The Mandocas I grew up eating — memory as a review

I grew up eating Mandocas and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the hearty and comforting was right, Queso de mano fresh cheese was handled the way it should be.

the arepa is Venezuela's daily bread — eaten at all meals in countless configurations. Growing up it was always a Caracas arepera, which shaped my reference point entirely. ron Santa Teresa rum alongside it is the only way it makes sense to me. It's hard to be objective about food you have emotional history with, but objectively: this is very good.