As we've posted in the past-it seems a universal complaint from both visitors and Castro denizens-that food choices in the neighborhood can be, um, problematic when it comes to consistency and great taste factors. Today news comes to the Biscuit via tablehopper that Castro places to pick to sup has increased by one, new, innovative choice with the opening of Napa favorite, Pica Pica Maize Kitchen (3970 17th St. at Market) this last Saturday on March 23rd. Pica Pica Maize Kitchen brings the undiscovered cuisine of Venezuela to its new Castro diners. They use traditional Venezuelan recipes and fresh local produce helping Pica Pica’s popular menu to present their unique vision of a selection of dishes seen across Venezuela. Pica Pica was founded by the father and daughter team of Adriana Lopez Vermut and Leopoldo López Gil. Besides her father Adriana comes from a long line of family cooks and restaurant owners. Leopoldo, is a restaurateur in Caracas, who's infamous in his home country as a founding member of Venezuela’s Slow Food Movement. The family motto for living is also the driving theme of the Pica Pica dining experience: "Good food is central to the best times in life."

Known for their their signature Arepas Maize-wiches: a grilled corn pocket crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside, and stuffed with your choice of slow-cooked meats, beans, plantains, cheese or vegetables.  All of which are certified wheat and gluten free.

The Castro location will also offer some cool new options you can't find at their original spot up in wine country. Yummy appetizers like Nachos Pica Pica or a light or their palette pleasing version of Shrimp Ceviche. They are also planning on some larger dinner plates that have never been on Napa's menu-a succulent Pulled Pork Pernil Platter. The new eatery is the second the family have opened up in SF. The first is in the Mission on Valencia. The Castro eatery will also be offering gluten free beer and wine as soon as they get the  almighty-and sometimes elusive-beer/wine license approved by the lords of permits down at SF City Hall. Pica Pica, 3970 17th St., is open daily from 11:30am-11pm. If you have questions or need more info give them a ring: 415-525-3359.