Casadeluna Restaurant & Bar, 800 Chestnut Ave, Trenton, NJ
M, W, Th, F, 6AM - 2AM; Sa-Su, 7AM - 2AM; Closed Tu
(609) 394-1456   Website    Google Maps

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(Covid Update Dec 2021 – in business) Ever heard of an Arepa? Or a Cachapa? Neither had I. But Trenton’s only Venezuelan restaurant serves up these national specialties, along with a superb Latino-fusion menu. Casa de Luna is a wonderful addition to Chambersburg’s flourishing Latino restaurant scene, serving up scrumptious items you’ll find nowhere else in town.  The restaurant is also a full bar (which opens 6 PM – 2 AM) and occupies the space which Chambersburg old-timers will remember as Tattoni’s.  Note the bar-scene is pretty noisy, so if you’re looking for a quiet meal consider eating before 6, or take-out afterwards.

Think of an Arepa as a Venezuelan bagel. Well, sort of. As a bagel is to a slice of white bread, an arepa is to a tortilla. It’s made from a special masa flour (limed-corn-meal, and inherently gluten free), formed into a sandwich roll that is dense and chewy. For roughly $5 (June 2017 prices) you can order an arepa with a huge range of fillings.

• Reina Pepiada – a traditional chunky chicken salad made with avocado and mayonnaise. Add some of the “house dressing” a garlicky green goddess sauce. Lovely.
• Pelua – shredded beef (similar to a Cuban Ropa Vieja) and cheese filling
• Pernil – roast pork
• Perico – scrambled eggs with onions and tomatos (especially good for breakfast)

  

Want to try something else as well?  Check out the Cachapa (header image), a thick, sweet-corn pancake stuffed with your choice of fillings.  Incredible!

Casa de Luna has a lot going for it besides good food.  First, it’s open early and late.  The breakfasts are superb starting at (allegedly) 6 AM.  It’s open late, by virtue of the bar that’s open to 2 AM.  I’ve never been there that late, but I’m told the kitchen is open past 1 AM.  There’s also a take-out window on the side (Morris Ave), where you can get Arepa’s to go until well past midnight.

Weekdays during the week they also offer lunch specials.  Platters with lunch-sized portions that vary day by day.  The photo shows a superbly grilled chicken lunch special: rice, beans, friend plantains, and even a soft drink included in the $7 price.

Is everything good here?  I’m not sure.  To date I’ve eaten here 5 times, focusing on Arepas and Chachapas, and loved everything.  It’s quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in a town filled with great Latino food.