Spice up your appetite with lively Andean and Mexican fusion in Queen Village
Órale Venezuela brings a much-needed blend of Mexican and Venezuelan flavors to the city’s already-booming multicultural restaurant scene. Opened in mid-April this year, this unique Queen Village BYOB is the brainchild of Marilyn and Jesus, a married couple from Venezuela who’ve created a menu that reflects their culinary expertise and passion.
The restaurant’s story reflects the couple’s pursuit of a better life in America and the fulfillment of a dream. About a decade ago, they immigrated to the United States, bringing the vibrant flavors of their Venezuelan heritage. After working in numerous Mexican restaurants, they decided to blend these culinary traditions with the knowledge they’ve gained about Mexican cuisine. The result is a menu incorporating Mexican spices and techniques into classic Venezuelan dishes, creating a unique fusion experience that highlights the strengths of both cuisines.
One of the standout dishes I had when I visited was the traditional Venezuelan empanadas. Unlike any other empanadas I’ve had, these were made with corn flour rather than the typical wheat-based versions in other Latin American cultures. The use of corn flour gave the empanadas a unique texture and sweet flavor, with juicy and tender meat inside.
Corn was also the base for many other dishes, such as arepas and cachapas. Jesus, the head chef, explained that corn is central to Venezuelan cooking, a reflection of the indigenous Incan and Mayan traditions where it was a vital part of their diet and held deep spiritual significance. In these ancient cultures, corn was considered a sacred gift from the gods, often featured in religious rituals and mythology. It was believed to be the source of life, symbolizing sustenance and fertility.
During our visit, we also ordered cachapas with steak, a fantastic dish combining the traditional Venezuelan corn pancake with a Mexican-style steak preparation. The night’s showstopper was the Parrillada Mixta platter, which included steak, pork, sausage, chicken, tostones, and fried arepas drizzled with salsa verde. The dish came with a side salad of corn and assorted veggies with a creamy Venezuelan salsa that tasted to me like tartar sauce. While the side salad was not my favorite, the Parrillada Mixta had a large variety on the plate and was ideal for sharing.
🍾🍾🍾 Whether drinking or not, I often gravitate towards BYOB spots due to their cozy atmospheres and ability to make you feel like you have extended agency over your dining experience. Órale Venezuela was no exception, and the welcoming environment is one of the most rewarding aspects for Marilyn and Jesus, who have worked tirelessly to create a space that people love. ℹ️🍹 PRO TIP: Órale Venezuela offers fruit-flavored margarita mixes, a popular choice for those who bring their own tequila or prefer a non-alcoholic version. 😋
Despite the challenges of opening a new restaurant, especially during the slower summer months, Marilyn and Jesus remain hopeful. They aspire to attract more customers and expand their venture to include a wider menu and possibly even food trucks, bringing their delicious offerings to a larger audience.
Their dedication and sacrifices have been immense, and they are eager to see their hard work pay off. I’ll definitely be back, and I hope to see you there!
Órale Venezuela
775 S Front St (Queen Village)
267-231-6763
Open seven days, 9AM – 9PM
Takeout, Delivery, BYOB
@oralevenezuela14 on IG
🫓🌽 5 Fun Facts About Venezuelan Cuisine 🥑🍋🟩
- Arepas Are Life: Venezuela’s favorite cornmeal cakes are stuffed with endless fillings — from shredded beef to avocado — and eaten any time of day!
- A Dish of Many Colors: Pabellón Criollo, the national dish, combines shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains, representing Venezuela’s rich mix of cultures.
- Christmas Means Hallacas: Holiday season in Venezuela isn’t complete without hallacas, tamale-like bundles filled with meats, olives, and raisins, wrapped in plantain leaves.
- Sweet Meets Savory in Cachapas: These sweet corn pancakes are best enjoyed hot off the griddle, stuffed with gooey cheese or topped with creamy nata.
- Guasacaca: The Zesty Cousin of Guacamole: Tangy and green, this avocado-based sauce adds a bright kick to grilled meats, arepas, and just about anything else!
🗣 COMMENTS WELCOME! 🙌
What do you think? Have you been to Orale Venezuela? Do you have a favorite menu item? Or a tip for another good Queen Village spot? Please leave your comments below, and catch up with me on Instagram @gingersliketoeat. If you enjoyed this feature, please check out last month’s column on Get A Gato cat cafe. 😽☕
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