There aren't many places in the city where ten bucks can still buy a nice meal. White Maize in Carroll Gardens is one of them. The restaurant specializes in Venezuelan arepas. The Parrilla is outrageously good made with grilled steak, tomatoes, avocado and a thick slice of grilled cheese served in an over-stuffed arepa. Other varieties include the Pabellon with pulled beef, black beans & sweet plantains, and the Vuelve A La Vida with shrimp, octopus & calamari. White Maize also offers an assortment of bowls with your choice of rice, quinoa, black beans and sweet plaintains. An assortment of empanadas with special "white maize" sauce, and vegetarian tequenos are also available. The restaurant with its exposed brick, bulky wooden tables and white-washed tiles offers an inviting space that opens onto the street in warmer weather.

- Thomas Rafael