26th.
A big thank you to my wonderful boyfriend, I couldn't have asked for such a restful and vitamin-d packed birthday weekend.
La Casita Miramar
There was live music and a kick-ass full course meal, and a giant pitcher of sangria. The appetizers were probably my favorite part: Plantain Soup and Fried Codfish. It was so delicious! For entrées, I ordered the Avocado Stuffed with Shrimp and my boyfriend ordered the Stuffed Chicken with Salad. After that, we had to say no to dessert (which never happens) because we were so so so full.
Raíces
Mofongos! Yet another first. To start off, we ordered Crema de Plàtano (plaintain soup) and Dip de Pollo con Malanga Chips (creamy chicken dip + Malanga chips), which were so delicious! Then the main course, Camarones al Ajillo a la Criolla (shrimp in garlic, creole style) and Churrasco al Chimichurri Mofongo (skirt steak in chimichurri sauce). It was so filling and hearty! Must find Mofongos in New York, ASAP!
Finca
What caught my eye on the menu right away was the Pumpkin Flowers stuffed with Goat Cheese. It was a beautiful and flavorful dish with grilled zucchini, truffle honey, roasted almonds and edible flowers. Next, I had the Malanga Buñelos (fried dough balls) that had catfish and mushrooms inside. They weren't my favorite but it was interesting to try one of their popular snacks in Puerto Rico!
Cocina Abierta
On the eve of my birthday, my boyfriend and I dressed up and went on a culinary adventure at Cocina Abierta.
Photos of Ripe Plantain Carpaccio Brûlée with Tuna Tatake, Conchnillo Confit, Seared Duck Breast, Cambodian-style Pork Tenderloin, Purple Potato & Octopus Peruvian Carusa, and Petit Beef Wellington
Señor Paleta
Thankfully, I was able to miss out on the long line in the Old San Juan location. Instead, I enjoyed a lovely Strawberry Ice Pop at the El Mercado de Paseo Caribe. Perfect for a beautiful, hot, and sunny day in Puerto Rico!
Ola Ocean Front Bistro
This restaurant is inside the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, and is a great place to grab a bite before, during, or after you lay in the sun and swim in the pool.
Photos of Salmon and Local Hash Brown
Tacos & Tequila
A cute little grub/bar place located inside the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. Good for quick bites and drinks. The Truffle Fries and the Piño Colada were lovely by the beach, not thinking about anything, relaxing, getting sun-kissed.
La Bar Unidad
A lovely speakeasy bar that wasn't packed on a Saturday night? My type of bar. We sat by the bar and enjoyed a couple of cocktails that were sweet, my usual preference. The bartender and the staff there were also super friendly and wonderful as well.
Photo of Amaro Pompelo and Gran Momento