The Flavor of San Juan

One thing you learn quickly when visiting Puerto Rico...they love deep fried! The flavor with their special seasonings is absolutely delicious. Each one of those crispy morsels of pork, cheese and plantain is expertly prepared and brought to your table. On a pleasantly warm 80degree day, you pair those tasty treats with a traditional fresh mint mojito. These are the flavors of the local bar in San Juan.

Meantime, the outdoor band plays a mix of covers of Latin, Rock and Reggae songs. A gentle Caribbean breeze makes it presence known as passerby stop to listen. Then out of nowhere, the lead guitarist takes a solo at your table like he is channeling Carlos Santanna!

Speaking of mojitos, Puerto Rico is the home of famous rum distillers. The Bacardi family, originally from Cuba built a distillery in Puerto Rico which is the largest in the world called the Cathedral of Rum.

The Casa Bacardi tour and mixology class is amazing! After checking in, you immediately start the tasting experience with an expert Bacardi mixologist.

He explains the distillation process and creates a specialty drink of your choice from the menu. Then casually sipping cocktails and taking selfies, as you wait for the other members of the tour group to arrive. A tram arrives with your tour guide who is also your mixology professor. Everyone piles onto the tram with drinks in hand and ride to another building. There you learn of the history of the Bacardi family. Did you know that the bat on the logo represents family? It is a little creepy yet interesting at the same time.

The mixology class is fun and informative. Your professor demonstrates proper techniques in a classroom that resembles a very hip science lab. The class makes two drinks, a traditional mojito and a pina colada. The professor proudly proclaims the pina colada was created in Puerto Rico! After successfully completing your mixology class (drinks included) the tour ends at the Bacardi gift shop with many items to take home.

Later that evening, meet up with a few friends who live in Puerto Rico to experience the flavors of the nightlife. You meet at the Asere Cubano Kichen & Bar located in the Condado beach section of the city. This is a central location of the action. The area is filled with a variety bars, clubs and restaurants.

At Asere, your friends recommend that its best to share plates because the sizes of the portions are very large. They are right! The appetizers alone are a meal. Most notable are the fresh tropical ceviche and the shrimp and yucca combination.

Then onto the wonderful entrees that include a salmon and fried red snapper. You finish by sharing an amazing Tres Leites for dessert, a velvety soft cake with sweet cream. Once finished, your party steps outside the restaurant to the sounds of a live salsa band playing at a neighboring bar and you all join the people dancing in the street. The perfect way to end your day in Puerto Rico!

I hope you enjoyed this taste of San Juan. I am Howard Tucker, a retired national Nonprofit CEO, a travel writer, self-published author, musician, and performer. My wife Cleo and I live in Philadelphia, United States of America and in Bahia, Brazil. It is a joy to share with you the sights, sounds, tastes and the diversity of the locals as we travel in Brazil and the Caribbean.

If you would like to learn more about Bahia, Brazil, please visit my travel blog?Living In Bahia, Brazil.?You can also find my reviews of restaurants, hotels and accommodations on Tripadvisor.

Tucker Travel Tips

1. Jet Blue from JFK to Puerto Rico is very affordable. Pack only a carry-on bag to save bag fees. It is a 3-hour flight. Eat before you fly. There are many dining options in the Jet Blue terminal. Factor at least 30 mins for the line at the TSA check point. There is an option to pay extra for the rapid TSA check point. It is the same screening process, just a shorter line.
2. Tripadvisor to book the excellent Sunset Walking Tour of Old San Juan and the Mixology Class at Casa Bacardi and also to research the reviews of the restaurants.
3. Uber is plentiful and low priced because of short distances in the City of San Juan. I prefer the comfort cars. The quality of the comfort cars and the drivers are excellent, even road in a new Lexus.
4. Seek advice of friends & travel professionals who are very familiar with the island. Saves time and money, plus you have a great time!

Abra?os,

Howard