersey City, etc. Y’all are awesome!
Once the drinks started pouring (a tasty sangria) the food soon followed… Waves of it apparently. What better way to enjoy sangria than with arepas or vice versa? I’ve had arepas before and theirs is no exception. Flavorful and wave after wave of food came. Most people claimed they were full after this fine evening. I was not, as I probably sampled one of everything.
Big thanks to Arepas Grill for doing what they do best and Unilocal Queens for helping to make this event run smoothly

Well talk about a long overdue review! I have been meaning to write this since before vacation, but the combination of jetlag and copious amounts of Guinness got in my way. Excuses aside, I can’t express enough what a good time my first Queens elite event was!
Usually when I’m on the N/​Q out to Astoria it’s for one of their many amazing beer gardens, and usually during the day. It was really cool getting to see what the neighborhood looks like after dark, super lively lots of options for a tasty looking bite or to have a beer. I also came across a halal guy selling from a food truck — and wait for it — accepting debit cards via a square reader. Genius, I have been waiting for the day when street guys would take a card for a while now (my LDL cholesterol level does not agree with that previous statement). Way to blaze a trail of amazingness Queens!
Arriving at Arepas Grill, we knew it would be treat off the bat, as locals were SUPER upset that it was closed for a few hours for a Unilocal event (always a good sign). I have to say, it was awesome getting an email from Jando to «come hungry»; this is not a statement I am accustomed to as a Unilocaler. Most events are «come thirsty, but have a bite to eat», not in Queens! Boy did this place deliver on the food, I’ve never had arepas before, and I can’t wait to have a chance to try them again. Amazing cornmeal treats full of meat and cheese… SO good. The house sangria was very tasty, and very strong (not over powering to drink, fun albeit dangerous combo).
Great company, it was nice to meet up with some Queens’s elite for an awesome night — will absolutely be back for arepas soon. A huge shout out to Jando, this event was a blast; can’t wait for my next Queens Unilocal adventure.

Better late than never, right?
So, this was my first Queens Unilocal elite event and I had a blast. Thanks Jando for making us feel welcome and at home.
First off, that sangria was amazing. I’m very picky when it comes to good sangria, and you guys made it perfect!
The food was pretty good. My fave was the tuna balls. They were quite different and tasty. The empanadas and arepas were also quite delish!
My favorite part is that you guys had a DJ and we were able to dance the night away. Even the owner got in on the dancing action, and we were able to do some Spanish dancing. We had a blast!!!
It was such a diverse group of Unilocalers and I met a bunch of new peeps who were super cool!
Great job, and cant wait to come back to queens for some more Unilocal action!

Queens was bringing their A-​game at this last Unilocal Elite Event. Arepas Grill started off as a little restaurant in a shopping plaza, and turned into the party central of the neighborhood. It was awesome to see bystanders watching as the group piled into this place. As a walked in, the bartender came up and handed me a Sangria. It was two-​toned in color and the flavor was fantastic! It had little strawberries, blueberries and mango bits floating in it.
The owner brought out trays of delicious empanadas, and oh man — cachapas! I’ve never had those before but they were so friggin’ good. Bite-​sized corn based tortillas with a white cheese that was slightly heated from the tortillas so it melted in your mouth.
They even had a DJ playing! What better way to end the night than by working off your sangrias by dancing! My new Elite buddy, Linda, was a dance instructor and was hosting mini-​lessons in the back corner. The owner even came out to take part in the celebration. By the end of the night the entire kitchen was watching the festivities.
Also, a special thanks to Matt for passing me one of those Unilocal bandanas. My roomies puppy has been rocking that thing non-​stop since I gave it to her. The red really brings out her adorableness.
It was a great mix of people, and the most fun that I’ve had on a week night in quite some time. Thanks, Jando!

Environment: ³⁄₅
Employees: ⁵⁄₅
Food: ⁵⁄₅
Drinks: ⁵⁄₅
Cost: ⁵⁄₅
Accessibility: ⁴⁄₅
Total: ²⁷⁄₃₀
Synopsis: I know, I am such a bad DIVA that I didn’t post up this review earlier! Was busy glamping. In any case, per usual, I love seeing everyone and meeting new faces. This time, it as Maria… and I was too faded to remember everyone else. LOL! But… I know they were all nice. Thank goodness I ate before coming, because I was only able to nibble on all the deep-​fried foods. The sangria was the only thing that kept my stomach from grumbling. I guess. I should really thank Steve for that. After having heaven’s gifts, I found a Macarena and started shaking that thing to death and dancing. All-​in-​all, fabulous!
Environment: Nothing completely note-​worthy, except the wall decorations when you are on your way to the bathroom. I thought that was cool!
Employees: They were so nice and quick to pass drinks around, pouring them! Tip, tip, tip! TIP! Some of them were even dancing with me from the other side of the bar. Shake it girrrlll!!!
Food: Basically everything was deep-​fried. Not my biggest fan… but…
1) Tuna fried ball: I love it! We were all determining what it was… the cornmeal portion around it it was made me think it was potato. In any case, it was delicious and I ate like 5 pieces. Shh. don’t tell!
2) Empanada like things? Those were also delicious, but I stopped eating after that because I was full. Yum ⁵⁄₅
Drinks: Sangria… must I say more? It was some fabulous orange thing on the bottom with boxed wine float. Although, I am not a fan of boxed wine, together it was a pea-​in-​a-​pod, let’s get #turntup fo’real! ⁵⁄₅
Cost: With all the tipping, cheap-​o! Yea!
Accessibility: Personally, for me, it was really close… a five minute walk! :D However, it is quite a place that is OUT of your way… you would have to catch a train then a bus. However, if you have a car, there are lots of free parking. ⁴⁄₅

Thank you Unilocal & arepas grill for a wonderful night. The sangria was delish. The food kept on coming and I kept on eating. The staff was very friendly and explained everything that came out. I was feeling the sangria when I got home. Sneaky little thing.
The event was very small and intimate. It was a great night since I got to meet a lot of new people. Hope to see everyone real soon!!!

From the elites of the Queens and Manhattan, to the brothers of the Republic of Jersey, we were present at this great event.
The place with a slightly high Venezuelan atmosphere, great Latin music, that the white and asian girl were moving the skeleton to the rhythm of merengue, salsa and bachata.
The sangria was very well prepared, fruits, wine, and everything that had, made​this a unique flavor and also a bit strong.
The food arepas (chicken, beef and cheese) and empanadas (chicken, beef and cheese) were my favorite, I can not choose any flavor, they were so good, that I almost ended licking my fingers.
Shhhhh new Unilocal Swag: Nail file, keychain and a bandana!
Thanks Jando and Ricardo Arepas Grill owner for this wonderful event.

Sangria, Sangria and Arepas galore!
A reprise Elite event to Arepas Grill a year later is amazing. Always a pleasure to meet good, sincere old Elites and new Elites. The food consists of mini Arepas and Empanadas (chicken, pulled pork, cheese, and beef), Cachapas and Croquettes as we ate our fill. The Sangria filled with blueberry, peach, strawberry, pineapple (not the cheap bland apple) was amazing. I’ve never like Sangria with apple as the only fruit. This 2014 Arepas Grill reprise is surely better than last year’s. Staff is warm and inviting. I arrived from the blazing summer’s heat exhausted with the added long work day and with hunger pangs to chill to the mini Empanadas and endless flowing cups of Sangria. I departed happy to be greeted with warm smiles from Elites and ate my fill. Sadly, having to arrive late I was not able to attain a metal Unilocal water bottle or any Unilocal freebies.
Many thanks to Jando for organizing and arranging, Matt for checking Elites in and Nelson for snapping great photos whisking into the evening.

Excellent food and the sangria was great!
This is the second Elite event held at Arepas Grill and tonight’s event definitely topped the first event!
I love what they did to this place including the extended menu they developed.
I love meeting my old Unilocal friend and met some really nice new Elites!
Thanks for a fun evening Arepas Grill and another wonderful event Jando!
I so lucky to score a metal Unilocal water bottle!

Dear Arepas Grill,
We went on a date once (yes, it was a Date with Arepas). It was last year, but I still remember every bite and every sip.
This year, we meet again… and I still swoon over food, and drinks, and amazing crew, and incredible music that makes everybody dance.
~signed, Enchanted Unilocaler.
Here we all are, chatting away, with sangria cups in our hands that did not stop flowing, running to grab bites of goodness (croquettes, empanadas and, of course, The Arepas), swaying to the beats (props for DJ booth!) or catching up with Unilocal friends you have not seen in ages — I mean, does it get better than that?
Sangrias seemed pretty light, but once you get a few — there is a good kick of alcohol, and they were deliiiiicious (can you call drinks delicious? But they were!) — they were soooo easy to drink, and drink, and drink some more. Brandy and triple sec does not fail for good times, for sure.
Of course, arepas were star of the show, but I loved mini empanadas as well — I actually think I am an empanada addict.
One thing that stands out the most — their stuff. Soooo well organized, so warm and welcoming, with smiles that made everybody feel at home.
Thank you, Queens, once again, for an amazing night. Ricardo, Arepas Grill crew, Jando, Matt, Nelson — you all rock!
Raise those glasses to Queens, my friends!

It was a hoedown throwdown. I am not quoting Miley Cyrus at all. I’m glad I came here because I almost went to Arepa’s Café instead, which, is actually their sister restaurant, so it’s all good! Situated in a little strip mall, I was warmly greeted with both red Sangria, numerous familiar Unilocal faces, and a glittering red Unilocal thermos. Jando promised copious amounts of food and boy did he deliver. I am never shocked at how much these skinny little Unilocalers can pound away on finger foods. Fourths? Sure, why not!
Favorites were the potato croquettes with the sour cream dipping sauces accompanying EVERYTHING. Both mini arepas and empanadas stuffed with chicken, pork, beef, Venezuelan cheese, beans, etc. Something I had never tried before — Cachapas — a corn pancake like cracker topped with Queso de Mano (kind of like a much softer mozzarella cheese that just melts away into your mouth). I loved it. Give me the entire tray! I’m horribly biased and still prefer their other restaurant the Arepa’s Café, but I’m glad I finally checked out this place because the food was still great. Upon leaving early I was told that there should only be three reasons why you should ever leave a Unilocal Event early 1. You are getting some 2. You are going to get food and/​or 3. You are going to go bring Anderson food. I tried to stay for most of the duration though! Thanks again to Jando, Nelson, and Matt for another great Unilocal Queens event!

First of all, big ups to Jando. Throwing events/​parties ain’t an easy thing y’all and while he’s out doing Jando things, he still has time to plan events like tonights.
Much credit brother.
I was fortunate enough to have been here when they first opened. The food I had THAT night was nothing short of deliciousness. The arepas were piping hot, filled to the max and just wonderfully made with refined texture + crust. I remember eating like there was no tomorrow that night and I probably gained a good 5 lbs because of it.
Well done Arepas Grill, Well done.
Now, we are here again but this time it is an Elite only event which I’d kind of expect it to be more intimate and well pizzazz –ed. It was definitely more intimate as I recognized many familiar faces off the bat as well as met some new ones that I hope to see at more Unilocal events.
The sangria which was the ONLY drink of the night was flowing pretty well to us thirsty Unilocalers. And it was only red sangria. Hey, free booze is free booze right?
The thing that I kind of wish they amped up was the food. Having been to the first event held here a while ago, this time around I was hoping for more of something that would make me trek here just to eat. They pretty much served the same thing as they did the first time around with exception to the cheese arepas and fried knish balls (potatoes).
I’m kind of glad that I ate beforehand because there was definitely not enough food to go for seconds. I did feel a bit sad that some Elites didn’t get to try some of the food that came out because you know how we do at parties, WE MINGLE.
But having said that, the staff did very well service wise. The food quality was on point. And the party got live towards when the event was about to finish and the music was pumped up to heavy dancing music, Latin of course.
All in all I think it was a great event because I had lots of fun. I sure hope those incriminating pictures are G-​rated this time around. You never know when I got sangria flowing in my system.
And we got some Unilocal water bottle swag perfect to use when I do my morning/​night jogs. And if you ride bikes this bottle makes perfect sense for you.
Tonight was a good night.

What can I say great company, plenty of passion fruit sangria and good food. It was an intimate YEE and it was really nice that there were no plus 1s this way I got to meet some new Unilocalers and hang out with Jando which made the night so much better.
Now lets get to the important part the food :) They had tuna balls, empanadas (beef, chicken and cheese) arepas (sweet corn, cheese & chicken, beef, black beans & cheese). Everything was good just wished they had more of that garlic, green sauce coming around.
The owner Ricardo was very nice and helpful answering our questions. All of the staff was very attentive, had a smile on and I have to give it to them they make an awesome sangria.
Thanks again Jando for throwing another great event.

This was my first queens event and let me say I am tickled with how awesome it was. Sure I had to take three trains, sure it took a while to get home, but good things do not come easily, folks!
Thankfully by 730, the evening temp had dropped from the miserable 90 degrees earlier in the day. The walk from the train was lengthy but not unpleasant. Hell we even saw a Halal cart with a card reader. Yes, an ipad/​cardreader system! We arrived and entered the shopping center a bit before 8. They were very punctual with time. When they said 8pm, they certainly meant it and we waited with a small crowd outside. Once scanned, we receieved those handy name tags (useful since I knew very few people), our free swag (those sweet water bottles we all love and cherish) and headed to the bar for the first of many, free flowing, complementary sangrias.
As the place filled, everyone started to mingle and new partners in crime, drinking and eating were discovered. We did not have a long wait before the food arrived. At first, they reminded me of the cornballer from Arrested Development. For someone who does not enjoy the texture of fish it was nice to get the flavor in them. The next round had cheese, chicken and beef stuffed bites. I was only able to grab two beef (chicken was seemingly devoured instantly). The third wave of food was a managerie of different small bites of meat surrounded by a similar cornmeal fried shell. All of them were delicious, but as Jando warned in his email, the food was filling!
My first experience with a Queens event was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone is incredibly friendly and while it may be a hike and a half, I think it may be wort it to attend as many more of these as I can! Big thank you to Jando for welcoming us with open arms and what appeared to be a limitless amount of food and drink!

Thank you Jando and Matt @ Unilocal and Nelson for snapping, and the warm awesome hosts at Areapas Grill for making me venture out of NYC Manhattan and deep into Astoria.
I rarely ever venture out here and I’m glad Elites were treated to huge amounts of free flowing sangria and various mini bites of areapas, empanadas, croquettes, cachapas. Jando was not kidding when he said try not to fillup before the event. I was so hungry that I was about to get something around the area to comfort my growling stomach. I’m glad I took Jando’s advice and save your stomach before the event. The bites were HEAVY! But ohhh sooooo goood!
Everything came out hot and fresh. I burned the roof of my mouth without knowing how hot the food was, but I’m glad I was tispy so that the burning sensation in roof of my mouth didn’t feel a thing.
Unilocal Swag: Bottle, keychain and a bandana!

Who cares about work deadlines when you’re in a rush to a Queens YEE?
Another fantastic event. Pretty intimate with a good turnout from elites all over the city and even Jersey. The music was lively, drinks were flowing and the food was plentiful. Full bellies and smiles all around.
Drink of the evening was a super fruity and strong sangria. Woozy after two but that’s nothing surprising. The food included mini arepas and empanadas (chicken, pulled pork, cheese, beef), cachapas and croquettes. Everything was fried perfectly, amazingly crisp and delicious. My favorite was definitely the cachapas, yum. All the plates were accompanied with this tasty creamy dip that I wish I could have double dipped in. I swear I didn’t though!
Perfect hump day in good company. Thanks Queens gang and Arepas Grill for hosting!

Cheers to a wonderful night! Endless glasses of passion fruit Sangria with real strawberries and blueberries, cheese filled beef and cheese corn arepas, Queens, Brooklyn, Jersey, Long Island crews representing, and deafening ear paralyzing noise (music) — a perfect way to end the short summer. The more I drank, the more severe the asian glow developed. Just had to drink another glass to make the glow subside. Wonderful drinks, tasty food, and awesome Unilocalers. +1 to Jando, Matthew, Nelson, and other contributors who organized this party!

Just when I thought I might have exhausted my brownie points with Unilocal,they net me in for one more! I also hope this isn’t the last one for me this year!
2 facts about me:
I’ve never ever had arepa before.
Sangria is the only alcohol I drink willingly without anyone asking me to…
That said, I just HAD to be here. And everyone knows that Qnz has mad awesome Elite Event!
Drink: loved it, but too bad I could only handle ONE. Let’s change that next time! T’was loaded with fruits @ lots of variety (instead of JUST peach or JUST apples).
Food: To be completely honest, I had NO idea wut I ate. But, they were all yummy. Especially the cheesy pocket thing (beat the fish). Close in second is the mystery meat smaller pocket thing (someone tell me their names!). And genius me totally did not grab a single arepa –_​_​– All the more reason to return!
It is always a pleasure with Unilocal gentlemen Nelson & Matt (thank you for the bottle). No thank you Qian for dissing my people’s Chinese pronunciation and mistaking me for «Sailor Moon»?! Big ups to the ever so fabulous Jon, Lori, Anderson, and Rich. An overly friendly hello to Jocelyn, Kent, Thomas, and Daphne. Last but not least, my girl Siu, and the CM I cannot live without — Jando, NEVAR leave us!
Thanks everyone for making my night! Let’s come back!

A brief, but hopefully thorough review of the event tonight at Arepas Grill (as, with all Queens events, I leave far later than originally planned):
I’d visited Arepas Grill at the Queens YEE last year held around the time they’d first opened. It was an event to remember, as the night ended in a full out dance party, so I was excited to hear that Round 2 was in the works for 2014. This time, though, the event was an Elite Only affair, a decision which made the evening more intimate and, well, fun.
My friend and I arrived a little before 8PM, and waited a few minutes before getting checked in (and getting our Unilocal Swag water bottles) and entering the venue. The moment we stepped inside, we were offered a cup of sangria, a refreshing and sweet start to the night, albeit deceptively potent (although, that might just be my lightweight self speaking). The barstaff did a great job of pouring drinks and keeping everyone well-​watered.
Of course, some bites were available to help line our stomachs against the sangria. Despite the fact that it was a late evening, I had my fill of the croquettes, cachapas (a thin corn pancake topped with melted Venezuelan cheese), and miniature empanadas filled with chicken and black beans. We also got to try variety of the signature miniature arepas filled with various proteins; kudos to the kitchen for having a fair number of vegetarian options available as well tonight. There was more than enough for everyone at the event to have a bite, although I have to admit my favorite part was the addictive dipping sauce (Venezuelan sour cream!) that these items were paired with.
Before I knew it, the two hours whizzed by. Certainly, the diversity of Unilocalers, from Queens, Brooklyn, Jersey, and Manhattan ensured that the conversations were as free-​flowing as the alcohol. Of course, it’s mostly attributable to a solid Queens Team (Jando, Nelson, and Matt) for coordinating and pulling off such a successful event.
Thanks again to the Unilocal Crew, the welcoming staff at Arepas Grill, and the wonderful company. What else can I say, except: Cheers to the next one? :)

I’m always a fan of these more intimate gatherings. With pre-​labor day work deadlines i arrived in time for everyones inebriation and «Do you think you can dance» last hour of the event. Moods were high and it was a elite only event. Sangria was still plentiful and was fruity and had that nice alcohol kick. The kitchen was kind enough to offer me one of the empanadas at this late hour which tasted devine. Fried up well with a flavorful filling. It’s really all about the sauce which accompanies it well.
Nice DJ booth spinning latin tunes which made way for a nice dance off. Would be a great place to host parties. Service was great and the owners and hosts made a great night of it. Met up with some old and new elites and it’s always nice to catch up. Great event put together by Jando as always and great memory moment photos by Nelson.
Fun event and for my next trip down to Astoria i’ll be sure to stop in to Arepas Grill for their full menu. Looks delish.