MIAReview
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
Frank Cachapas
Included In
Doral’s food truck scene is as vast and exciting as a South Florida reptile exposition. But there’s one with a bright green paint job and an earnest name that stands out. It’s the kind of place that becomes a weekly evening ritual. No reservations, no dress code, no senseless caviar bumps. Frank Cachapas is a hassle-free orchestra of cachapa flipping and arepa stuffing that makes you unironically scream, “I love you, Miami.”
It looks like a neighborhood cookout. There are rows of white folding tables and chairs made with the type of plastic that makes your arm hairs stand. You’ll want to order at the truck but resist intuition. Take a seat and smile at the strangers around you, who start to feel like family in this outdoor quinceañera setup.
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
There are no wrong orders at Frank Cachapas, but you are doing something wrong if you don’t get at least one cachapa. There are 10 variations on the menu, each of which deserve a star on Calle Ocho’s Walk of Fame. These cheesy pancakes are crowned with fresh crema that’s so shiny, you can see your reflection in it. First-timers should get cachapa number 10. It makes a strong case for a dietary lifestyle exclusively of corn and dairy. It’s delicious for dinner right when they open at 7pm, and still delicious as a late-night situation (they’re open till 1am on Friday and Saturday).
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
But the Venezuelan creations that emerge from this food truck aren't just limited to cachapas. They make a patacón the size of a football that comes with Frank’s signature plastic fork and knife stab. And the arepas, a snack in most of Miami, have a cross-section that looks like an orca’s wide open mouth.
Frank and his cachapas are exceptions to the widely accepted truth that all parking lots suck. This food truck has provided a space for Miamians to enjoy XL versions of some of Venezuela’s best dishes in a beautiful block party fashion.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
Cachapa #10
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
Patacón
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
Arepa Frita
photo credit: Cleveland Jennings / @eatthecanvasllc
Cachapa #6