Frank Cachapas turns a parking lot into a cachapa block party - Review - Miami - The Infatuation
"Doral’s food truck scene is as vast and exciting as a South Florida reptile exposition. But there’s one with a bright green paint job and an earnest name that stands out. It’s the kind of place that becomes a weekly evening ritual. No reservations, no dress code, no senseless caviar bumps. Frank Cachapas is a hassle-free orchestra of cachapa flipping and arepa stuffing that makes you unironically scream, “I love you, Miami.” It looks like a neighborhood cookout. There are rows of white folding tables and chairs made with the type of plastic that makes your arm hairs stand. You’ll want to order at the truck but resist intuition. Take a seat and smile at the strangers around you, who start to feel like family in this outdoor quinceañera setup. photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc There are no wrong orders at Frank Cachapas, but you are doing something wrong if you don’t get at least one cachapa. There are 10 variations on the menu, each of which deserve a star on Calle Ocho’s Walk of Fame. These cheesy pancakes are crowned with fresh crema that’s so shiny, you can see your reflection in it. First-timers should get cachapa number 10. It makes a strong case for a dietary lifestyle exclusively of corn and dairy. It’s delicious for dinner right when they open at 7pm, and still delicious as a late-night situation (they’re open till 1am on Friday and Saturday). photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc But the Venezuelan creations that emerge from this food truck aren't just limited to cachapas. They make a patacón the size of a football that comes with Frank’s signature plastic fork and knife stab. And the arepas, a snack in most of Miami, have a cross-section that looks like an orca’s wide open mouth. Frank and his cachapas are exceptions to the widely accepted truth that all parking lots suck. This food truck has provided a space for Miamians to enjoy XL versions of some of Venezuela’s best dishes in a beautiful block party fashion. Food Rundown photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc Cachapa #10 This is the crown jewel of Frank Cachapas. Dairy in three different forms—crema, queso de mano, and shredded cheese—ends up in every crevice of the gigantic corn pancake. Take your lactose pill and plan accordingly because you will finish it all. photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc Patacón Using bread for sandwich buns will feel so mundane after you experience this “sandwich.” Like nearly everything on the menu, the patacón comes with a slab of queso de mano that pokes out like a giant tongue. We are partial to the fried plantain version over the toston because it’s a sweet and salty combination so perfect it makes you cry a little. photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc Arepa Frita The crisp arepa is stuffed like a class clown’s conduct folder and needs to be eaten with a knife and fork due to its magnitude. We invite you to eat it with your hands and send us pictures when you inevitably stain your shirt with their delicious garlic sauce. photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc Cachapa #6 The carne mechada in this cachapa is tender, juicy, and the perfect meat scarf upgrade for the already delicious cachapa number 10." - Mariana Trabanino
