Join me for a 5 day food tour through Puerto Rico, the birthplace of my mother. On this journey, I'm seeking to connect to my roots a bit more as I taste my way through the island of enchantment. Come with me for lechon on the pork highway in the mountains, to bacalaito fritters on the coast in Piñones, and so much more in between.
Sit back, pop open an ice cold Medalla, and enjoy the ride. Wepa!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:38 RICO PAN BAKERY 2 - g.co/kgs/jtJ7Grw
Farina (cream of wheat) and Avena (oatmeal). Sweetened and topped with cinnamon.
Great place to buy Pan Sobao too.
1:47 PANADERÍA ESPAÑA - g.co/kgs/Autr7nR
Café con Leche, Pan de Mallorca, Spanish Tortilla
3:05 LA PLAZA DEL MERCADO DE SANTURCE -
g.co/kgs/jQ5WHa4
Fresh fruits and Veggies. Arrive early as parking is limited in the area. Bring cash too.
6:00 CAFETERÍA LA DIFFERENCIA -g.co/kgs/cqG2q99
Tripleta sandwich and Lunch plate of white rice, red beans, and Swai filet.
8:28 LA ISLA - g.co/kgs/VDVAzq7
Americano coffee from local beans and a Zero Waste grocery.
9:45 LA DANZA - g.co/kgs/WsgFpmj
Ice cold Medalla and Puertorican craft beer.
11:07 LIMBERS DE SAN JUAN - g.co/kgs/oHcJBgn
Traditional ice pops. Cash only
13:31 LA GARITA - g.co/kgs/gxLVAPR
Fried Red Snapper and Conch cocktail salad
17:29 PASEO DEL MORRO - g.co/kgs/v6MsbHY
1.5 mile pedestrian boardwalk trail bordering El Morro.
18:10 Barrachina - g.co/kgs/XXs9b7B
The "original" Piña Colada. No reservations needed to have the Piña Colada at the bar.
19:43 ANTIQUE BAKERY - g.co/kgs/aa5HExQ
Scrambled egg breakfast, with everything (Desayuno Revoltillo, con todo). Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich with Pan Sobao and mayo.
22:37 EL YUNQUE NATIONAL FOREST - g.co/kgs/EcKVHnb
Visited Yokahú Tower and Baño Grande but there are several viewpoints and trails. Best is to allow 2 hrs for your visit. Arrive by 9am to avoid large crowds.
25:25 KIOSKOS DE LUQUILLO - g.co/kgs/XfmHGWt
Row of open-air restaurants serving drinks and a variety of traditional foods. Best time to visit is for lunch and early dinner.
25:50 KIOSCO EL PLAYERO #57 - g.co/kgs/rbEKdyJ
Pork and chicken pinchos, arroz con gandules, bacalao guisado (Stewed Cod fish)
30:23 LA MONSERRATE LUQUILLO BEACH - g.co/kgs/pjbgbdY
Calm waters ideal for swimming and beautiful views of El Yunque.
$4 entry fee for parking. Equipped with facilities, chair/umbrella rentals, snack bars, and shop with beach essentials.
30:45 MOJITO LAB #7 - g.co/kgs/LXH2WBe
32oz Passion Fruit Mojito and Original Mojito.
31:17 LA ROCA TAINA KIOSK #60 - g.co/kgs/3tvrvhM
Bacalaito fritter and Flan de Queso (cream cheese flan)
32:32 LECHONERA EL RANCHO ORIGINAL - g.co/kgs/3HdAUi7
Spit roast pork, boiled vegetables, and Arroz con gandules. I highly recommend trying the traditional Pastel here.
39:19 LECHONERA LOS PINOS - g.co/kgs/xZnEHb9
Spit roast pork, longaniza sausage, Escabeche de Guineo (savory banana salad)
41:30 EL CALDERO DEL FOGON - g.co/kgs/fzAQmh5
Masitas de Puerco (Fried pork chunks), and Bacalao salad.
43:12 GRANOS BARTOLA - g.co/kgs/mgwpPJd
Granitos de arroz and Bolitas de arroz con queso gouda (Milled rice fritters and rice balls with gouda). The Rice Balls filled with Gouda are a must have!
45:22 CARMÍN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT - g.co/kgs/gr5TY9h
Mofongo con pulpo y salsa criolla (Mofongo with stewed octopus and creole sauce). Highly recommended this place!
47:22 LOS BARRILES - g.co/kgs/VP3s1sS
Oysters and Piña Colada. I would skip the oysters here but the Piña Colada was strong and very good!
48:40 HERMANOS PINCHOS - g.co/kgs/TLPnH9M
Bacalaitos and Alcapurria de Yuca filled with beef.
50:56 BACALAITOS GIGANTES - located adjacent to La Ola Frappé food truck. g.co/kgs/v8Sn6c4
Giant Bacalaito fritters, Extra thin and crunchy! Alcapurria de Platano Verde filled with beef.