Al Dente
Al Dente is one of the loveliest places in the Old City, offering exquisite Italian cuisine in a colonial Spanish setting. This unpretentious restaurant has a decor that evokes a trattoria similar to those found in Palermo, Italy. One might sample the scallops on a bed of spinach, gnocchi with pesto, or well-seasoned calamari. The chef also makes his own desserts, including cheesecake, tiramisu and chocolate tortes. More
A few weeks ago I put the spotlight on Vieques Island, one of Puerto Rico's island getaways; it's only fair that I give Culebra its due as well. Culebra is unlike Vieques in many ways. Less developed, more rustic, and altogether boasting a different vibe, it's a different experience. Life on the island is laid back, friendly, and far, far away from it all.
In that way, Dick and Cathie fit right in with the island's down-home style. Their fleet of "things" epitomize the unpretentious, casual style of the island. While a few people bemoan the noisy, rumbling Volkswagen buggies that can be heard before they are seen, I have to admit that I enjoyed the experience of driving around the island in them. Somehow, it went hand in hand with the beautiful, remote, and non-commercialized paradise that is Culebra Island.
The Things of Culebra originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 10:34:37.
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...And as for food festivals...
...Saborea isn't the only game in town. Sure, it gathers the big boys, nationally and across the water, for a weekend of gourmet entertainment. But lets not forget the drink that makes Puerto Rico run: rum. Rums of Puerto Rico, in itself an active proponent of the island's favorite liquor, is throwing its own gastronomic fete at the end of March.
The taste of rum event, which comes to the lovely, pedestrian boulevard of Paseo de la Princesa on March 21, is a day of unlimited drink and food. Of course, the star of the show will be the smorgasbord of Caribbean rums. Also on tap and promising to be well worth the $45 entrance fee is a rum barbecue competition sponsored by the Caribbean barbecue association (which also begs the question, just how many barbecue associations are there?). There will be plenty of live music and good old fashioned Puerto Rican gaiety. And finally, if you need further justification, after 8 pm all proceeds go to Sapients, a non-profit organization that works to improve Puerto Rico's public education system.
...And as for food festivals... originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Saturday, March 6th, 2010 at 00:30:46.
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If there is a foodie-related bone in your body, you want to be in Puerto Rico next month for Saborea, the premier culinary event in the Caribbean. I went last year, met some wonderful chefs (Cat Cora, Wilo Benet and Roberto Treviño among them), ate delicious food, and generally had a blast. This year's event takes place from April 9-11 and will include over 60 restaurants from around the island showing off their best plates.
Saborea is more than a celebration of the incredibly rich and diverse gastronomy that Puerto Rico has produced in the last few years; it's the definitive culinary event of the year, and further proof that on this island, se come bien; that is, one eats well!
Plan now for Saborea! originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 19:07:28.
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From turtles-watching to golf-pro-watching to dinghy-watching, it seems like there's plenty to see in March in Puerto Rico. This month's calendar brings two major sporting events to the island, with the PGA Tour and the Heineken International Regatta both coming to town. Also coming to town (or island, at least) are nesting turtles in Culebra, orchids in Hato Rey, and salsa music in Carolina.
March Calendar originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 23:09:07.
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Last week I shared a terrific online brochure issued by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company on the how's and where's of salsa on the island. Of the places mentioned and recommended, the Nuyorican Cafe still holds a special place for me.
Partly this is because it reminds me of my sister's wedding, when we all came down for a great night of music and (in my case) impromptu salsa lessons given by total strangers who had more patience than I did. Partly, it's because I've always had a good time here, and the people who I have brought over the years have consistently told me that this was the San Juan they wanted to see. It also helps that, despite top-quality bands and a darn good reputation as a late-night destination of choice, the Nuyorican has stayed true to its roots. It's an affordable, bohemian, and casual place where you can sit back and relax or step forward and let loose. And it's still one of the best places on the island to find consistently great live salsa music.
See Nuyorican originally appeared on About.com Puerto Rico Travel on Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 09:13:32.