Viva Las Arepas owner and head chef Felix Arellano used to serve his arepas muy deliciosas from a stand in the Dino’s parking lot. Now that he’s moved up to air-conditioned luxury (and converted the old digs into a taco/hot dog joint), he’s also expanded his selection of Venezuelan specialties. Here’s our advice on what not to miss.

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  Mona Shield Payne

  Garlic shrimp arepa

  You can’t visit Viva Las Arepas and not get the namesake dish. The Venezuelan take on a taco swaddles fillings in a cornmeal bun. The robust garlic shrimp version is a standout. $6.

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  Mona Shield Payne

  Wood-fired chicken

  The highlight of Arellano’s expanded menu might be his wood-fired meats. His chicken is luscious, with crisp, smoky skin enveloping supple, moist meat that puts its rotisserie brethren to shame. $11.

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  Mona Shield Payne

  Chicharrones y yucca frita

  Pig-skin nuggets and fried yucca— the Venezuelan version of steak frites. Need I say more? $6.

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  Mona Shield Payne

  Reina pepiada arepa

  Another food-stand holdover, Arellano’s take on chicken salad is so much better than your mom’s or my mom’s (don’t tell her). $5.

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  Mona Shield Payne

  Cheese sticks at Viva Las Arepas

  Tequeños

  Venezuelan cheese sticks? Yes, please. It’s easy to overlook this little house-made gem nestled at the bottom of the menu. Don’t. $2.