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At Sazon, an unassuming Venezuelan resto straddling Center City and Northern Liberties, they recommend that you start out with an empanada–the South American equivalent to a calzone. Empandas are filled with everything from beans and cheese to shredded pork and corn, and serve as a taste of the delicious Venezuelan offerings to come. Diners may then snack on sandwiches and salads, or order one of nearly a dozen arepas on the menu. Arepas are a Venezuelan staple”"warm, delicious corn flour patties, topped with a wide selection of meats, cheeses and vegetables. They also offer a hefty selection of entrees, which are served with heaping portions of rice and fried plantains. Carne Asado, a beef roast slow-cooked in brown sugar and garlic, is a sweet, delectable favorite.

The best part”"there’s nothing over $20 on the menu. In fact, you can eat your fill for under $15. And when you’re done, you can top your meal off with a delish cup of Sazon’s homemade hot chocolate.

We were told by our waiter that we’d have to wait about ten minutes for the hot chocolate to be ready, but that it would be “well worth it,” and he was right. The hot chocolate was much denser than most, and poured in a ribbon of dense chocolate. Similar to Mexican hot chocolate, Sazon’s Venezuelan variety has the tiniest bit of spicy kick to it. I joked with my companions that it should have been served in a shot glass, with a chaser, and they agreed. It truly redefines what hot chocolate can be. Rather than accompanying your dessert, it is the dessert.

Sazon
941 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-763-2500