The places shaking up San Juan’s culinary scene
San Juan has earned a reputation as the culinary capital of the Caribbean so it is constantly evolving with eating-out options ready to satisfy the wildly different tastes of local and international diners, from fans of Puerto Rican cooking and fast-food brands to gourmands seeking memorable eating experiences.
San Juan has earned a reputation as the culinary capital of the Caribbean so it is constantly evolving with eating-out options ready to satisfy the wildly different tastes of local and international diners, from fans of Puerto Rican cooking and fast-food brands to gourmands seeking memorable eating experiences.
What feeds this perennially shifting gastronomic scene? New concepts introduced by the culinary impresarios opening restaurants in San Juan and let’s not forget that creative culinary trends, like the savory aromas wafting in the air during cooking, sooner or later reach Puerto Rico from the kitchens of the world to be taken up by adventurous local chefs.
The latest concept to hit San Juan is “vibe dining,” an enhanced eating experience that turns a restaurant into a mix of hip club and entertainment, courtesy of dancing waiters and a live DJ amping the music volume up as the night burns.
STK San Juan, which The One Group Hospitality, Inc., opened at the luxe Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in the heart of San Juan’s tourist sector, kicked off this new trend on the island after having been successfully tested in the U.S. and abroad.
Think of STK as modern steakhouse meets chic lounge, a fusion splendidly pulled off in an exciting space that is at once hip and glamorous. The restaurant, which accommodates 188 people, is divided into a hip bistro area decked out with high chair tables and a stylish dining area with creamy, semi-circular banquettes and dramatic crystal vases, filled with glass gems, from which long-stemmed fabric flowers shoot out. The color scheme is black with hot flashes of red. Everything having to do with sight, service, sound and light is controlled.
The menu focuses on top quality meat (Linz Heritage Black Angus in portions of 6 to 34 ounces), combining classic STK staples and Smith creations such as a stewed rabbit served over a bed of arepas. He likes using the flavors, colors and textures of Caribbean cuisine, favoring such locally-sourced vegetables as malanga and yuca. So far, Filet Mignon and Tomahawk steak, which is dry-aged between 33 and 44 days, are big favorites among diners. Another winner is the Cloud dessert, deconstructed strawberry shortcake topped with ice cream, wrapped in cotton candy, splashed with Grand Marnier and dramatically torched to the delight of everyone.
For pre- or after-dinner drinks, lounge at the bar sipping STK classics like Cucumber Stiletto and Not Your Daddy’s Old Fashioned or cocktails created with Puerto Rico in mind like Ventana del Mar, Curious Jorge, Not a Paloma, and Condado 75.
The company already has 20 STKs in major metropolitan cities in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. And now San Juan is its stepping stone into the Caribbean.
Another trend that continues to gain ground in Puerto Rico is farm-to-table with many chefs now using a significant percentage of homegrown ingredients in creating their dishes.
Vianda takes up the challenges and delights of this trend out of a cozy locale with a mellow ambiance and understated decor tucked on the ground floor of a commercial building in the heart of Santurce. The restaurant’s large bay windows look onto busy by day, quiet by night Ponce de Leon Avenue.
The menu at Vianda mixes the familiar with the unexpected, resulting in most intriguing combinations. Like the recently featured pig head “carpaccio” with pickled vegetables and grilled sourdough or the mature plantain torte with crispy pork belly and bacon topped by a balsamic glaze. Entrees might include a USDA-Prime Strip Loin but, for the more adventurous diner, there is a Tom Kha Cod served in a coconut broth with mushrooms, chili oil and crispy rice or a pork trio — belly, cheek, and sausage — with yuca and a confit of peppers.
Vianda is a great place to stop over for happy hour. The restaurant has a fine wine list at sensible prices and you might want to try an appetizer or two for a taste of what Vianda offers.
Most local diners that come to Vianda are excited that the concept is a little different but it can be confusing for some people to wrap their heads around the fact that it is not criollo cuisine.
Overall, there is a demand and desire for fresh, delicious food and people are eager for more diversity of cuisine.
Fresh, local ingredients and an eclectic menu also distinguish San Juan’s Wicked Lily that is situated at The Tryst Beachfront Hotel in Condado.
Wicked Lily is a beachfront space where you feel good. The recipe: ingredients are simple and fresh.
On the menu you will find a spin of classic cuisines made into sophisticated dishes that bring together interesting combinations of flavors. Like bacalitos, quarter sized fried marinated cod fish served with squash blossoms, artichokes, chili pepper and lemon aioli; lobster guacamole made with chilled Maine lobster and smashed avocados served with local chips; Truffle Wings prepared with crispy boneless wings, toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, gorgonzola crumbs and truffle buffalo sauce; and Chicharron of Calamari served with sweet and sour peanut sauce, mezclum, sesame seeds and roasted peanut with togarashi.
For the restaurant’s sipping menu, there is an array of concocted unusual combinations of spirits, liqueurs, spices and herbs to create drinks like Melao Melao Melao (Bombay Sapphire, St. Germain, sage, yuzu and egg white) and Lily’s Colada (Myers rum, roasted pineapple, coconut water, nutmeg cream).
Cutting-edge restaurants are but one segment of Puerto Rico’s diversified food scene which includes casual restaurants and the popular fast-food brands that many people, pressed for time or short on cash, depend on regularly. This sector too is seeing more choices and locations opening up.
Metropol, a well-known local chain specializing in Puerto Rico’s criollo cuisine, opened its 10th casual dining restaurant at exclusive The Mall of San Juan. The restaurant prides in its selection of traditional dishes and its own classics like stuffed chicken, stuffed mofongo (mashed plantains served with different meats and fish), and Can Can Porkchop.
A new stateside brand that set up a local presence is Red Lobster. The well-known chain chose Plaza Las Americas, the biggest mall in the island and the Caribbean, as the location for its first local restaurant. This addition has proved good news to everyone familiar with this chain known for its generous portions of seafood.
San Juan’s food scene would not be complete without the presence of food trucks, a popular alternative that continues to offer new eating options to the public. At Miramar Food Truck Park, “Que Toston” delivers “comida criolla” of such perfection that it already has a fan club, including former San Juan resident David Vos, host of his own Internet show, cookingwithonehand.com.
Meanwhile, an upscale take on the food truck has gotten attention for its concept and the fresh design of its ocean front locale in Condado. “La Marqueta” is a large, breezy metal frame hangar in which shipping containers kiosks are lined up along an open, central patio with no barriers which opens to the Atlantic Ocean, each specializing in a particular cuisine. People can go from one kiosk to another trying out different dishes and sit at patio tables. The furnishing is tropical, there are potted palms, and the whole ambience is one of delicious al fresco living tying the sensory experience of flavors, sounds, smells and tactile sensations with a maritime theme.
Culinary experiences feature Asian, Puerto Rican, Italian, Mexican, and Mediterranean dishes. The Asian menu features dishes from various regional cuisines, such as Japanese, Chinese, and Thai, with offerings including poke and sushi. Likewise, the Mediterranean menu brings together the culinary traditions of Turkey, Greece and Spain, with classics ranging from babaganush and falafel, kebabs, and paella. The Italian menu offers classics such as risotto, a selection of Panini, and artisanal pizzas, and the choices from the Mexican menu include an array of tacos, among others.
Seafood, vegetarian dishes and emblematic specialties curated from local ingredients are also on the menu. Beverages include fresh fruit cocktails as well as a variety of freshly squeezed juices from local fruits.
The Oyster Shack in Condado is a family business that started out of the love for eating fresh oysters, seafood and connecting with people in a fine dining ambiance. Freshly opened oysters, clams, crudo, and a variety of refreshing ceviche are the main attractions – dishes straight from the tide to your table.
Fresh seafood is seasonal, which means its daily selection can change. You may find on the menu wild mussels, steamed oysters and clams, garlic shrimp, octopus, mahi mahi and scallops all prepared with their special blend of freshly chopped parsley, white wine, garlic, Spanish olive oil, peppers and red onions.
At 1208 Ashford International Cuisine and Steakhouse, the finest steaks and high-quality seafood are served in a vibrant setting. The restaurant’s fine dining and rooftop areas will soon reopen with a special menu. Its diverse menu will satisfy any personal craving, as they serve the best prime steaks, succulent seafood and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers.
Chef specialties include, but not limited to, pan seared scallops with roasted sweet Brentwood corn, bouillabaisse, salmon caviar and sweet potato ginger mash; 8-ounce wagyu steak, exotic mushrooms, truffle au jus and saffron risotto; smoked dry aged duck breast, endive and citrus glaze as well as Yukon mashed potato; and the catch of the day in white wine, garlic butter sauce with grilled asparagus and roasted rosemary potatoes.
Also enjoy from the grill, tomahawk steak for two with foie gras and brandy sauce; New York steak, prime angus filet mignon, and ribeye with tasty sides of grilled asparagus, Brussel sprouts, sautéed vegetables, mashed potatoes, roasted rosemary potatoes and pigeon pea risotto.
Morton’s The Steakhouse, an internationally acclaimed steakhouse, at the iconic Caribe Hilton Hotel. This premier establishment has unmatched personalized service and signature steakhouse selections of primed-aged beef, succulent seafood, shareable sides, decadent desserts and an extensive award-winning wine collection. From the bar to the main dining area, guests can enjoy breathtaking panoramic ocean views.
Morton’s interior incorporates the area’s waterfront offering with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning waterfront views in an elegant dining room ambiance with black patent crocodile leather booths and decorative glass within tiered light fixtures that reflect off smoked mirror columns.
In Old San Juan is Electric Wok, a new concept that takes fast food to another level. This restaurant provides fast and fresh cuisine in a casual setting. Guests are able to see the food preparation with its open kitchen concept. At Electric Wok you can create your own vision of stir fry using either fresh zucchini noodles or opting to add from its vast selection of succulent fried rice.
Also, Electric Wok prepares fresh flavorful cocktails such as the traditional mojitos and piña coladas however, the house specialty is called ‘Mi San Juan,’ which is made with a combination of fruits, Puerto Rican rum and a touch of agave in combination with edible seasonal flowers. The bar offers tapas, also referred to as bar snacks, that includes tempura wings with savory BBQ guava sauce or mouthwatering tuna tacos made of wonton croutons.
With so many new and exciting establishments with an eccentric mix of tastes, budgets, and influences opening in San Juan’s culinary scene, it no wonder why that diversity is what makes Puerto Rico, the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
Ponce is the culinary pearl of the south
Ponce, the “pearl” of a city on Puerto Rico’s south coast, entices visitors with a dazzling array of charms: its picturesque Caribbean coast, cultural treasures, hilltop castle and its unique Creole architecture with its turn of the century blending of Spanish, French and Caribbean traditions.
Ponce, the “pearl” of a city on Puerto Rico’s south coast, entices visitors with a dazzling array of charms: its picturesque Caribbean coast, cultural treasures, hilltop castle and its unique Creole architecture with its turn of the century blending of Spanish, French and Caribbean traditions.
So, it’s a bit disarming when you discover that on top of everything else it offers, Ponce is an amazing place to enjoy a meal, with culinary options as delightful and diverse as its cultural attributes.
Whether it’s fresh fish at a modest seaside restaurant, a traditional Spanish feast in a formal dining room, or a snack at La Guancha, Ponce flavors will satiate your craving with taste. From typical criollo fare to international fusion, Ponce restaurants will satisfy the most refined palate with culinary creations that hold their own against the best restaurants in the world. However, you’ll also discover unique tasty delights at city food stands, small eateries and food truck parks.
El Negocio de Panchi, housed in a modest wooden house on the outskirts of town, could be the best place to eat on the entire south coast. Scrumptious fresh gourmet food is served in a relaxed, affable ambiance, and the service staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. Owner and Chef Francisco “Panchi” Zayas reinvents international dishes by infusing them with local creole flavor from an evolving weekly menu.
The exquisite results include appetizers like escargot in puffed pastry and mushrooms stuffed with prosciutto and manchego cheese, and main attractions like plantain crusted halibut in pepper sauce, duck breast in strawberry marmalade and chicken stuffed with Canadian bacon and cheddar cheese. The small spot, which opens Tuesday to Saturday at 4 p.m., is always crowded so reservations are recommended. Chef Panchi often ventures out to the dining room to schmooze with guests, and the kitchen is delighted to tailor make items to guest tastes or dietary restrictions, whether it’s the need to be gluten free or to avoid seafood.
Ponce’s two largest hotel resorts –Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort and the Holiday Inn Ponce and Tropical Casino – also house top shelf restaurants. Sancho’s Chinese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, located at the resort’s golf clubhouse, has been treating guests like family and serving high-quality Chinese and Japanese cuisine, as well as super fresh sushi and sashimi dishes, for years. This is a restaurant that is deservedly a favored choice of Ponce’s dining scene. Diners at the Holiday Inn’s Tanama Restaurant will find continental specialties and local delights like mofongo stuffed with seafood. Enjoy a grilled steak or mahi mahi while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea.
Lola Eclectic Cuisine, which flows across the lobby of the Ponce Plaza Hotel and Casino, has been one of Ponce’s best restaurants since opening a decade ago. The place lives up to its name and everything from its striking interior to its fusion cuisine is eclectic. The interior space counts with tiled floors from 1882, arched doorways and wooden beams across high ceilings. The menu, like the restaurant’s style, is a fusion of Puerto Rico, Caribbean and Old-World traditions, reworked to appeal to contemporary palettes. There is an ample wine list and delectable entrees that include the freshest seafood and finest steaks.
Ponce is famous for its strip of restaurants fronting the Caribbean coastline at Las Cucharas (just down the hill from the Holiday Inn Ponce), which range from family-run charmers serving classic Puerto Rican and island seafood to sleeker, more modern establishments serving more contemporary propositions.
Everybody has delicious fresh catch from the surrounding Caribbean waters and seafront dining.
Santorini Ocean Lounge Restaurant blends Greek cuisine and Mediterranean style into the experience, making it as refreshing and energizing a respite as jumping from a sun-bleached beach into an emerald blue sea. Nearby is the rustic La Montserrate Sea Port Restaurant, with a to-die-for view of the sea and a menu of fresh fish and Puerto Rican food. Nice spot for a drink and a quick seafood turnover or to enjoy a complete meal.
Several fine restaurants are located near Plaza Las Delicias, the heart of Ponce’s renovated historic downtown, with its striking Victorian firehouse and Lions Fountain that serves as the city’s calling card to the world.
Chef’s Creations, also in the historic zone, requires reservations for lunch service Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open for small or large groups and its menu blends hypnotic Mediterranean, southwest and criolla fusion cuisine with a spectacular ambience in the patio of a gorgeous building. The creative menu changes weekly and it also offers classes on how to make mofongo, live paella cooking as well as culinary festivals on certain dates hosted by Chef Jorge Rivera. Campioni Pizza Birra & Tapas, housed in a restored historic downtown spot, is also worth a stop. The things to do here is gorge on tapas, brick oven pizza and Italian classics and wash it back with a craft beer or homemade sangria.
La Casa del Chef, centrally located outside the historic district, is one of Ponce’s best places to eat. Housed in a small shopping plaza, the semi-formal dining room is resplendent with local art, while flamenco and bolero music caress diners, creating an appropriate atmosphere to enjoy the masterful renditions of Puerto Rican, Spanish and continental classics served here. The restaurant shines in its delivery of old favorites like Steak Diane and will thrill your taste buds with dishes like beef tenderloin stuffed with lobster and shrimp. There is a wide variety of seafood entrees and super fine renditions of classic island platters like asopao, mofongo and fried red snapper. You can’t leave without trying the flan.
Puerto Rico may be known for rice, plantains and pork but its cuisine is far more diverse and much of it is vegan-friendly. At the Plaza del Mercado Isabel Segunda in Ponce kiosk #152 is a favorite spot for vegan lovers called Carmen’s Special Hummus. This restaurant serves a variety of delicious hummus, bean salads, lentil and plantain soups as well as an array of daily vegetarian and criollo cuisine.
Situated in the town of Ponce inside one of its centennial homes is Nispero, Asador, Vinos y Cocteleria, whose name originates from a medlar (Nispero) tree set in the terrace. The restaurant specializes in the best cuts of meat, seafood as well as its exquisite and extensive wine list. El Nispero also has banquet space and a terrace to host private activities. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner, Friday and Saturday until midnight and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. There is live music on weekends.
Not far away is the Ponce Food Truck Spot, with a variety of flavorful affordable dining options in an al informal al fresco atmosphere that is both pet and children friendly. The offerings include Etcetera Vagon Gastronomico, which delivers gourmet food from a frequently changing menu that has recently included a beautiful rib-eye in rosemary, garlic butter sauce, risotto with chorizo and plantain and grilled salmon. Another standout gastro mobile, La Mexicana, is the real deal with delectable and authentic mole enchiladas and red pozole soup. The Ponce Food Truck Spot also features the Mojito Bar, with a rainbow of varieties, friendly mixologists and live music; Maki Sushi Bar that serves up all types of tasty sushi delights such as tempura, sashimi, and vegan as well as dumplings, eggrolls and mouthwatering orange chicken; and the Meatball Route 787 specializing in Italian with a spectacular twist of criollo cuisine. Its assorted menu offers pasta, lasagna, piñon (cheesy layered casserole made with sweet ripe plantains comparable to lasagna), pastelon (made with layers of thinly-sliced ripe plantains, ground beef and cheese), vegan selections and of course different varieties of meatballs and delicious meatball sliders.
If really hungry visit Ensaltao to enjoy an assortment of delectable traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as slow roasted pig or slow roasted whole chicken accompanied by heaping portions of rice with pigeon peas, among other local delicacies. Ensaltao’s well-seasoned lechon with crispy skin, moist, tender and juicy meat is the main attraction. Besides its regular menu, the restaurant also provides daily specials.
So, when visiting Ponce, make sure to take time to enjoy some amazing restaurants during your stay.
Requirements and Steps for Destination Weddings in Puerto Rico
If you want a religious destination wedding or want to break away from tradition, Wedding Ministers will marry you wherever and however you wish but to get hitched on the Isle of Enchantment there are requirements.
If you want a religious destination wedding or want to break away from tradition, Wedding Ministers will marry you wherever and however you wish but to get hitched on the Isle of Enchantment there are requirements.
Before starting the preparations for the wedding both you and your spouse will have to visit the Demographic Registry Office to submit the required paperwork.
The first thing you need is a valid government-issued ID, each spouse must provide a birth certificate (if any of the parties have children their birth certificates must be submitted too), blood and urine tests are required if one spouse lives in Puerto Rico but if both parties reside outside the island they will need to provide a letter or individual letters from a doctor certifying that each is in good health. If your home country or state does not require blood work, it must be clearly stated in the doctor’s note. Letters must be dated 10 days prior to the wedding.
Be prepared with an affidavit stating you’re visiting Puerto Rico to get married, if a foreign citizen, and that you’ll return to your place of residency post wedding. The sworn statement must be obtained 10 days prior to your big day. You’ll need to purchase an IRS stamp for $150 at the colecturia (government office).
If either party has had previous marriages, you must provide all divorce judgments, and in case of widowhood, the spouse’s death certificate is also needed, all original documents.
For the final step, make sure the priest, minister or judge who officiates the wedding delivers the certificate, marriage license, and all other documents to the Demographic Registry of the municipality where the ceremony will take place no more than 10 days after the marriage.
The best part is if you want a hassle-free and no worry event, you can hire our services, Wedding Ministers, for a small fee, and we will handle it all. We pick you up and take you by the hand throughout the entire process.
La Parguera A Caribbean dream
La Parguera is a dreamily beautiful coastal town that is the perfect place to explore Puerto Rico’s southwest region and the wonders to be found in the surrounding jeweled Caribbean waters. You’ll want to dive right in!
La Parguera is a dreamily beautiful coastal town that is the perfect place to explore Puerto Rico’s southwest region and the wonders to be found in the surrounding jeweled Caribbean waters. You’ll want to dive right in!
This gorgeous coastal town has its own phosphorescent bay, with waters that glow at night, and a famed coastline ringed by small islets with gorgeous beaches surrounded by clear, tranquil waters. La Parguera is among the best spots in the Caribbean for swimming, fishing, snorkeling, diving and kite boarding. La Parguera’s central seaside plaza is packed with charming restaurants, bars, guesthouses and boutique hotels. The establishments offer surprisingly sophisticated fare, from cutting edge seafood and fusion cuisine to artisan cocktails and craft beers. The seaside village also has a number of attractive boutiques selling beachwear and beautiful crafts and artwork, which also adds La Parguera’s considerable charm. It’s a wonderful break from the sun during the day and is one of the main dinner and nightlife destinations in the southwest.
The place is also the take-off point for voyages into the pristine Caribbean by boat and water sports operators. And if for some reason you don’t want to get on a boat, be sure to visit La Parguera’s Playita Rosada beach, a stretch of sand within its mangrove-chocked coastline, with fabulous saltwater swimming pool created from a square wooden dock.
To get to La Parguera, you take a two-lane highway along the emerald Lajas Valley in southern Puerto Rico, the majestic Cordillera Central mountain chain looming in the distance and cutting across the horizon. The drive then winds down a country road, which swoops through tropical forest and darts across hillsides cutting between views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea and lush landscape. It is among Puerto Rico’s loveliest areas, but despite the beauty of the approach to La Parguera by land, the charms of this seaside village are truly appreciated from the sea. Several small cays and islets, bobbing in the sparkling sea like floating tropical gardens, front the pretty village, which is marked by the colorful facades of its iconic boathouses breaking through its green shoreline, and beautiful guesthouses and vacation residences scattered across the sun kissed hillsides surrounding town that overlook the coast.
The town boasts some of the best hotels, restaurants and bars in the region, which is another reason La Parguera is the one of the most popular vacation spots in this picturesque area.
It’s the epicenter for water sports, boating and fishing, and is near several natural wonders in the areas, like the Guancia Dry forest and the Cabo Rojo lighthouse and adjacent coastal nature reserve, as well as the bounty of historic and cultural attractions in Ponce and San German. The town is also likely to be your best choice for a meal, gourmet beer or craft cocktail in the region, and it’s one of the best parties in the southwest, with live music in several establishments on many nights, especially weekends.
The Parguera Plaza Hotel is one of La Parguera’s best lodging options, overlooking the village’s main plaza, where something always seems to be going on, and the tranquil Caribbean Sea beyond it. While the lobby and pool area have lots of activity on weekends and other nights, including live performances, the hotel also features a series of elevated terraces, as we as its second and third level rooms, that stay a world apart, blessed by not only a sea view but a sea breeze as well. The property has a great full sized swimming pool and surrounding terrace, just off the tropical courtyard, and the staff is super friendly and attentive to your needs.
Another fine option is the Turtle Bay Inn, which is within walking distance of La Parguera’s village but is in a quiet residential neighborhood. The guesthouse is so spotlessly maintained, and features fine home-style decor that you might mistake for a beloved grandmother’s house. The inn is also known for its home-cooked breakfasts, fine pool area and adjacent snack-bar. The friendliness of its staff is also part of the allure of this property, which is likely to trigger cherished memories from your youth.
There are a number of new restaurants that have opened in recent years that have helped launch a gastronomic revolution in La Parguera, but the town also has some of the region’s best old school seafood and comida criolla restaurants at water’s edge with decades of experience serving up the classic fare. Moon’s Bar & Tapas at the entrance to town is one of the new establishments helping to create the culinary excitement. This comfy wooden, open air spot maybe low key but it serves sophisticated tapas with fine ingredients and features friendly service and a great vibe.
Right adjacent to the main plaza and the Parguera Plaza Hotel, lies Isla Cueva, which calls itself a beer and burger bar but in reality packs a menu with enough punch to please any taste. There’s a complete tapas menu — from fried calamari to sliders to Mexican classics to fried local cheese. Of course, the burgers are dynamite, and they include enough variety to please anyone, with fish, chicken and vegetarian options – and a slew of inventive toppings. The restaurant also serves delicious American-style breakfasts.
The best part of Isla Cueva, however, maybe the pizza and craft beer “cave” upstairs, which has the region’s widest selection of craft beer and delicious brick oven pizza. There are great pizza options, including insanely delicious alternatives for meat lovers and vegetarians, and you can create your own. The wide selection of draft craft beer will quench the thirst of brew aficionados, with the menu including premium local selections like s like Ocean Lab Brewing, Señorial Brewing, FOK Brewing, Del Barril, Boquerón Brewing and Old Harbor Brewery. Make sure to try a beer “sampler” which gives allows you to sample a number of craft beers of your selection. The open air dining terrace overlooks the action downtown and the harbor.
Fogata Bar and Grill is another great option in La Parguera. This spot also has an upper level, open air dining room overlooking the town’s gorgeous coastline that is the perfect spot to enjoy the intoxicating mix of flavorful food and dizzying beautiful vistas. It specializes in grilled fish and steaks, as well true renditions of local comida criolla. There is often live music and other special events. La Casita, meanwhile, is one of La Parguera’s oldest eating establishments, a simple family restaurant with delicious seafood and Puerto Rican fare near the town’s marina.
There is always a carnival atmosphere along the town’s harbor area, with food kiosks, open air bars and artisans and street vendors. You can grab a slice at Tony’s pizza, which is open late night, or nibble on homemade Puerto Rican pastries and desserts from stands. Be sure to the try the famous homemade sangria at Coño’s, which also features Puerto Rico classics on the jukebox and beautiful festival prints and other Puerto Rican artwork that provide insight into island history and culture. And of course, you cannot leave La Parguera without shooting a game of pool at the Mar & Tierra Sports Bar, which is right near the dock for the Phosphorescent Bay ferry and other charter boats. The bar makes great piña coladas and mojitos and has a full line of frituras, the fried beach snacks for which Puerto Rico is famous, and draws a festival crowd.
You’ll want to visit the phosphorescent bay while here, especially on moonless nights, when the glowing waters are at their brightest. The bay is surrounded by mangroves and its glowing waters are caused by millions of microscopic plankton, which brighten when the water is disturbed by a boat or swimmer. The bays are extremely rare, but Puerto Rico is blessed with three of them, and the La Parguera bay is the only one visitors can swim in. The easiest way to see the bay is to take a ride on the glass bottomed boat called the Fondo de Cristal, which takes several evening voyages to the bay from the waterfront village.
If you want to dive into the bay, your best bet is to take a trip on one of the several smaller boat excursions to the bay, or alternately on a kayak excursion run by one of the local water sports tour operators. Veteran eco-tour operator Aleli Tours offers both power boat and kayak tours to the bay, while Paradise Scuba runs a snorkeling trip to the bay, which provides a unique twist on the adventure. One of the most pleasant ways to explore the bay is to combine it with a sunset cruise, with Frank Ocean Trips offering such a voyage on a beautiful boat. La Parguera’s sunsets are world-class, and you will be submersing yourself in one natural phenomenon and then another equally splendid one. The trips usually include drinks and snacks.
The daytime also requires an offshore excursion of some sort to fully partake of the La Paguera experience, and wow what options! You can hire a first-class vessel with an experienced captain for a half-day excursion, arrange for transport to and from one of the islets from town, or rent your own boat for the day. There are also snorkel tours, as well as kayak and paddleboard tours.
The point is to get out there anyway you’d like so you find out what’s so special about La Parguera, a place of gin-clear water, cut by underwater reefs, floating mangrove forests and scattered islets and cays, with verdant interiors but ringed by white sand beaches. The swimming is delicious, but you might also be tempted to fall back into the shallow water and simply relax, with your preferred beverage in hand. Another local thrill is to ride the current, either with your body, board or kayak, through the canals cutting through the coastal mangrove forest.
The snorkeling here is glorious, the waters teeming with corral, marine vegetation and a dazzling array of tropical fish. And every cay and islet has fine snorkeling just offshore. One of the most popular islets is Caracoles, which is surrounded by mangrove channels. Mata la Gata has restroom facilities and a rectangular deck that forms a natural swimming pool. Cayo Enrique is another popular cay just offshore.
Of course, a snorkeling tour can get you to the best prime snorkeling spot depending on current conditions, and many of the vessels are comfortable hangouts with music, beverages and snacks. Any voyage you take will include an obligatory stop on an offshore cay for lunch and some downtime on the beach.
La Parguera is also the gateway to some of the finest scuba diving in the world. Nearby is the legendary The Wall, or La Pared. This 20-mile long towering wall runs from 60 to 120 feet underwater before plunging down to depths of 1,500 feet as it runs off the continental shelf, and its endless diving sites offer great visibility, the region’s best array of marine life and among its most dramatic coral formations. Both Paradise Scuba and Snorkeling and Papayo Divers offer diving trips to The Wall and snorkeling trips to the offshore cays and other spots. For kayaking and paddleboard adventures, try Aleli Tours or Kayaking Parguera Tours.
As wonderous a place as La Parguera’s offshore water world is, you’ll leave being a big fan of Playita Rosita, La Parguera’s iconic “beach.” It has a wonderful picnic area and a stretch of sandy beach bordered by mangrove forest. The natural “swimming pool” formed by a rectangular wooden deck is the perfect spot for a swim or just chill out in the water or deck side, and it’s one of the top spots in Puerto Rico to take a selfie!
Beyond the beach
Carolina serves up a smorgasbord for the head, heart, and soul.
Carolina serves up a smorgasbord for the head, heart, and soul
The Carolina Children’s Museum is an educational and recreational attraction for children and adolescents (and even adults) that puts a high premium on hands-on fun. A short drive from Luis Muñoz International Airport, it boasts more than 100 interactive exhibits through which young visitors can learn about and explore a wide range of subjects including the environment, science, art, and technology. The signage and instructions posted at each exhibition are in both, Spanish and English.
A massive volcano model that “erupts” periodically is the centerpiece among a seemingly endless array of educational installations that allow visitors to get involved with themes such as marine life, ecosystems, construction and much, much more.
Dress-up activities let kids role play through a range of professions, wearing costumes, wigs, and make-up all waiting to be used on the theater stage. Budding broadcasters can try their abilities reading the news or delivering a weather report on camera in the pretend TV station.
A retired commercial jetliner is a perennial favorite and is a big draw, giving kids access to all parts of an airplane, including the cockpit, that are normally off-limits to fliers.
There is a playground that is open to all, a go-kart track and special areas designated to celebrate your birthday or special event.
THE MINI ZOO
The Mini Zoo provides a natural scenario to observe, touch and even to feed the different species that live in the museum. With more than 20 different species of farm and exotic animals, the Mini Zoo will give you an unforgettable experience while you learn about nature, animals and their habitat.
The Jungle Trip
Enjoy an eco-friendly journey through the Blasina Lake, part of the San Juan Bay estuary that surrounds our beautiful museum. You will explore the flora and fauna that lives in this area. You can take a guided boat ride in one of our “Paseadoras”, or you can tour among the lake in one of our paddleboats.
No better place for a memorable girl’s getaway
With warm tropical temperatures, an infectiously joyful culture and awe-inspiring scenery, Puerto Rico brims with adventures that add up to a fun-filled girls ‘weekend and great place to celebrate the bride-to-be’s last stretch of singlehood.
Forget Vegas, New York City and Miami! There’s no better destination for unforgettable bachelorette parties than the Island of Enchantment.
With warm tropical temperatures, an infectiously joyful culture and awe-inspiring scenery, Puerto Rico brims with adventures that add up to a fun-filled girls ‘weekend and great place to celebrate the bride-to-be’s last stretch of singlehood. The U.S. territory effortlessly blends Caribbean vibes and cosmopolitan appeal, and visitors flying in from an U.S. mainland airport don’t even need to bring a passport.
“Puerto Rico is a hot place right now for any type of party,” says Chezelle Rodriguez, destination wedding specialist at CD Weddings. More than 130 hotels and thousands of rentable homes make it easy for brides-to-be and their guests to plan a Puerto Rican itinerary to fit any style or budget. But convenience is only the start of the appeal.
Puerto Rico also brims with unique authenticity. “People are looking for cultural experiences, things that they cannot find on other Caribbean islands,” says Liliana Albizu, destination wedding planner and founder of Handcrafted Weds & Events.
For a can’t-miss Puerto Rican outing, Albizu often arranges chinchorreo (barhopping) tours for her guests. This tradition takes place in towns throughout the island every weekend, bringing friends and family together to spend the day eating, drinking, dancing, and playing games at roadside restaurants and bars. The festivities naturally appeal to partygoers celebrating an upcoming marriage, and by booking with a private company, groups can focus on having a great time while the experts plan the itinerary and handle the driving.
The Flavors of San Juan food tour of Old San Juan is also an amazing alternative in making your friends foodie insiders while having a fun-filled day. The group can begin sipping on tasty rum cocktail concoctions while strolling the cobblestone streets of the colonial city and making pit stops to savor Puerto Rico’s “must eat” cuisine.
If you have rum on your mind and want to drink it up like Capitan Jack Sparrow of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, then visiting Casa Bacardi in Cataño should be a spot to hit on your bachelorette weekend. Imagine all the fun involved in sensorial rum tasting and mixology classes and taking home your own bottle after filling it up yourself directly from the barrel.
After a day of delicious merriment, hitting up the San Juan nightlife scene is the ideal choice. “On other islands, you don’t always feel safe outside of the hotel. Puerto Rico is a safe island,” Albizu says. Calle San Sebastian in Old San Juan is a great place to start. This lively stretch of popular neighborhood bars like La Factoria, La Taverna Lupulo, and El Quinque Bar is always packed with fun-seeking locals with whom to mix and mingle and simply have a great time.
Over at La Concha, A Renaissance Resort on Condado’s ritzy Ashford Avenue, ladies who want to party into the wee hours of the morning head to Club Fifty Eight. New to the scene in December 2018, the high-energy nightclub has already become one of the most popular in the city. Dance music pumps through the speakers until 4 a.m., craft libations flow freely, and the chic crowd is always dressed to impress.
At El San Juan Hotel – where if its walls could talk they’d share stories of 1960s Hollywood headliners crooning in the nightclub scene – is Brava. Recently redesigned, this sophisticated nightclub that offers VIP bottle and table service entertains in an atmosphere alive with energy, excitement, and late night dancing that rivals the best clubs in the world.
One of the best parts of a weekend destination bachelorette party in Puerto Rico is getting to enjoy the island in different ways, from rowdy to refine. “Of course clubbing is going to be one of the nights,” says Rodriguez. “But on other nights, groups want to go to a nice restaurant for a different type of experience.”
Friends who get a thrill from a truly sumptuous meal can reserve a table at one of San Juan’s five-star, chef-driven restaurants for impeccable food and elegant atmosphere. Helmed by Iowa native Chef Peter Schintler, Marmalade Restaurant and Wine Bar is renowned for its high-concept, meticulously executed tasting menus. Chef Mario Pagan’s inventive creations attract the city’s elite foodies with intricate dishes and unexpected presentation at his eponymous Condado eatery. And at Santaella, the creativity coming out of the kitchen is rivaled only by the haute-couture fashion of the clientele in the dining room, just to name a few.
Another must stop location to have a good time and good food is the vibrant gastronomic oasis called Lote 23 in Santurce. This trendy place features food kiosks from up and coming Puerto Rican chefs and airstream trailers in an outdoor lot that has been transformed into a colorful food and entertainment space that includes four terraces, a stage and its own parking area.
In between nights on the town, bachelorette partygoers have plenty to explore during the day Spas and bachelorette parties go together like love and marriage, and in Puerto Rico, world-class pampering awaits. For day packages Zen Spa, which operates three outposts in the San Juan metro area, offers a special Bachelorette Spa Party. Groups of girlfriends can toast with champagne and munch on strawberries as they’re treated to massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.
Ladies bond over once-in-a-lifetime spa experiences at Spa Botanico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Relaxation envelops guests from the moment they’re greeted in the apothecary of this luxurious tropical oasis situated on the edge of a pineapple grove. The healing continues with treatments that incorporate local ingredients like coffee, lime and coconut, and guests can even request massages in a tree house, where the jungle’s organic soundscape lulls them into pure heavenly bliss.
Or they can indulge in luxurious relaxation on the beach or in a private villa for a treatment Remede Spa at lavish St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Rio Grande. With its stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, the group can enjoy invigorating massages, body wraps, scrubs or mani and pedis at this luxurious retreat.
If you have a sporty group of girls than visit Coco Beach Golf Resort in Rio Grande to play a competitive round of golf on a course designed by PGA Tour Pro Tom Kite and possibly lower your handicap.
How about riding one of the longest and tallest zip line in the world by Guinness Book of World Records at Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis? The thrill-seeking group can soar 1,200 feet high through the lush mountains on The Monster at speeds of up to 95 miles per hour.
Of course, what visit to the Caribbean is complete without donning a swimsuit and shades on a lounge chair? “A lot of people – specifically millennials– are utilizing the beach and pool atmosphere. They see pictures on social media and use them as a springboard of what they want to do in Puerto Rico,” says Rodriguez.
Four photo-ready swimming pools at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel present Instagram-worthy locales that will leave any follower jealous. Stylish sunbathers catch some rays – and look fabulous in the latest in resort wear while doing so. Ladies can sprawl out under beach umbrellas or reserve a private chic cabana, complete with bottle service and VIP treatment.
Or pay a visit to Vivo Beach Club in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico’s most exciting beachfront entertainment complex that offers an outdoor beach club, unique restaurants and bars, music venues, and a one-of-a-kind full-scale craft brewery.
When it comes to coveted beaches, Rodriguez points out that two of the most popular inquiries she gets from bachelorette groups are about Vieques and Culebra. Often referred to as the Spanish Virgin Islands, Vieques and Culebra are easily accessible from Puerto Rico’s main island by plane or ferry, yet they offer distinctly off-the-beaten-path appeal.
On Vieques, travelers can ride horses through the foamy surf and play in magnetic black sand on Playa Negra, glide along the surface of the sea on a paddleboard at Playa Media Luna or snorkel with manta rays and angel fish around a coral reef at Playa La Chiva. When the sun goes down, the island becomes even more magical; Vieques is home to Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world, with water that glows in the dark in response to movement.
Bachelorettes will be hard-pressed to find a more naturally stunning landscape than Playa Flamenco on Culebra, considered the second most beautiful beach in the world by Discovery Channel. This half-mile stretch of soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water makes it a surefire bet to be a highly shareable snapshot. Groups can also charter a catamaran and spend the day nearby on Culebrita swimming with sea turtles and relishing in tranquility.
No matter what brides-to-be and their guests do while they’re here, Puerto Rico is a treasure trove of excitement and serenity, day trips, and nightlife, urban hubs and rustic getaways. The possibilities for lifelong pre-matrimony memories are endless on this Caribbean paradise.
Adrenaline junkie overload at The Outlet 66 Mall
Feel the need, the need for speed! Then the Sector Sixty6 entertainment complex at The Outlet 66 Mall in Canovanas is the perfect place to channel your inner child.
Feel the need, the need for speed! Then the Sector Sixty6 entertainment complex at The Outlet 66 Mall in Canovanas is the perfect place to channel your inner child.
The newly refurbished mall, just 15 minutes from San Juan’s International Airport and a little over 20 minutes from El Yunque Rainforest, features Puerto Rico’s as well as the Caribbean’s first K1 Speed facility, an indoor, electric go-karts, single track where adult racers can put the pedal to the metal and reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour – the fastest in the industry.
You may not be racecar drivers Mario Andretti or Dale Earnhardt Jr. but the experience of zooming around a serpentine track under neon lights is exhilarating. Each race is 14 laps and lasts about 10-12 minutes. Face it; go karts are fun! You’ll speed around the track and experience the adrenaline rush that is Indy-style racing. Afterwards you’ll peel off your helmet, high fives abound.
Visitors to K1 Speed at The Outlet 66 Mall are treated to a state-of-the-art venue complete with a museum-worthy collection of authentic racing memorabilia, and plush leather sofas. The track is professionally designed for maximum overtaking opportunities and features PROTEX barriers to maintain safety.
It also has the latest junior electric karts to allow kids 4ft (48”) or taller to get a kick out of go-karting at speeds of around 20 miles per hour. There are no mixed junior and adult races allowed. The electric karts are superior to their gas-powered counterparts in nearly every way: they are quieter, produce zero noxious fumes, and provide instant power without lag.
When not racing, there’s plenty to do at this mall – making it a perfect attraction for Millennials and Gen Zers. The Outlet 66 Mall has gotten a newer, fresher look – a trend occurring in most U.S. mainland shopping centers. Aside from removing the Old San Juan facades for more modern store fronts, the mall has gotten new floors, new entrances, and new retail tenants. Visitors can still enjoy shopping until they drop in stores like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Burlington, Nautica, Journeys, Trollbeads, among many others. When hunger strikes, this mall has its visitors covered with venues like Karma’s Wine Bar and Beer Garden, Pizza@Canovanas, Meson Sandwiches, Red Mango, Subway, Papa John’s and KFC, and soon its newest tenant Golden Corral – the only one in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
The Outlet 66 Mall also incorporated to its retail entertainment CXC racing simulators, Fun Box ropes course, arcade games, bumper cars, bowling, and drag racing.
“Family entertainment centers are evolving to keep pace with the changing consumer demand,” Justin Tirri, owner of The Outlet 66 Mall, said about the reason why the major refurbishment at this property. “We are raising the bar for all retail and entertainment in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean – making The Outlet 66 Mall one of the best tourist spots where family entertainment never ends.”
At The Outlet 66 Mall, its 10, CXC racing simulators create a realistic racecar driving experience with real-time mode, leading-edge visual, expanding line-up of famed racecars and courses, as well as audio and motion control systems. Drivers are able to feel what it’s like to drive a robotic car flying uphill.
“We are raising the bar for all retail and
entertainment in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.”
– Justin Tirri
Fun Box is an indoor rope course right in the middle of the mall corridor where visitors can go up in the air, make their way through different obstacles, and enjoy the thrill of zip lining while shoppers watch– total fun like no other.
Who said arcades is a thing of the past, especially when the Arcade Mania at The Outlet 66 Mall not only has the latest state-of-the-art virtual reality video games like a Sega XD theater and Virtual Rabbids as well as bumper cars to chase each other around that would make any possible contender green with envy.
And you can’t forget to mention – Bowling at Sector Sixty6 , the most modern and futuristic glow in the dark bowling alley with its large screens and LED lights that makes hanging out as a family extremely fun again.
If that wasn’t all, Sector Sixty6 also features an indoor dragster strip, which overlooks the lush mountains of El Yunque Rainforest, for edge-of-your-seat excitement.
No matter the reason to visit Sector Sixty6 entertainment complex at The Outlet 66 Mall, its staff can offer visitors reserved times so they won’t have to wait, private racing for corporate events, teambuilding groups, private parties as well as a professional-style racing format that is exclusive to its group event packages.
Puerto Rico’s MLB shining stars
A new generation of young and exciting MLB players is drawing the attention back on Puerto Rico.
A new generation of young and exciting MLB players is drawing the attention back on Puerto Rico.
Five years ago, the names of Javier Baez, Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa, and Edwin “Sugar” Diaz didn’t ring a bell to most baseball fans but now they are quickly establishing themselves as elite ballplayers by headlining highlights, Google searches, and drawing large crowds.
They were earning close to a million dollars but going into free-agency they are expected to obtain multi-million dollar deals. And none of these players are over the age of 26.
Puerto Rico has also gained recognition as a baseball powerhouse after earning back to back second place trophies in the World Baseball Classic (WBC). The Puerto Rico National Team finished second in 2013 behind the Dominican Republic and then placed second behind Team USA in 2017.
The boricuas as Puerto Ricans are also referred to, have not only excelled in the Majors in batting and pitching but with their dugout strategy and decision making as well. Rookie manager Alex Cora led the Boston Red Sox to a World Series victory in 2018 with a franchise record of 108 wins.
“After winning all those games and then going on to practically sweep everyone in the post season to win the World Series, what else can you ask of a rookie manager?,” said Puerto Rican Baseball Commentator Raymond Perez.
Noting that Cora, a former pro infielder, is the second Puerto Rican to manage a MLB team; Perez believes that in order for Cora to be successful, he has to lead Boston into the World Series again since the team is even better than last season.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s Pittsburgh Pirates legend Roberto Clemente and Orlando Cepeda, who played for the San Francisco Giants and the Saint Louis Cardinals, were the first Puerto Rican MLB players to acquire superstar status.
During the 90’s and beyond, ex players like Hall of Famers Roberto Alomar, Ivan Rodriguez and Edgar Martinez, who was inducted this year into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his final year on the ballot; as well as Carlos Delgado, Juan Gonzalez, and Carlos Beltran, among others were huge stars. However, that generation faded away and for years Puerto Rico lacked baseball idols until this new crop of players appeared and demonstrated their talent right from the start.
Most fans agree that one of MLB’s future stars will be Javier Baez of the Chicago Cubs. Baez is a 26-year-old utility infielder who led the National League in runs batted in last season with 111 and belted away 34 home runs with a .290 batting average, coming in a close second for the league’s MVP award in only his third full season in the Majors.
Javier, known as “El Mago” for his fielding abilities at second base, shortstop and third base; was a key player in the Cubs’ race to the 2016 World Series.
“Baez exploded and had his big season in 2018,” said Norman Davila, a Puerto Rican veteran radio sports broadcaster. “He is currently one of the most exciting players in the MLB, his base running is spectacular and he plays at a high risk mode all the time.”
Defensively Perez compares Baez to ex major leaguers Brooks Robinson of the Baltimore Orioles and Roberto Alomar of the Toronto Blue Jays, who were players that set new standards in the game and made dazzling plays.
“The only difference is that Javier does it at three different positions,” said Perez. “He is a smart player with baseball savvy.”
Baez started at second base during last year’s All Star Game and earned a $2.5 million signing bonus as a promising teenager in 2011, while earning a salary of $657,000 last season. But this year Baez was eligible for arbitration and signed a $5.2 million, one-year deal for the 2019 season. In 2022 he will be a free agent and if healthy is expected to sign a multi-year, multimillion dollar contract.
Edwin “Sugar” Diaz, a 25-year-old tall, lanky native of Naguabo established himself as an elite closer in 2018. He was named National League Relief Pitcher of the Year during his third season in the MLB. Diaz led the league with 57 saves, five games short of the all-time record of 62 in a single season achieved by Venezuelan pitcher Francisco Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Angels in 2008, who also had a 1.90 earned run average, and 124 strikeouts.
“Edwin has a strong fastball of over 100 mph and a great slider, he gets a lot of strikeouts and when he has good control it’s almost impossible to hit his pitches,” Davila said. “He also has the temperament of a closer which is something not every great pitcher has because you take the mound in the ninth inning when the game is on the line and either save it or lose it.”
In December 2018, Diaz was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the New York Mets where “he will now have the backing of a large Latino community and more pressure to deliver,” Perez said. The Mets will pay him $570,800 – the same contract he had with the Mariners, which many consider low for such a solid performer.
Diaz will qualify for arbitration at the end of the 2019 season which will possibly ascend him straight into the millionaire’s club and if Diaz stays healthy, the bigger salary will arrive when he becomes a free agent in 2022.
Cleveland’s shortstop Francisco Lindor, nicknamed “Mr. Smile,” is in his fifth season and he came in strong from the start, as the runner up for the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year honor to Carlos Correa in 2015. Last year, he hit 38 home runs (ranking sixth in the AL) and had 92 RBI’s with a .277 batting average. Lindor has been a starting All Star Game shortstop for the AL in the last three years. In 2016, he won the Gold and Platinum Glove awards as best defensive shortstop.
Lindor earned $623,200 in 2018 but to avoid arbitration with the Indians he was awarded a $10.5 million, one year deal in 2019. He will be a free agent in 2022 and is expected to sign a multi-year, multimillion dollar contract. According to news reports, Lindor rejected a contract extension of somewhere near the amount of $100 million in early 2017.
Houston Astros’ Carlos Correa has also delivered impressive performances since setting foot in a MLB stadium. He began his career in 2015 winning the American League’s Rookie of the Year Award and helped lead the Astros to a World Series title in 2017. In that season he batted .315 with 24 homers and shined defensively. In 2018 however, he was plagued by injuries and his performance went down as he batted for a career low .239 average.
Puerto Rico did not have a great starting pitcher for quite a while but now there is a rising star looking to fill that position – Jose Berrios of the Minnesota Twins.
Berrios, the 6 foot, 185 pound right handed rookie; won a spot among the Twin’s starting rotation in 2016 and has had quality performances in his second and third year. Last season he had a 12-11 record with a .384 earned run average (less than 4 runs allowed per complete games) and was voted to the All-Star Game roster for the AL. “He has a great 95 mph fastball and has been the best starter for the Twins organization,” Perez said.
Besides the aforementioned young talent, there are veteran players who still have a big impact in the game. Puerto Rico’s main major leaguer right now is St. Louis Cardinals Catcher Yadier Molina, who is playing in his sixteenth season behind the plate and recently won his ninth Gold Glove Award. Johnny Bench and Ivan Rodriguez are the only other catchers in MLB history who have won 10 and 13 Gold Gloves, respectively.
Molina earns a cool $20 million a year and is in his second year of a three-year contract extension for $60 million. He has said he plans to retire after the contract ends in 2020. “Yadier keeps playing at a very high level,” said Davila. “He is a fierce competitor and wherever he plays, he is a leader on and off the field, and that includes the Puerto Rico team in the WBC. He will be missed on that team.”
So, keep an eye on all of these young stars from Puerto Rico because they are bound to make headlines for quite a while in their MLB careers. And watch out for Team Puerto Rico in the 2021 WBC because these stars will be reaching their peak and might just take home the championship title next time.
Browse, Binge and Buy Buy Buy
Puerto Rico might be best known for its sandy beaches and stunning scenery, but when you’re ready to get out of the sun and engage in some serious retail therapy, the island is packed with opportunities to browse and buy. From high-end luxury to discounted outlet stores, options abound for every style and budget.
Puerto Rico might be best known for its sandy beaches and stunning scenery, but when you’re ready to get out of the sun and engage in some serious retail therapy, the island is packed with opportunities to browse and buy. From high-end luxury to discounted outlet stores, options abound for every style and budget.
Shopping junkies should embark on their retail journeys at San Juan’s Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean. Since 1968, this sprawling, 1.8 million-square-foot epicenter has thrilled high-end shoppers and frugal patrons alike, with stores to appeal to a plethora of ages and interests.
Anchored by department stores Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears, the mall includes more than 300 exciting outposts. Clothes horses can find sporty apparel at American Eagle, Pac Sun, Abercrombie & Fitch and stay up on the latest trends at affordable prices at Forever 21, Gap, and Old Navy and dress to impress with designer fashion-forward apparel from Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, as well as UNOde50 and Zara stores both from Spain. Parents can stock up on what their kids crave at The Children’s Place, Disney Store, and Build-A-Bear Workshop while picking up something special for themselves at Tiffany & Co., Vom Fass, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora or Kury Jeweler, the official Rolex retailer in Puerto Rico besides having the most exclusive brands in the world with unmatched personal service. Swing by home-grown stores like Hecho en Puerto Rico to purchase a vast array of items made in Puerto Rico, from coffee and rum to soap and clothing, or hippie-chic looks from Valija and Hecho a Mano, among others. And if you need a suite case to accommodate all of your purchases, Kipling and Totto have a stellar selection.
When hunger strikes, there’s no shortage of delectable options where you can rest your feet and warm your belly, from fast-food outposts like Mr. Pretzels for salty, doughy treats to full-service crowd pleasers like The Cheesecake Factory. Sit down for a pasta-filled feast (with unlimited breadsticks, of course) at The Olive Garden, savor noodle dishes, lettuce wraps, crispy beef and other modern Chinese fare at PF Chang’s, or opt for a classic burger and fries at Applebee’s. Afterwards, follow your nose to David’s Cookies for fresh-baked, gooey sweets.
Plaza Carolina, Puerto Rico’s second largest shopping center, is anchored by JCPenney, TJ Maxx and Sears features a variety of affordable stores like Aeropostale, Bath & Body Works, Champs Store, Charlotte Russe, Exentrix, Foot Locker, among others. The mall offers many dining options from sit down places such as Chili’s to Pizza Hut and small kiosks.
For a more refined mall-going excursion that appeals to patrons looking for a relaxed setting, The Mall of San Juan delivers. This elegant mall sports a mix of uber-high-end labels like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Giuseppe Zanotti Design, Bulgari, Jimmy Choo, Coach, and anchor store, Nordstrom as well as more accessible spots like H&M, and Banana Republic. Many of the more than 100 stores here are unique to the market and are world-renowned brands like Tiffany, Salvatore Ferragamo, Daniel Espinosa Jewelry, Geox, Omega Boutique, Joaquin Blanco and if you’re looking to spend your money at locally-owned boutiques there is Desigual, Jorge Bared Jeweler, Lido Jewelers, and local designer boutiques such as Luis Antonio and Gustavo Arango- there are plenty from which to choose.
The shopping experience is made even more pleasant with amenities like valet parking and an on-site concierge service. When you enter, make your first stop the Information Desk, where jovial staff are on hand to help navigate the mall and answer any questions. But that’s not all – they’ll give you a shopping passport that includes a slew of discounts, and they might even load you up with coupons for free beauty treatments, coffee and more.
Dining at the Mall of San Juan is a true pleasure. On the first floor, guests can sit down for sushi and Japanese fare at Kona Grill or flavorful Puerto Rican dishes at the newly opened Metropol. One flight up, Vin’us wine bar is the place to go for vintages you might not find anywhere else in the area. For additional delectable options with a side of sprawling views, take the glass-encased elevator to the third floor. The open-air patio sports comfy couches and chairs where you can throw your bags down and take a load off before heading over to one of the rooftop’s two stellar dining options. As its name suggests, Burger & Beer Joint serves sumptuous options for both, and with deliciously crispy pizza, fresh salads and al-dente pasta, Il Nuovo Mercato conjures the feeling of relaxed meal in Italy.
The Mall of San Juan also boasts alliances with Sony Music, Uforia Lounge of KQ105 and the Corporation of Musical Arts to bring patrons a slate of top-notch entertainment, including past performances from showstoppers like Draco, Prince Royce and the Symphonic Orchestra of Puerto Rico. And if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to stop in on a Tuesday, when youngsters can engage in free activities like art, crafts, yoga, and reading sessions.
Puerto Rico also has other quality shopping malls like San Patricio Plaza in Guaynabo, Plaza Rio Hondo in Bayamon, Plaza del Caribe in Ponce and the Mayaguez Mall in Mayaguez, which is situated in the beautiful western coast of the island.
The Mayaguez Mall (the third largest in Puerto Rico) and has over 120 well rounded stores, restaurants and entertainment outlets catering to all budgets. That is why it’s known as the main shopping center in the west. It even has a heliport within the mall property.
The key outlets at the Mayaguez Mall include department store anchors Sears and JCPenney as well as stores like Pandora, Tous, Totto, Florsheim, Marshalls, Shoe Carnival. Also, you can enjoy before or after your shopping spree a variety of tourism attractions, relax at spectacular nearby beaches, eat good food or opt to visit a casino at the Holiday Inn Mayaguez or at the Mayaguez Resort & Casino.
Meanwhile, fabulous haute couture and jewelry emporiums – emblazoned with the most famous names in fashion are situated in luxury condominiums that share space with swimsuit and trendy surf shops, local independently owned boutiques, upscale jewelry stores and souvenir shops, along palm-lined ocean-side drives in Isla Verde beach district and the swanky and highly popular Condado.
A short walk away, the iconic Caribe Hilton (scheduled to reopen in spring 2019), said to be the birthplace of the piña colada cocktail – is just steps from Paseo Caribe, an open-air shopping plaza with unique options ranging from unique luxury brands to gastronomic treasure like El Mercado – an upscale food market with a mix of local gourmet restaurants, butcher shops and other gourmet food boutiques under one roof, to It Girl, a hot spot for ultra-feminine clothing and accessories that are always on trend.
To enjoy a shopping trip with a hearty dose of Puerto Rican history and culture, Old San Juan is the ideal destination. As you stroll up and down the blue cobblestone streets and take in the pastel-colored buildings and distinct architecture in this section of the city, there is no shortage of unique and charming shops to duck into for everything from custom-fitted hats to one-of-a-kind art to Fair Trade Certified home decor sourced from around the world. (For more on where to quench your retail thirst in Old San Juan, see “Find that unique travel memento in Old San Juan” on Page 70).
Elsewhere in San Juan, there is an explosion of retail creativity taking place in up and coming urban zones in downtown Santurce and along Loiza Street by the beach at Ocean Park as well as in the Miramar neighborhood and the Hato Rey financial district. You’ll find street fashion boutiques, up and coming food shops, and beachwear stores among others.
Thrifty travelers can score discounts throughout the island. Looking for brand names like Calvin Klein, Guess, and Tommy Hilfiger but don’t want to spend too much money? The Outlet 66 Mall in Canovanas is your answer. As you stroll up and down the corridors in this expansive shopping haven, stock up on marked-down fragrances, sneakers and even underwear. The space recently got a makeover, changing up its look to appeal to younger customers, which includes modern and cleaner store facades, and tenants like Aeropostale, Burlington, Journey’s, Lids, Nautica, Sketchers, Trollbeads, among others and the addition of the awesomely thrilling Sector Sixty6 entertainment complex for gaming and more (see sidebar “Adrenaline junkie overload at The Outlet 66 Mall” on Page 66.
Another affordable outpost for seasoned shoppers is Puerto Rico Premium Outlets in Barceloneta, just a 45-minute drive from San Juan (but the drive is totally worth it) and features 90 designer and brand name stores. At this outdoor, colorful village-style outlet mall with great looking window displays, you can score huge savings of up to 65% off on pretty much anything at popular designer spots like Ann Taylor, Michael Kors, and Lacoste. There are also a chock full of factory outlet shops like Ann Taylor Factory Store, Michael Kors Outlet, Gap Factory, Maidenform Outlet, Guess Factory, Loft Outlet, Nautica Factory, Nike Factory Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Puma Outlet, Aldo Outlet, The Children’s Place Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, Disney Store Outlet, Old Navy Outlet and Vans Outlet offering great prices on merchandise from top manufacturers and distributors.
When you’ve exhausted your shopping allowance and extraordinary experience because of the outlet’s tropical outdoor atmosphere, sit down to grab a bite to eat, ranging from quick options like Charley’s Philly Steaks, California BBQ and full-service dining at Olive Garden or Chili’s Grill and Bar.
The Outlets at Montehiedra, a mix of brand name outlet stores and local offerings in a one level enclosed mall housing over 100 stores ranging from Gap to Polo Ralph Lauren Factor Store and anchored by Big Kmart, the Home Depot and Marshall’s.
No matter where you go on the island, stellar shopping opportunities are open for business.
So get out your credit card, don a pair of comfortable shoes (or buy them!) and get ready to shop your heart out, Puerto Rico style.
The Heart and Sole of Puerto Rico
Designer Monica Bernardy’s goal is to produce accessories to educate her students.
Designer Monica Bernardy’s goal is to produce accessories to educate her students
From celebrity chefs like Jose Enrique and Mario Pagan to world-renowned entertainers like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Daddy Yankee, Puerto Rico’s creative community is thriving. When it comes to fashion, a local designer is making her mark in a different way, and she’s starting from the ground up. On the Island of Enchantment, it’s all about the espadrilles.
Easily identified by their ropy soles, espadrilles are a distinctive form of footwear dating back to mid-fourteenth-century Europe. Originally worn by peasants in France, they were first crafted using esparto, a wiry grass from the Mediterranean. Today, espadrilles have evolved to incorporate jute fiber, a relatively inexpensive material that’s strong and fashionable. They come in styles ranging from wedge sandals to closed-toed slip-ons and are popular with both men and women who want to look chic and feel comfortable.
In recent years, Puerto Rico has become a rising force in the field of shoe design and manufacturing, thanks in large part to a visionary who is building the island’s future on the durable heels of espadrilles.
Born in the scenic hamlet of Cayey, Monica Bernardy first took up design with the goal of simply making her own clothes. “God had another plan,” she says, referring to what eventually became a full-fledged career in the industry.
Bernardy studied fashion in New York and took an intense course in accessory making in Spain before returning to Puerto Rico for additional education at Centro Moda and Carlota Alfaro, both of which are headquartered in San Juan. Rather than start her own line or work for another designer, she took an unexpected path after she graduated. She found her calling as a professor, passing her knowledge along to the Puerto Rico’s next generation of creative minds.
“I never imagined this was God’s will for my life. I love to teach and that is exactly what I’m doing,” Bernardy said.
It was her students who ultimately inspired Bernardy to open her own educational institution. “In my job as a professor of high fashion at Centro Moda and EDP University, the students asked me where they could study how to design shoes,” she recalls. The dearth of options on the island left her dismayed. Without a local school to recommend, she took matters into her own hands, initially leading small workshops that she offered only to her Facebook friends. In 2016, The Bernardy Studio was officially born.
The Bernardy Studio was opened to fill the void in the area of education to design accessories such as purses and shoes in Puerto Rico’s fashion industry.
The school, which today employs seven in staff, educates students who hail from everywhere from Fajardo to Mayaguez. The curriculum features classes on how to make a variety of textiles, from sneakers and sandals to wallets and backpacks. The most popular workshop focuses on crafting espadrilles.
As part of the complex process of making espadrilles, Bernardy tests them out first on canvas to make sure the fit is correct then she gets inspired on selecting the color. Once the material (fabric or leather) is chosen, it is machine sewn and then a hand stitch called punto de ojal (buttonhole stitch) is done.
Some espadrilles are decorated with small metalwork, buckles, or bias to provide a special touch while others are completely crafted with glitter vinyl.
“Create to educate” is the slogan at Bernardy Studio and that’s Monica’s goal – to continue producing accessories in order to educate her students.
“The espadrilles are fresh because the soles are made from jute, which permits the foot to breathe,” she says. She notes that they are also relatively easy for inexperienced sewers to produce. And while Bernardy is eager to encourage shoppers to buy from her students, she doesn’t sell her own designs. “I have a passion for educating and that is where I want to be.”
Much more than just a fashion statement, espadrilles are an unlikely means to helping to secure a better future for Puerto Rico, one pair at a time. For more information call Bernardy Studios at (787) 234-9898.