It has taken me almost a year to finally begin writing this post. Talk about some serious procrastination. The truth is it took a while for me to finally make the decision to just jump and get started with this project: my little corner on the web. That’s why this post is truly special. It marks the beginning of my blogging journey. And of course, I also get to share some of my favorite (and tastier) memories from Puerto Rico.
A lot has changed since I was in the island last year, particularly as it pertains to the local economy. Chatting with people there I got the sense that things were going to get worst before getting better. But despite this tough reality, Puerto Rico continues to be an incredible destination any time of the year. Its spectacular beaches, rich local gastronomy and variety of eco-adventures make the island a great place for the most active and curious of travelers. La Isla del Encanto is a tiny, but mighty, my friend.
WHERE/WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN PUERTO RICO
La Casita Blanca
This was our first meal in San Juan when we arrived on a Sunday morning. What a way to start our vacation just right! Casita Blanca (Litte White House) is located at the heart of Santurce, the largest district of San Juan. It was a quick 10-minute walk from our hotel in the Ocean Park neighborhood.
When it comes to Puerto Rican food, this is hand down one of the best places to go in San Juan. They have been serving traditional dishes for 30-years, so they know their stuff very well.
The moment you step into Casita Blanca it feels as if you’re a guest in someone’s home. Their menu changes regularly and it’s presented on a whiteboard with the day’s offerings.
Our meal started with complimentary bacaladitos or fried codfish fritters and a sample of the soup of the day. For appetizer we had arepas de jueye or crab arepas — juicy on top and crispy at the bottom. It hit the spot! The entrees came with plenty of rice, beans and sweet-plantains.
We pair our meal with their refreshing house sangria. I cannot think of a better way to cool off from the hot Caribbean sun. For dessert we ordered a tembleque, a traditional creamy coconut pudding.
At the end of your meal don’t skip the opportunity to go up to their rooftop garden. In addition to seeing some of the tropical plants they have, it’s also a chance to see the neighborhood of Santurce from above.
351 Calle Tapia
San Juan, 00912, Puerto Rico
787.726.5501
Kasalta
Located in the residential neighborhood of Ocean Park, this local favorite is a hybrid between a bakery and a diner. Kasalta received the Presidential stamp of approval when President Barack Obama had lunch there during his visit to Puerto Rico in 2011.
Come here to enjoy a delicious and inexpensive breakfast, like their ham, egg and cheese sandwich on a mallorca, a sweet bread topped with powder sugar. Or enjoy the President’s choice of medianoche sandwich, which comes with roast pork, ham and Swiss cheese.
1966 Calle McLeary
San Juan, 00911, Puerto Rico
787.727.7340
The Luquillo Kiosks
Going to The Kiosk is a genuine Puerto Rican experience. Forget about the diet, because this a fried food and beer heaven!
We went to the Kioks after a day of hiking at El Yunque national forest, so we were hungry. We decided to begin the adventure at the last Kiosks and worked our way up. This is how I’d suggest you do it. In fact, make sure you park on the first spot you see as there is only one way in and one way out by car.
We started with an assortment of traditional snacks like empanadas and sorullito de maíz, deep fried corn meal stick. They were really good, but my heart was stolen by the canoa, fried sweet-plantain stuffed with ground beef. I am a big fan of a sweet and savory combination, so every bite of this was everything.
We finished the adventure trying out the morcilla or blood sausage. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of blood. It really is yummy and even tastier when paired with a 2-dollar Medalla beer.
PR 3
Luquillo, Puerto Rico, 00773
Calizo Seafood
One of the best part of visiting the Caribbean is enjoying some really fresh and tasty seafood. Calizo Restaurant is located in the neighborhood of Las Croabas outside the city of Fajardo, the second city we visited while in Puerto Rico. The restaurant has a large outdoor space for al fresco dining.
We started things off with the with crab croquettes and breaded frog legs. The best thing we had, though, was the entree of seafood mofongo. Even though it was $45.00 it is more than enough for two people and the variety of seafood is impressive and filling. This is definitely one of the best mofongos I’ve ever had and I highly recommend it!
Casa Bacardí
When we returned to San Juan from Fajardo we went straight to Casa Bacardí. If you like rum, then this is one stop you’d want to make. They offer a very informative tour of the installations and have a small museum highlighting the brand’s history. Before the tour begins you can enjoy a cocktail at their outdoor bar. For an additional fee you can also sign up to a cocktail making class. This, my friend, is how I learned how to make a killer mojito, so I recommend it. 
Barrachina
While in Old San Juan, don’t miss the chance to go to Barrachina. This is supposedly the birthplace of the piña colada and though I have no way of verifying this, one thing is for sure: their piña coladas there are amazing! For that reason alone I am willing to side with their version of the story.
104 Calle Fortaleza
San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
787.725.7912
Cafeteria Mallorca
For a quick dessert and coffee, visit la Cafeteria Mallorca, also located in Old San Juan. Its charming old school decor makes it as though time stopped in the 50s. Eating a mallorca is a must here. In case you totally skipped the Kasalta portion, a mallorca is a sweet bread topped with powder sugar. Have the plain one with a cup of coffee or one with egg and cheese for breakfast. Delish!
300 Calle San Francisco
San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
787.724.4607
Café Cuatro Sombra
And on the complete opposite side of Old San Juan and a bit more trendy is Café Cuatro Sombra. Though it has a hipster type of vibe, their coffee is good and strong!
259 Calle Recinto Sur
San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
787.724.9955
Hope this post inspires you to take a trip out to the island! If you do, let me know about your experience in the comments. Or have you visited any of this spots? What was your experience like?
Hasta pronto,
Paloma
Paloma Veloz 
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