Tour Stop 2: Venezuela

Valencia Luncheria
164 Main Street, Norwalk
August 17, 2013 at time TBD

Please just leave a comment below if you probably can or will be able to join us for this. Please include your REAL email address in the correct field (I’m the only one who sees it), and probable number in party. As it appears my statewide influence is nonexistent, it appears that when I do this outside of Hartford, participation is limited. But don’t be scared.

This is their old spot that they outgrew, but I like it. (Photo CTbites)

Here is where this idea came from – the CT Restaurant Tour of the World.

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I’m really excited about this place. I’ve never had “Venezuelan Beach Food” in my life. I’ve never had an arepa in my life. Heck, I’ve never had a bunch of stuff on the vast menu at VL. (WARNING: Music!)

“In case you are not familiar with an arepa, this delectable handmade Venezuelan corn cake can be fried or skillet-roasted, then stuffed with tantalizing combinations like spinach and bacon, Venezuelan pork roast, queso blanco and avocado, or the sweet option… dulche de leche and banana.” That bit is from CTBites.

Here’s the new space. (Photo from The Hour)

Although I’d never heard of this place until I started poking around Connecticut for unique ethnic cuisines, VL is apparently a rather popular spot in and around Norwalk. It receives very good reviews and the chef’s story is a cool one – he basically moved to Venezuela to immerse himself in the culture and food, starting as a dishwasher at a restaurant.

While it’s new to me, the nightmare named Guy Fieri has been there. I seriously can’t get through it, so more power to you if you can.

Again, the idea here is simply to meet some new people, have some good conversation, and perhaps try some new (to you) cuisine. That’s it. This isn’t about “food blogging” or getting a free appetizer. This is about celebrating the various food cultures we have here in Connecticut – you know, “Destroying the Myth that there’s Nothing to do here.” CTMQ’s mission statement.

The rules:

1. The restaurant will be aware of what’s going on. (Usually, not always)
2. Each person/couple/pre-determined group will be responsible for their own bill. No one will be sharing bills with people they don’t know. Perhaps a pain for the waitstaff, but c’mon, it just makes sense.
3. Don’t drive drunk.
4. Don’t expect free food. Don’t you dare ask for free food.
6. Tip well
5. Try not to be late.
6. You do NOT have to know me – or anyone else. Just don’t be creepy.

Size of party is pending interest in this whole thing. So for now, please just comment that you want to join us. Then I’ll figure it out from there. I hope I’m not alone, but if I am, so be it.

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Valencia Luncheria
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