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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

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Destin-Fort Walton Beach: Florida’s Gold Coast Doesn’t Disappoint

Publisher — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 14:35:18 +0000

Known for pristine sugar-white sand and vibrant, emerald-green waters, Destin-Fort Walton Beach naturally welcomes families to explore together and set out on memorable, water-based adventures.
The Gulf waters are typically calm and crystal clear making ideal conditions for not only snorkeling and diving, but for kids to take their first steps from the shore and dive right in.
These adventures are not only possible but welcoming for every member of the family with activities ranging from legendary fishing and boating to watersports, and an abundance of wildlife to observe along the way.
Sugar-white Sand + Emerald-green Water
The signature sugar-white sand beaches found in DestinFort Walton Beach are some of the most beautiful in
the world and have a history all their own. Appalachian quartz crystals, washed from rivers and tumbled by tides over thousands of years, form the fine white powder sands that exist today.
The sand remains cool to the touch year-round and gives the water its trademark emerald color by reflecting sunlight through the surf, creating a picturesque backdrop for a perfect photo.
Getting Out on the Water
Play on the water isn’t just fun for kids it’s a transformative experience. With more than 20 miles of coastline, plus protected bays and bayous, the best way to explore is on the water.
For memories that will last a lifetime, guests can rent a pontoon, kayak or paddle board to explore the waterways with Island Watersports Company, experience underwater beauty with Destin Snorkel, or opt instead for a cruise on the Cattywampus Catamaran that boards from The Gulf on Okaloosa Island.
Nature Lovers
An environment that is diverse in nature awaits including vibrant reefs, coastal waterfronts, inland forests, and
cultural centers. It’s a setting that encourages kids to not only interact with their surroundings, but with parents and siblings.
The destination’s many parks provide an opportunity to be immersed in a coastal landscape whether checking out the endangered coastal scrub at Henderson Beach State Park, or spotting herons, pelicans, and other coastal birdlife along the walkways of Liza Jackson Park.
For an up-close encounter with some of the destination’s most well famous residents, seasonal Nighttime Educational Beach Walks (June through October) provide locals and visitors alike information about protecting the sea turtle population. Offshore adventurers can spot an abundance of marine life including dolphins, goliath groupers, angelfish, Spanish mackerels, spadefish, octopus, and more.
The calm, clear waters of The Gulf are as ideal for first-time snorkelers as they are for those that are PADI certified. Divers can explore artificial reefs, wrecks and a limestone shelf at depths of up to 90 feet.
Along the Shores
Beachgoers can lay out on the sand, letting time slip away or break up their stay discovering treasures on land. Strolls down Destin’s Harbor Walk Village or The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island are feasts for the senses.
Savor Gulf-to-Table seafood served at restaurants just steps away from the fishing boats that just recently pulled them from the water or chart a course for shops brimming with sweet treats, gifts, and beach apparel.
A bit further inland, antiquing and unique shops line Downtown Fort Walton Beach, and well known brands can be found at Destin Commons, an open-air mall, that is home to a multitude of shopping and dining destinations. to may book at one of several resorts and hotels.
To bring friends and extended family along for the journey, roomy vacation rentals provide a comfortable option. A more peaceful intimate experience awaits, over at RV campsites, and at campgrounds including Henderson State Park where families can sleep under a canopy of stars.
To learn more, please visit www.destinfwb.com.

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Casual Dining in Arlington, Texas

Publisher — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:28:45 +0000

Located 15 minutes from Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport, Arlington offers down home, real “mom and pop” places. We speak the international language of food, and this is flavor at its best. Leading the state with the most diverse and eclectic mix of restaurant choices in Dallas/ Fort Worth, Arlington is a notch above the rest. Here are 3 can’t miss places to try in the American Dream City.
Damian’s Cajun Soul Café
“A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.” – Thomas Keller Thomas Keller must have eaten at Damian’s Cajun Soul Café, because no other chef we know has put as much love and happiness into making sure his soul food touched ours. His cooking skills are Cajun real.
Here, in the middle of Arlington, Texas is where you will find a whole lot of true and authentic Louisiana flavor. A man with a brilliant smile, Damian Placide, Sr. learned everything he knows about the art of cooking serious Cajun food from his mom, who still owns a restaurant in New Iberia, Louisiana. “Everything I cook is from my heart, we don’t use recipes here,” he says.
Named after his son, his restaurant sits in a shopping center right off the highway, and it is a mom and pop stop at its best. The place is homey and quaint, and it is wise to get there early. When the food is gone for the day, it’s gone. The restaurant closes. Because of this, the lunch crowd line often stretches out the door. Rising every morning at 3 am to start the day, he cooks up everything from seafood etouffee (with a quite impressive roux, we might add!) to some of the best smothered pork chops you’ve ever tasted, from scratch. The pork chops are so tender that they literally fall off the bone with the mere touch of the fork.
There are other dishes that get your mouth watering, including fried catfish, fried chicken, sweet hush puppies, jambalaya and warm, spicy but tender shrimp, chicken and sausage gumbo that makes your heart sing. And, if you are a dessert fan, the pound cake is an absolute must. We promised not to share his secret, but let’s just say that a cake that takes 4 hours to perfect each and every day is worth standing in line for.
Taste of Europe
Irina and Mikhail Frumkin are the chefs and owners of this unique and one of a kind gem in the middle of the city. Known for its perfect eclectic mix of Russian gifts and warm and welcoming atmosphere, well known American TV shows like Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives have perused the isles and enjoyed the food. The owners are like diamonds themselves. Friendly and outgoing, they genuinely enjoy and love their customers, and you can feel it from the moment you arrive.
Taste of Europe welcomes you visually with a large Russian-inspired mural painted on the building, and once inside, you won’t know whether to visit the store or eat at the restaurant first. The smell of Belarussian kolduny, a potato pancake stuffed with a layer of ground meat (half beef, half chicken) will invite your appetite, and your wallet will be teased by the beautiful and vibrant colors of the amber jewelry, Russian nesting dolls and many, many other gift items invite you to shop for exclusive international gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.
And for an honorable mention, the hot beet borsht is slowly stewed, producing a sweet yet tangy flavor that is gently amplified by the coolness of the sour cream on the side. It is a must try. Fairly priced and authentic, the dishes served here don’t disappoint.

Chop House Burgers
We wouldn’t be true Texans if we didn’t include Texas beef. Nine times out of ten, when you go where the locals go, you will never be let down. That’s definitely the case for locally-owned burger joint Chop House Burgers. The man behind the burger, chef Kenny Mills, famously takes brisket and ground beef and creates a mouth-watering masterpiece unlike any other. The star of the show and namesake, “The Chop House Burger” is a celebrity in its own right, with glistening melted cheddar cheese, tangy house made steak sauce and aromatic apple wood smoked bacon served on a toasty buttery bun. It’s bliss! For some, bleu cheese is an acquired taste.
Not when you try the “Blacken Bleu Burger.” Flatter than the rest of the menu, the patty is thinned down, blackened and introduced to bleu cheese. Those who normally turn their nose at bleu cheese save a special place on their taste buds for this deliciously melty concoction, transcending existing qualms and devouring it in 1-2-3.
As an added bonus, once you’ve made your order, you’re given the name of a well-known celebrity, character or public figure. Instead of a name or a number, the waitress will be yelling out “Beyonce!” And, not to be forgotten, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike love “The Veggie Burger.” It blends together quinoa, cremini mushrooms, pinto and black beans with Cajun seasoning and topped with a to-die-for spicy chipotle mayonnaise. We’re leaving right now to go devour one.
Hope to see you there one day! For more on these and other great places, visit our website at: arlington.org.

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