Do you like meat? Do you like chocolate? Do you like fruit? Then you need to check out Sazon, located on Spring Garden in Philadelphia. There is not much happening on the surrounding blocks, but get yourself out there. The last (and only) time I was in Venezuela was in the spring of 2006, making it over two years since a decent arepa has been placed before me. More than two years!
The arepas here certainly do not disappoint. Mine has shredded beef and my roommate chose the Pernil. Both were delicious. The plaintains had a delicate sweet and salty taste and the passion fruit juice drink had a great tart kick.
And then there was the chocolate. Oh the chocolate! The owner creates various chocolate drinking concoctions depending on the season. We chose the Aztec and a Pumpkin based chocolate drink. The Aztec chocolate punches you in the face. It is not sweet, but the spices were wonderful. The pumpkin one was mildy sweet and had some nuts, cardamom, nutmeg, and other spices mixed in. The flavor and texture were great.
The staff were friendly and helpful. Cheerful photographs lined the walls, the paint color was bright, and nearby sat a table of attractive Venezuelans. The owner could probably tell we really enjoyed chocolate b/c on the way out we were given homemade truffles for free.
Another trip will definitely be made sometime soon, hopefully with a larger group. So if you're ever in the mood for excellent Venezuelan food in Philadelphia, check out Sazan.
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