Ceci’s Arepa Joint is bringing two South American staple dishes to Long Island in the form of arepas and cachapas. Arepas are cornmeal cakes that have been around for hundreds of years, mostly in the areas of Venezuela and Colombia where it originated. The cakes are stuffed with steak, chicken, shrimp or whatever else they have cooked up. Cachapa are similar but a more pancake-like creation. Both are said to be popular at roadside stands in South America.
The menu at Ceci’s Arepa Joint is filled with their signature offerings available on an arepa or cachapa like the The Joint, which is pulled flank steak seasoned with South American spices, black beans, fried sweet plantains, and freshly grated white cheese on an arepa ($11.99), the El Pablo, made up of pulled flank steak seasoned with South American spices, avocado, and freshly grated white cheese ($11.75), and the La Mona, pulled chicken seasoned with South American spices, avocado, and freshly grated white cheese ($11.00). Or chose one of their many flights, which come with three mini arepas. They also offer steak, chicken or cheese empanadas ($3.75).
Photo: Ceci’s Arepa Joint.
On Yelp, Jennifer B, from Levittown, called it an “amazing hidden gem.”
“The food was outrageous and the service was great too,” she wrote. “The person behind the counter was so sweet and kindly helped me with any questions I had. We got empanadas and cachapas and absolutely loved them! So flavorful and served HOT. It was still almost too hot to eat after I had driven home with them. 100/10!!!”
Jacqui C, also from Levittown, called Ceci's “an amazing new addition to East Meadow!”
“It makes me extremely happy to see more Latino and Hispanic owned businesses opening up on Long Island,” she wrote. “I tried "the joint" - an arepa stuffed with slow cooked flank steak, black beans, sweet plantains, and white cheese - and also the tequeño flight! The steak in the joint was extremely tasty and juicy, and the arepa tasted so fresh! The tequeños were also so tasty with their delicious sauces to dip them in. I will 100% be back to try some more of their dishes!”
Location: 503B Newbridge Road, East Meadow, (516) 765-3180.
