Oct 16, 2024 - Food and Drink
What to order at Origen Bistro in the Bywater
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The arepas fritas are corn cakes that come with different toppings. Photo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios
After chef Julio Machado emigrated to New Orleans from Venezuela in 2018, he worked in Mexican restaurant kitchens while hoping to one day cook food that felt closer to his home, he told food writer Beth D'Addono.
Why it matters: Earlier this year, he made that happen by opening Origen Venezuelan Bistro in the Bywater.
The vibe: The restaurant, which sits on St. Claude Avenue at Congress Street, stretches across a former corner store.
- The split-level space has exposed brick and reclaimed wood paneling on the walls, and tables are sweetly set with fresh flowers.
- Half the menu is dedicated to nearly-all-day brunch options (available until 4pm).
What I ordered: The arepas fritas appetizer ($15.50) and a domino empanada ($9), which had black beans and cheese inside.
- It's been a over a week, and I'm still thinking about those arepas. The dish came with three silver-dollar-sized arepas. Each were topped with something different, including cheese, a chicken and avocado blend and shredded beef.
- The shredded beef paired especially well with a house-made vinegar hot sauce that our server delivered in a small jar.
