I had the pleasure of first meeting Nestor and Gabriela in the summer of 2016 when they were getting ready to launch their food truck. I had reached out to ask them questions about their menu and they invited me to their house to try their food. Nestor charmed me while Gabriela was busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen, explaining that “as a child in Venezuela I watched my grandmother cook breakfast, feed the family, clean up and then start cooking lunch, which was our big meal of the day. These family recipes are third generation and what I grew up on.”

We started with Pabellon, the National dish of Venezuella, a rice bowl with shredded beef, black beans, plantains and white cheese. Nestor then introduced me to the Latinas sauce, a secret recipe he wouldn’t share, but is something they’ll make up fresh daily. Adding it to the yuca totally changed the taste and he shared they’ll also have a spicy Latinas sauce for those that like a little heat with their meal.

You may have enjoyed a meal at their food truck, or at the kitchen they ran out of Bar Granada downtown, but now you can enjoy their restaurant, which just opened up on Rt 73 in Springboro, across from Warped Wing.

Never had an Arepa? (Spanish pronunciation: [aˈɾepa]) it is a type of food made of ground corn maize dough cooked flour. It is glucose free ideal for vegan and vegetarians prominent cuisine of Venezuela and Colombia.

It is eaten daily in those countries and can be served with various accompaniments such as cheese (cuajada), avocado, or (especially in Venezuela) split and used to make sandwiches. Various sizes, maize types, and added ingredients are used to vary its preparation. It is similar in shape to the Mexican gordita and the Salvadoran pupusa. Arepas can also be found on many street corners in Panama, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and the Canary Island. We now bring you this delicious tropical Street Food directly to you via our Restaurant.

Here’s Latin Aprepas Cafe’s menu:

Built in 1985, the building has been the previous home to a steak house, barbershop, yoga studio and Scruffy’s Hot Dog shoppe. Now completely remodeled with a tropical feel, it’s bright and fresh inside.

Upon entering, you’ll order at the counter and then your meal will be brought to you in the dining room, which seats about 50 guests. Food is prepared fresh to order and comes out pretty quickly. Go visit and tell them Dayton Dining sent you!