Lapatilla
August 12, 2024, 8:49 pm
Courtesy
The Venezuelan flavor in Baltimore has its own name: “Arepi”. Harold and Luis Dams, the brothers behind this type of cooking, were recognized at the prestigious concert Golden Spatula Award 2023 for the best dish and they were also among the three best mobile restaurants in the “Enchanting City”, a distinction that only reaffirms the authenticity of their proposal. But what started as a modest stand at the farmers market paid off when his location opened in Point Fells.
And while the kitchen has been reinvented i any corner of the state of Maryland, the Dams brothers came together to fuse Creole flavor with a solid business purpose that served as a stepping stone to their successful rise in the competitive world of street food. Meet business creators who carry the heart of Venezuela in everything dish and won a place of honor in the gastronomic scene of the distinguished city of the United States.
lapatilla.com
The Dambás, originally from Lechería, in the state of Anzoátegui, left their homeland more than ten years ago. Harold, who was 18 years old at the time, and Luis, who was only 16 years old, had an uncertain attitude, and because of the situation in the country they emigrated to the United States.
“We have been on the streets since we were young fighting and protesting for our rights and the rights of all Venezuelans, but our parents were afraid of our safety and took us out of the country.”Luis said.
The opportunity to settle in the United States arose thanks to the North American citizenship of Harold, who was born there after a short stay with his parents, which facilitated the migration process for the family.
However, the brothers faced a series of challenges when they arrived in Baltimore. “I think the biggest challenge was leaving family, friends, loved ones and starting from scratch at such a young age, just the two of us helping each other.”Luis said.
Pioneers in Baltimore
The idea to create “Arepi” It was motivated by the need they recognized in the community. “There were no food restaurants in Venezuela and every time we stayed, our friends loved our food and we saw the opportunity for a new concept that the city needed”Luis explained.
But it was not an easy task to start at the Dams, who went through financial problems to be able to establish them “Arepi”. “It was a challenge to start from scratch with what little we had together“, leave fear and our jobs to risk a new project.”
Courtesy
Since arriving on American soil, the Creole brothers have maintained the nostalgia of their homeland without abandoning the objective of fusing the essence of Venezuelan food with local flavors. “Because we came here when we were young and without our parents, I would say we got used to American food and Americanized the arepa a little bit for our taste and the taste of American consumers.”Luis revealed.
Courtesy
The dream “Arepi” was cooked over low heat and with a lot of effort. After working at a food stand at the farmers marketits founders never lost sight of having a permanent space to serve their clients until they finally established themselves as a landmark in the area. “Our goal from the beginning when we started ‘Arepi’ was to always have a place as we imagined it and by working like ants we were able to achieve it.“It was not easy at all.”Luis remembered.
Courtesy
Currently, locals and visitors can enjoy “Arepi” food in the area Heaven’s Point, 1616 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231prime location in the heart of one of the city’s most historic and picturesque coastal neighborhoods.
Taste of home
Adaptability is one of the key ingredients in their recipe for success, allowing them to turn “Arepi” into one of the most popular ventures on the streets of Baltimore. That is why, in the menu There is no shortage of stars of Venezuelan gastronomy: arepas, cachapas and tequeños.
But Luis also spoke of a proposal aimed at those adventurers looking for a different experience, which represents a carefully designed strategy to integrate into the environment of Fells Point, without losing the concept of its special art. “We serve coffee in the morning and we also have an alcohol license and we sell beer because we are in a nightlife area with lots of bars around.”
Courtesy
Likewise, “Arepi” strives for quality and freshness in the selection of ingredients it uses to offer authentic dishes while supporting the Baltimore community. “We know how processed the ingredients in American food are, so we focus on choosing fresh, local products from small businesses and thus we also help the local economy of the state.”said Luis.
Courtesy
After opening, the response from customers who visit the store is more than positive. “The whole community has welcomed us and the business with open arms, we’ve had a lot of support from the community, they love our concept and our food.”
Courtesy
And it is not surprising, since his concept was deeply rooted in the memory and palates of Baltimore residents. For the brothers, “Arepi” is an extension of their identity and roots.
“It is an honor and a pride for us to communicate the gastronomy and culture of our country In the same way we remember it, it is also our way to add our grain of sand and support Venezuela from afar, because unfortunately we are not there giving everything for a better Venezuela.”Luis revealed.
The success lice
The effort and dedication of the Dams brothers does not go unnoticed. In 2023, the award was given to “Arepi”. “Golden Spatula Award”recognition that left both surprised and grateful.
“It’s really nice and we’re proud that we were able to win it, it was very popular with businesses that we never imagined we’d win.”
Courtesy
But it is not the only award that adorns the career of “Arepi”. The restaurant was among the three finalists for the best mobile kitchen in the “business / pop-up food trucks” category of the Baltimore magazine.
Courtesy
The entrepreneurship is brave and the Dams show their commitment to share the best of their gastronomic culture in a city that has opened the doors for them to work honestly. The recognition in his profession and the connection with his clients represent what “Arepi” represents to his family, a dream that emerges every day and promises to conquer new diners in the most populous city of Baltimore.
“We want to bring our concept to every corner of Maryland, which is the state we found ourselves in and we also plan to expand to other states in the future,” certainly for the youngest of the Dams.