El Cocotero

We walked by El Cocotero on 18th today and decided to stop. The awning proudly declares authentic home style Venezuelan restaurant. I don't know about you, but when someone says "home style", we're automatically intrigued, even if the success rate of "home style" is probably less than 50%. The menu is extensive and nicely broken up into distinctive categories. We shared a little meaty appetizer, the pastelito de carne. I don't know why because the arepas would have probably been filling enough, the corn dough shell was packed with shredded pork, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro and more. Definitely going back to try more.
El Cocotero, 228 W. 18th St, NY, NY 10011 (btwn 7th and 8th Aves)