Puerto Rico Archives - The Hotel Guide

Boricua Bites – A Personal Culinary Journey Through Puerto Rico

Publisher — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:38:20 +0000

As my husband and I touched down in Puerto Rico, I could feel the excitement building once again like it had for the first time when I visited in 2018. This wasn’t just a vacation; it was another chance to explore the heart and soul of his culture through the vibrant tapestry of Puerto Rican cuisine. In my husband’s hometown of Dorado, just forty-five minutes west of Old San Juan, we embarked on another culinary adventure and immersed ourselves in the flavors that defined his childhood.
Cafecito Craze
Every morning starts with “cafe con leche”. We grab ours at our favorite coffee shop in Dorado, Cuatro Sombras, which means “four shades”. The name was inspired by the Hacienda trees that protected and shaded the original harvests.
The Hacienda Santa Clara has produced Puerto Rico’s coffee beans since 1846, as well as Cuatro Sombras’ since 2011. When the doors opened to the cafe, we inhaled the dancing aroma of freshly ground Boricua coffee beans. The authenticity, richness, and smokey notes of the Hacienda coffee bean is reflected in the flavor of their exquisite espresso. Each sip filled with a bold, decadent delight that has been kissed by the tropical flavor and heritage of the island. If you cannot make it to Dorado for a Cuatro Sombras coffee, they also have another stunning location in Old San Juan!
Passion for Panaderia
After our quick trip to the cafe, we accompanied my in-laws, and made our way to one of the well renowned bakeries in San Juan, “Panadería España”. When you open the doors to the bakery, the lingering smell of freshly baked “sobao” and “pan de agua” fills the air.
My husband took the lead and ordered my favorite breakfast sandwich on the island -the sandwich de jamon, queso y huevo. For those of you who know Spanish, it’s not just any ham, egg, and cheese sandwich. The sabao bread is the star of the show – Every carbo-o-holic’s dream! As you bite in, the sweet bread melts in your mouth followed by the velvety cheese and juicy ham. I never knew a sandwich so simple could spark so many flavors on my taste buds!
Empanadillas
As we finished up our breakfast strolling through the vibrant streets of old San Juan, we made a stop at an old friend’s empanadilla stand. Empanadillas El Gordo Mal Hablao has any filling you can think of! From pizza to seafood, all the options are deep fried to perfection. These empanadillas created a great savory snack on the go so we could take in the vast beauty of the ocean view located right outside our friend’s shop.
Vamo Pa La Playa
No visit back to Puerto Rico and its cuisine is complete without mentioning the delectable Kikita Beach House in Dorado. This trendy, but timeless restaurant has been a local favorite of my family’s for several years and has never disappointed!
We are always greeted by familiar faces at the valet entrance of Kikita. As I head up the winding steps reaching the top floor, I become intrigued by the symphony of scents. First, the ocean breeze wafts past from the balcony overlooking the rocky coast, followed by the searing of lobster and the decadent scent of rich, creamy risotto.
I knew what I had just inhaled was going to be the exact thing I ordered at dinner. Kikita prides itself on their fresh and locally caught lobster.
After many well-made drinks flowing through our party of twelve, the plates of langosta fresca (lobster), mofongo (traditional green plantain dish), and Risotto con mariscos (seafood risotto) sat before us.
After the sounds of silverware clanking against our plates began to fade, the brother of the owner stopped by our table to ask how the food was. Our smiles and plates were enough evidence that they had put our taste buds in a coma!
The Final Course
In my seven years of culinary adventure on this gorgeous island of Puerto Rico, I have tried to encapsulate the gems of where the locals love to dine. There are so many combinations of delicacies on the island that are the perfect addition to anyone’s itinerary.
From the warm lattes passed down through generations to a perfect meal overlooking the rocky coast at Kikita Beach House, this specific experience is unmatched. The flavors are bold, the aromas intoxicating, and the experience unforgettable.
Puerto Rican cuisine is not just about food; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the joyous moments shared around the table.
So, if you ever find yourself on the enchanting island of Puerto Rico, be sure to add these to your itinerary if you wish to tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a profound appreciation to eat like a local!

Written by Sydney Roberson

The post Boricua Bites – A Personal Culinary Journey Through Puerto Rico appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Visit Puerto Rico – A Tropical Paradise

Publisher — Tue, 11 May 2021 14:41:00 +0000

Tropical relaxation and thrilling activities await discovery in Puerto Rico now, a time when our soul-caressing Island offers a cornucopia of Caribbean getaway attractions. Whether you strive to escape frosty mornings and bone-chilling wind, or you need to frolic on an enchanting Island while rejuvenating through sensual pleasures or adventure activities, Puerto Rico beckons.
This time of year is ideally suited to please a variety of desires – from teeing it up at 17 gorgeous golf courses and exploring the Island’s culture and history, to relishing spectacular food dishes and luxuriating at boutique hotels, short-term rentals, or iconic hospitality brand properties.
If glamourous sophistication is your muse, consider The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Rio Grande. Starting with an oceanside setting where panoramic turquoise sea views welcome visitors, the resort’s Iridium Spa and Bahia Wellness Center sooth and inspire. Formal and casual dining options are offered, as is the astounding Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed 18-hole course. After a fulfilling day, sink into sumptuous oceanfront or garden view rooms or suites.
Also in Rio Grande, The Resort at Coco Beach enables guest to stay steps from the water in beachside suites. A Hyatt affiliated hotel, the family friendly resort is framed against the backdrop of the beautiful El Yunque rainforest on one side, the ocean on the other. Lounge by the sprawling lagoon-style pool, play golf at one of two 18-hole championship golf courses – home of the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open – or tour the historic buildings of nearby Old San Juan.
Not into resorts and seek more authentic Island life experiences? Explore any of Puerto Rico’s dozens of municipalities, where their unique culture and convivial spirit stimulate intrepid travelers. Delight in Puerto’s Rico’s Street Food or elite restaurants; both abound with flavorful options to satisfy every palette. Appreciate the eco-sensitivity of El Yunque rain forest or the Island’s bio-luminescent bays, or party with locals, ride some waves, and relax on the beach. The leisure and lifestyle options are many on Puerto Rico, and the timing perfect for a late fall respite.
Arriving in Puerto Rico is easy and particularly appreciated by American citizens who don’t need passports to enter the bilingual Island where the U.S. dollar is used. The Island’s offers numerous non-stop flights from major cities in North America, particularly along the Eastern Seaboard.
For more information on Island getaways, golf courses, resorts, and other destination attractions, visit: DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

The post Visit Puerto Rico – A Tropical Paradise appeared first on The Hotel Guide.

Spring Break Edition Out

Publisher — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 05:19:11 +0000

Travel is good for the soul. As we embark on our 24th year as a destination publication and roll out our Spring Break edition, we are excited about what the future holds. In doing so, we have added three industry leaders to our team to help further our mission of being one of the top travel publications around.

We added John Zambrano as our Vice-President of Sales and Marketing along with Esmi Gonzalez and Dawn Levis as our additional Regional Account Managers.

Our commitment is still to be the best publication on the market and give you, the reader, tons of information to make your travel escape that much more enjoyable.

This edition is lined with incredible destinations and hotels/resorts. Don’t miss out on San Antonio, Texas or the upgraded Hotel Phillips in Kansas City and the El San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico.

For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website.

Remember, we make travel easy.

The post Spring Break Edition Out appeared first on The Hotel Guide.