La Vida Café (CLOSED)

Chef Ricardo Cardona is behind this fast-food arepa joint in the Bronx. The typical Venezuelan corn-batter sandwich comes with fillings such as smoked salmon, avocado and sour cream, or more traditional beef, queso blanco, fried plantains and black beans. It's an easy to-go lunch or snack, but diners might want to stick around: The corner restaurant has counter seats with prime views of leafy Van Cortlandt Park, across the street.