Following Mucho Más Departure, Chef Julio Machado to Open Arepas Restaurant | Eater New Orleans

"I’m looking forward to Como Arepas, opening soon at 7712 Maple Street from Venezuelan-born chef Julio Machado: a fast-casual, counter-service spot in the former Zo’ Jo’ Cafe that will be mostly takeout with countertop seating for eight and two sidewalk tables. One of Venezuela’s most important dishes, the arepa, will be presented with close to 50 filling combinations — including traditional options like arepa dominó (black beans and cheese), asado negro, and reina pepiada (avocado and chicken salad, listed as “the Queen” on the menu) — plus vegan and vegetarian choices; arepas are made with Harina PAN so they’re gluten-free. Machado promises to bring the flavors of Venezuela made with local ingredients, and there will be fillings tailored to New Orleans tastes such as crawfish, boiled shrimp, and fried chicken (the latter was the biggest seller at two recent pop-ups at Wrong Iron), as well as sofrito red snapper, boiled quail eggs in pink sauce, deviled ham spread, and breakfast options. All arepas come with two sauces — guasacaca (avocado, cilantro, peppers, onions) and aji picante (habanero, onions, garlic, apple cider vinegar) — and the beverage lineup will start with fresh juices like limeade, tamarind, and chicha, with beer and wine to follow; the restaurant is expected to open in October and will be open Sun–Thu 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and Fri–Sat until 9 p.m." - Clair Lorell