An unusual new restaurant will open in downtown Oak Park, possibly before the start of the holiday shopping season.

A Venezuelan-born entrepreneur plans to open an eatery that serves up the cuisine of his native country. Called Aripo's, after a circular pan used to cook many Venezuelan dishes, the restaurant will take over the former Moveable Gourmet space at 118 N. Marion, just south of Lake Street.

Owner José Rodríguez, 26, believes Aripo's will be the only spot in the area serving nothing but Venezuelan food. He may be right, says David Hammond, a restaurant critic and food blogger who lives in Oak Park, noting that Caracas Grill in Rogers Park has closed.

Arepas will be the main dish served: a round, grilled cornmeal patty. The bread-like dish is split open and filled with anything from chicken to beef, pork, vegetables, avocadoes or eggs.

"The sky is the limit when it comes to stuffing an arepa," Rodríguez says.

He'll offer other traditional Venezuelan specialties, such as pabellón, the country's national dish, which is made of shredded beef, rice, black beans and fried plantains. The menu is still in flux, and Rodríguez says he also plans to apply for a liquor license.

Rodríguez immigrated to Kalamazoo, Mich., from Venezuela about 10 years ago, studying science and administration at Western Michigan University. His parents, who are the main investors in the business, live in Venezuela and spend time in Mexico. He moved to Oak Park about a month ago and said he chose the village because of its diversity.

Aripo's will have counter service and be open seven days a week, serving brunch on Sundays. The 1,950-square-foot space, which will require a little remodeling, seats 35 to 40 people. Rodríguez hopes to start up the business in November.

CONTACT: mstempniak@wjinc.com