Food Archives - Boulevards & Byways

5 Puerto Rico’s Best Kept Secrets

Sandy Ruyack — Wed, 24 May 2017 18:43:11 +0000

5 Things to do in Puerto Rico

There are many things to do in Puerto Rico. Here are 5 of Puerto Rico’s best-kept secrets.

These are a few things you might not have thought about doing.

Visit where Rum is made

Visit the Bacardi Factory in Old San Juan and try the rum.

Not only does the island have great rum, but you can also visit where it’s made. As a by-product of the sugar-making process, rum production in Puerto Rico became a major industry in the 16^th century. Sugar cane juice (guarapo) is extracted and boiled at a high temperature. The process yields a syrup called molasses, which when mixed with water and is fermented, produces the distilled spirit rum. Bacardi, Don Q, and Ron Barralito are some of the best Puerto Rican rums. You can see how rum is made and have a tasting at the Bacardi factory in Old San Juan. Read more here: A Taste of Puerto Rican Rum History

Explore Arecibo Observatory

NOTE: This attraction is permanently closed. The sad news is that the telescope has collapsed and will be demolished.

Explore Arecibo Observatory and view the massive telescope.

1,000 Foot Diameter Dish in a Sinkhole

The Northern Coastal Valley region of Arecibo Puerto Rico is marked by stark contrasts. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the north and numerous caves, sinkholes, and wooded hills to the south. One sinkhole, in particular, is known for nestling an awe-inspiring 1,000-foot diameter dish. This dish, a radio telescope, keeps us safe from asteroids, beamed a three-minute pictorial message 23,000 light-years away to the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy, and has assisted in numerous notable discoveries. Exploring the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico should be on your to-do list when visiting the island. Read more here: Exploring Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico

Try the Local Foods, they’re Delicious

Mofongo a traditional Puerto Rican food is made with mashed plantains and filled with seafood, beef, chicken, or pork.

Traditional foods are part of Puerto Rico’s heritage and are strongly rooted in the history and culture of the island. Find a local roadside stand, the beach-front hut, or a restaurant with grandma cooking at the stove down a side road. You’ll not only get a taste of the food but the culture as well. Wake up your taste buds and eat like a local in Puerto Rico. read more here:

Read more here: Eat Like a Local in Puerto Rico

Go Snorkeling

You will see an amazing amount of fish when snorkeling in Puerto Rico.

When spending time in Puerto Rico, many people who decide to visit this amazing island will lounge on the picturesque white-sand beaches, play in the clear blue water, and soak up the sunshine. However, renting a paddleboard or a kayak and snorkeling the crystal clear water should be on your list!

I highly recommend this full face snorkel mask. It makes snorkeling much easier because it forms a seal around your face which prevents water from leaking in. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and does not fog. You can click this link for easy ordering.

Traverse the Cave System

Visiting the Camuy Caves will leave you breathless when you view this massive sinkhole.

Located in northwest Puerto Rico in Arecibo, there’s a cave system called The Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy or Rio Camuy Caves. In the 1950s researchers discovered this large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways carved out by the third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy.

The canopy of trees and lush vegetation is dense and it’s hard to believe such an extensive cave system hides below the thick forest. Today there are more than 10 miles of mapped trails leading to 17 entrances and 220 caves. Only a small part of the cave system, a 268-acre park, however, is open to the public. It is home to 3 sinkholes through which an underground river runs, and 2 awe-inspiring caves which visitors can explore. Read more here: Two Caves to Explore in Puerto Rico

When traveling around Puerto Rico it helps to have a GPS to help navigate.

You can click the Amazon link for easy ordering.

When in Puerto Rico, step out of your comfort zone and eat the local foods, explore a cave, or snorkel in the crystal clear waters. You never know what you’ll find when you take the road less traveled.

Here’s how to get to some of the 5 Best Kept Secrets in Puerto Rico https://www.viator.com/Puerto-Rico/d36-ttd

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Where to Snorkel, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddle Board – Puerto Rico

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What to Eat in Puerto Rico (Like a Local)

Sandy Ruyack — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 19:11:01 +0000

How to Eat Like a Local in Puerto Rico

Traditional foods are part of a country’s heritage and are strongly rooted in the history and culture of the country you’re visiting. All I ask is that when you are visiting Puerto Rico you taste the local food.

I don’t want to hear that you ate at Senor Frogs, Morton’s Steakhouse, or the Cheesecake Factory. Find that local roadside stand, the beachfront hut, or the restaurant with a grandma cooking at the stove down that side road. You’ll not only get a taste of the food but the culture as well. It’s time to eat like a local in Puerto Rico!

What Foods to Eat in Puerto Rico?

Mofongo

Mofongo is Puerto Rico’s signature dish and if you eat only one local food, this is the one to try. It starts out with fried green plantains mashed in a wooden pilon, which is like a mortar and pestle. It’s oftentimes shaped like a bowl and filled with pork, steak, chicken, or seafood and covered in garlic and olive oil, or a criollo (red) sauce. Some places will serve it as a side dish without the protein. It is also common in Puerto Rico to make mofongo with cassava (mofongo de yuca), taro, and eddoe (mofongo de malanga y yautía), breadfruit (mofongo de pana), or a combination of cassava, ripe and green plantains (trifongo). I’ve tried them all and each delicious and have their own unique flavor.

Arepas

The arepa is a round, puffed dough (some places make it like a small donut without the hole, while others remind me of an Asian bao or steamed bun), which can be grilled, baked, fried, or steamed and stuffed or topped with pork, beef, or fish. Arepas are one of my favorite foods in Puerto Rico and can be found in high-end restaurants as well as at roadside stands and beach-front vendors.

Arroz con Gandules

Rice with pigeon peas (gandules) is a common side dish in many restaurants. It’s flavorful and healthy. These here are pictured with crispy-skinned Lechon.

Lechon

Whole roasted pig or lechon is a traditional holiday food in Puerto Rico but it doesn’t have to be a holiday for you to try it. There’s an entire town, Guavate, dedicated to cooking and serving this juicy and succulent meal all year-round. On the weekends, it’s a favorite place for locals to go to grab a meal, have a drink, and dance some salsa. Take a ride along “pork highway” as it’s called and join the party.

Chillo Frito

Whole fried snapper is a must-try if you’re a fish lover. The meat is moist and tender on the inside and the crunchy skin on the outside is very flavorful. This is one of my favorites.

Tostones

Thickly sliced fried green plantains called tostones are wildly popular in both restaurants and as street food. These crispy fried plantains, (a very firm banana) are either served as a side dish or as an appetizer.

Jueye

Land crab or jueye is prepared in a variety of ways on the island, but the most popular is salmorejo, which is a rich stew made with crab, tomato, garlic, onion, and peppers.

Pinonos

Pinonos consist of ground beef and seasonings and have fried plantains wrapped around the meat. It’s a sweet and savory combination and while it is very filling, it’s flavorful and tasty.

Alcapurrias

Alcapurrias are one of the many dishes served at kiosk stands or at street-side stands. It consists of dough surrounding ground beef and deep-fried in oil. The dough is generally green bananas (guineo) or grated cassava.

Pinchos

Pinchos is Spanish for spikes. Found on roadside stands this Puerto Rican fast food is basically shish-kebob or meat on a stick. Pork, chicken, and shrimp are often sold on skewers.

Bacalaito

Bacalaítos are salt cod pancake-like fritters. Delicious. I found this one being fried in a beach-side stand in Manati.

Pastelillo

This flaky pastry is baked or fried and packed with your favorite filling, from meat to chicken to fish. Enjoy it as an appetizer or a main dish. The smaller version of this snack is often called an empanadilla.

Tembleque

A popular dessert on the island is tembleque, which is a coconut custard dusted with cinnamon that makes for a tasty and light treat.

Limber

The first time I was in San Juan and looking for Limber I was directed to a nondescript building and told to walk into a barren lobby. Skeptical and a bit afraid, I put my big girl pants on and walked inside. A relief, I spotted the words Limber scribbled on a whiteboard, and a woman who looks like your nanna, tells you the day’s flavors in Spanish. Lemon, tamarind, mango, she said in half English, half Spanish. With a plastic cup in hand, I sampled this frozen treat consisting of sugar and fruit. It hasn’t changed in 40 years and is perfect on a hot day, or any day for that matter.

The icy treat got its unusual name in honor of Charles A. Lindbergh, the first pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. When Lindbergh flew alone to Puerto Rico in 1928, he was offered a frozen fruit juice. He enjoyed it and since then the locals started freezing the juice and called it Limber in honor of the man who inspired this much loved frozen treat.

Caribbean Lobster

Steamed or stuffed, lobster is never bad and in Puerto Rico they are huge. Did you know that Caribbean lobsters don’t have claws?

Fruits

Mangos, starfruit, pineapple, and breadfruit are all found in abundance on the island. Don’t forget to try some fresh fruit which can be found in abundance on roadside stands.

Rum

When in Puerto Rico you have to try the rum. Whether it’s Bacardi, Don Q, or Ron del Barrelito, in a mojito, rum punch, piña colada, or just straight on the rocks. It’s always refreshing and rum, of course, is the drink of choice of the locals.

Now you know how to eat like a local

in Puerto Rico.

What are your favorite local foods? Drop me a note and share with me your favorite Puerto Rican foods and drinks.

Read below about where to go for the best Lechon in Puerto Rico.

Where to go for Lechon in Puerto Rico

http://puertoricotourism.com

For recipes on Puerto Rican cuisine, shop here:

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7 Amazing Things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Sandy Ruyack — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 17:50:48 +0000

Colorful architecture, 16th-century forts, and blue cobblestone streets. This describes the most interesting and beautiful city in the world, Old San Juan. It’s a city with a vast history and an incredible culture, which is why when you’re visiting don’t miss these 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan Puerto Rico.

For the most up-to-date covid regulations, please visit the Discover Puerto Rico website before traveling to the island. Please note: Hours and opening schedules may have changed because of COVID-19. Please check their websites for up-to-date information.

It was 1528 when the growing and prosperous city of Old San Juan experienced its first pirate attack. To fend off the pirates the Spanish created two huge forts and walled in the city. Today, you don’t have to worry about pirate attacks, but as a result, you’ll find yourself immersed in the history and beauty of these 16th-century forts where soldiers once fought.

1. Explore El Morro Fort

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan?

Guarding the entrance to San Juan Bay, El Morro, a six-level fort maintained by the National Park Services, is one of the most spectacular sites in Old San Juan. It’s where stone walls meet the crashing spray of the salty Atlantic Ocean and the vast green lawn touches the azure sky dotted by kites flying in the breeze pulled by happy children at play.

It’s an immense fort built in 1539 with 18-foot thick walls, ominous dungeons, cannons pointing seaward, barracks, and mazes of tunnels. Even though it was one of the largest fortifications built by Spain in the Caribbean, El Morro suffered several attacks from the English in 1595 and 1598, and the Dutch in 1625. In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, United States Navy ships fired upon the fortification. Puerto Rico surrendered and eventually became a commonwealth of the United States, which it still is today. During World War II, the U.S. government added an artillery fire control station.

Even if you don’t have the time or desire to visit this fort, take a stroll by it in the evening. The fort can be especially beautiful at nightfall when the setting sun illuminates the fort, casting shadows on the small, circular sentry boxes called “garitas” which have become a national symbol of Puerto Rico.

Hours: Open Daily: 9am – 5pm (June to November) and 9am – 6pm (December – May)
501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
+1-787-729-6960
www.nps.gov/saju/

Bonus: Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetary

Located just outside the walls of El Morro is the beautiful Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery built on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to symbolize the spirit’s journey crossing over to the afterlife. This colonial-era cemetery contains many stunning and elaborate tombstones and is the final resting place of prominent residents.

2. Visit San Cristobel Fort

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

In 1634 construction began on San Cristóbal and was considered a necessary addition to San Juan’s defenses in the wake of devastating attacks from the English in 1598 and Dutch in 1625. The fortress served as a means of defense for the city of San Juan in the event of land attacks from the east.

Fort San Cristobal is thought to be the biggest fortress constructed on the American continent. With its design inspired by the 17^th century Vauban-style fortresses of France, notable features of the fort include a dungeon, moat, bunker, rooms for canons, and various tunnels. Two observation posts were added during World War II. Fort San Cristobal’s network of underground tunnels is open for exploration – the complex maze was originally utilized to facilitate easy communication and transportation of military materials, and add a level of difficulty for attackers.

At both forts, hourly tours are given by park rangers, in both English and Spanish, and provide great insight into the life of the soldiers and the history of the time. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs between them making it easy for you to see both forts in one day.

Hours: Open daily: 9 am – 5 pm (June to November) and 9 am – 6 pm (December – May)
San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
+1-787-449-4049
www.nps.gov/saju/

3. Take a Break at Casa Corte Chocolate Bar

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

The first time I was in Old San Juan my eyes zeroed in on the words, Casa Corte Chocolate Bar. Like a moth to a light bulb, I plastered my face to the window to see an array of delectable chocolates on display and a long, sleek bar.

The establishment’s name upheld the true sense of the words, chocolate, and bar. Alcoholic drinks such as chocolate mimosas and white chocolate Russians can be ordered. The menu has a traditional list of foods, but with a unique chocolate twist. Cheese plates with dark chocolate sauce, grilled cheese with cheddar and dark chocolate, their “traditional” sandwich with roasted beef, pork, turkey, Swiss cheese and a dark chocolate sauce, and of course a variety chocolaty delicious desserts.

We sat at the bar and were immediately given small samples of hot chocolate. Rich and creamy, it was amazing, but since it was 90 degrees out, I wanted something cool. I ordered the chocolate frio, (cold chocolate). The tall, cold glass filled with sweet liquid chocolate, a frothy tower of whipped cream, and a chunk of chocolate which was placed on top as if it were the bride and groom on a wedding cake.

We decided to try one of their tapas, mofongito. Traditionally, mofongo is mashed plantains and either topped or filled with chicken, beef, pork, or seafood. Here, they were a smaller version and filled with chocolate. Amazing, unique, innovative. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind place to grab a drink, meal, snack, or even chocolates to take home.

Hours: 8am-8pm
210 Calle San Francisco, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
+1-787-722-0499
casacortespr.com

4. Ask for a Miracle at Cristo Chapel

The Chapel is open on Tuesdays.

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Cristo Chapel is hallowed ground for those who are in need of a miracle. This 16th-century gothic chapel is formally known as the Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud, and more commonly known as the Cristo Chapel.

As legend has it, in 1753 a rider in a horse race, Baltazar Montanez, lost control of his horse plunging to the cliffs below. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts was watching and cried out, “Christ of Good Health, save him!” The horse didn’t survive the fall, but the young rider was miraculously saved.

That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff – atop the ancient wall that once protected the old city. The altar was built in shining silver and gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful oil paintings by the famous Puerto Rican artist Jose Campeche.

This tiny but well-appointed chapel hasn’t changed since Montanez built it. Over the decades believers who come to the chapel seeking miracles for physical illness have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of the body – legs, arms, heart. These small “Milagros” still decorate the walls today.

Hours: Today the church is only open on Tuesdays and religious days and is reverentially taken care of by a group of local elderly ladies; volunteers called “La Hermandad del Santo Cristo de la Salud.” Viejo San Juan
Location: the Lower end of Cristo Street

Bonus: Pigeon Park

Walkthrough the gate on the right before the chapel entrance and visit Pigeon Park, a small shaded is where hundreds of pigeons roost in crevices of the stone wall.

5. Shop till You Drop on Cristo Street

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

If you like shopping check out Cristo and Fortaleza Streets for designer goods, arts & crafts, local fare, and cigars. The Cigar House has a great selection of cigar and pipe accessories and a lounge where you can enjoy your favorite smoke.

Looking for authentic Puerto Rican clothing? For men, purchase a Guayabera on San Francisco Street, a white button-down shirt made with cotton or linen, perfect for the warm weather in the tropics. They are typical attire in the Caribbean and are part of the national costume of Puerto Rico.

Concalma sells unique cloth purses and jewelry made by Puerto Rican designers and artists. 1% of their online sales of bags go to Siembra Tres Vidas, an organic farm in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. If designer fashion is what you want, take a stroll on Cristo Street where you’ll find shops such as Coach and Ralph Lauren.

Local shops in Old San Juan:

The Handcraft Store

101 Fortaleza Street, (787) 724-1181

Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts

Calle Fortaleza 204, (787) 725-5596

The Cigar House

Calle Fortaleza 257, (787) 723-5223

Concalma

Unique handmade bags

Calle San Francisco 207, (787) 342-9757

House Guayaberas

Traditional white linen shirts and dresses.

Calle Tanca 202 – near San Francisco and Fortaleza Street – la Plaza La Barandilla, 787-664-4367

6. Stroll on the Paseo La Princessa

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Paseo La Princessa is a tree-lined promenade built in 1853 which follows the beautiful views of the San Juan Bay and the historic base of the city walls. The ‘Paseo’ used to be where the local aristocrats would come to display their wealth and socialize. Here are a few things you’ll find along your walk on Paseo La Princesa along with a self-guided walking tour.

On the weekends, vendors set up booths containing various foods as well as arts and crafts. It’s a great place to pick up a snack or a trinket to commemorate your visit.

A former jail is now home to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Here you can get tourist information, grab a map of Old San Juan, (which I highly recommend), visit their art gallery, walk around the elegant courtyard, and see a 19th-century jail cell.

Raíces Fountain, also known as the Roots Fountain is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in Old San Juan, particularly when the setting sun casts its shades of copper and gold across the water in the bay outlining the dramatic silhouette of the bronze statues. This collection, honoring Puerto Rico’s mixed African, Spanish and Taino/Amerindian heritage, is represented as a ship being steered out into the open sea with leaping dolphins leading the way to a bright 21st-century future. The picturesque San Juan Bay serves as a backdrop to the statue.

As you walk further down Paseo de la Princesa you will come upon a large, red gate built in approximately 1635. This is the last remaining gate that was built into the massive defensive walls to protect the city was the main entry into the walled city during its Spanish colonial era. The gate is closed at night.

The blue cobblestone streets and colorful architecture make this one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Walk through the gate and view the blue cobblestones which line the streets and wander leisurely admiring the charming 16^th and 17th-century Spanish colonial homes encompassing bright colors and interesting architecture. The blue cobblestones are adoquine, cast from furnace slag which was brought over as ballast on Spanish ships. Time and moisture have given them their blue color.

Location: 101 Paseo De La Princesa, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00901

7. Dance the Night Away

Make sure you take a salsa lesson.

Why is it one of the 7 amazing things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico?

Locals and tourists together can enjoy the spirited beat of salsa music at Nuyorican Café. A talented live band, a cover charge of only $5, and a centrally located establishment make this a popular spot to dance. Don’t let its side alley entrance scare you. At 9 pm when they open, they’ll be someone handing out flyers at the door, otherwise, you’d never know it’s there. Salsa lessons are available at 9 pm on Wednesdays and the band generally starts at 10:15.

Address: 312 Calle San Francisco, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico (Even though the address is Calle San Francisco the front entrance is actually on the side street of Calle de la Capilla.)

Where to stay in Old San Juan:

Hotel El Convento

The Hotel El Convento is in the heart of Old San Juan and is a former Carmelite convent which dates back to 1651 and is now a romantic retreat with 58 well-decorated rooms. It’s also reportedly home to the ghosts of its nuns who haunt its halls.

Hotel Amenities include a fitness facility, bar/lounge, conference space, porter/bellhop, multilingual staff, ATM/banking, outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, snack bar/deli, laundry facilities, refrigerator, cribs/infant beds (complimentary) and rooftop lounge area.

High-end price

100 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
+1-787-723-9020
http://www.elconvento.com/

Hotel Plaza De Armas Old San Juan

Overlooking the Plaza de Armas, this Spanish Colonial style 4 floor, 51 room hotel is a 9 minutes’ walk from Castillo San Cristóbal fort. Featuring wood furnishings, the low-key rooms offer flat-screen TVs with premium channels. Some rooms have no windows. Amenities include an elevator, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, an informal coffee shop, and a sitting/dining area in a bright atrium.

Economy Price

202 Calle San José, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
+1- 787-722-9191
http://www.hotelplazadearmaspr.com/default-en.html

La Terraza De San Juan

Located in San Juan Antiguo, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk from Castillo de San Cristobal fort and San Juan Gate. All 24 individually decorated rooms feature free Wi-Fi and minibars. For a bit of entertainment, guests will find flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and other amenities include refrigerators and premium bedding. Along with an outdoor rooftop pool, this smoke-free hotel has 3 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. Other amenities include a coffee shop/café and coffee/tea in a common area.

Mid-Price

262 Calle Sol, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
+1-787-722-2014
http://www.laterrazahotelsanjuan.com/

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What to do in Puerto Rico in 15 Photos

Sandy Ruyack — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 18:01:29 +0000

Explore Puerto Rico with 15 Photos

Things to do in Puerto Rico

Colorful architecture of Old San Juan!

Walking the streets of Old San Juan will make you question whether you’re in Europe or the Caribbean. Dazzling colors and roads lined with blue cobblestones, give this historical city beauty and charm. Does this picture inspire you to travel to Puerto Rico?

Beaches in Puerto Rico!

Swimming in the warm waters of Puerto Rico’s beaches will make you never want to leave. If calm waters are your desire, go to Luquillo Beach on the east side of the island. If it’s waves you want, go to the west side to Sandy Beach in Rincon. The island is surrounded by unique beaches that are the most beautiful in the world.