Orinoco flow

Not really a full-on review, just a recommendation for a place to try -- Orinoco: A Latin Kitchen. This cute-as-a-button corner spot in the South End (on Shawmut) comes complete with cute-as-a-button waitstaff. I arrived on Friday night in a group of four and all the inside tables had just been filled, but we were allowed to sit and order food at the bar counter. (There was also outdoor seating, but one of our party was without jacket.) Most of the options, which sounded capital-D Delicious, were animal-flesh-based, but there are several vegetarian arepas ("traditional Venezuelan grilled corn pocket sandwiches"), and the verde empanada, which I ordered, was simply scrumptious -- filled with wild mushrooms and other delights, and served with a fabulous salad. I supplemented with a side of rice and smoky, smoky black beans and it was a perfect light dinner. This would be a good spot to try with your non-veg friends. (Warning: You WILL get Enya stuck in your head.)