Chicago’s arepa scene is becoming quite robust these days. Restaurants like BienMeSabe and Rica Arepa have been expanding into multiple locations in the city most recently. Since I was headed to a Cubs game, I decided to check out Bolivar & Lincoln on Sheffield Avenue about two blocks away from the stadium. With so many Venezuelan born baseball players in the league, it seems fitting to come here before a game.
Bolivar & Lincoln is located right near the construction of the Red and Purple Line Modernization project. Other than the Cubs, this is the other rebuilding project on this side of the city.
Arepas are unleavened cornmeal based cakes that are filled with a variety of meats, cheeses and even plantains. This dish is pre-colombian and shares many qualities with the Mexican gordita and the Salvadoran pupusa.
I opted for the Pabellon arepa, which is full of shredded beef, black beans, plantains and cheese. This arepa is served alongside an Aji Verde sauce that adds just enough heat to keep me coming back for more.
