February 24th, 2016
My friends, Cindi and Jody, on their first trip to Puerto Rico, found the island very charming. When you visit with a local you get a different perspective. The people, the island, the food take a different meaning. So, this was our second day in Puerto Rico. We stayed in the areas of Old San Juan, Condado, and the northeastern side of the island.
 Luquillo Beach On this Thursday, we took off for the area of Luquillo Beach. It was around 1 p.m. when we stopped to eat at La Parrilla. La Parrilla is #2 Kiosk out of about 60 that have been in this stretch of Luquillo Beach, right next to the famous Balneario Monserrate. They have been there as long as I can remember. They have also evolved, keeping their very relaxed open air dining. Some have seating, others you just stand and eat local Crab Tacos, Alcapurrias, Pastelillos and all that wonderful grub that you don’t eat on a daily basis.
We were on the look out for Caribbean lobsters. You know, when I lived in Puerto Rico I thought the local lobster was the best. Living in Delaware…I totally love the Maine lobster. But this particular search for a grilled lobster had me excited about tasting again that sweet local PR lobster.
So we picked our 5 pound lobster right from the tank. Here we were.
 
Okay once that was done, a little Sangria for the group. What a job!!
Our open air seating was perfect. If you look closely you can see Jody, Cindi, and my cousin, Sonia, on the right hand side.
We ordered the Sample Boricua for a little tasting. Filled potatoes, mini piononos, corn sticks, and fried Puertorican cheese. Knowing we were having a full lunch we had a light breakfast. You have to plan when eating in PR.
That 5 lb lobster was to be shared. We ordered Puertorican rice and beans and the tostones, also known as fried plantains. The grilled flavor was so distinct and as you can see we loved it all.
Why dessert was ordered, I don’t know. We were completely satisfied but a sweet ending of not 3 Leches Cake but 4 Leches Cake was a must. It is vey Spanish and usually served at all restaurants. Sweet, delicious and very fattening.
The Luquillo Beach Kiosks are great because you have options, even though a lot serve the same local food. Some families have owned their kiosk for so many years. At night you may find some offering local music entertaining and during the week-ends they are very crowded.
Please note that La Parrilla is on social media. Their website is http://www.laparrillapr.com.
Second stop was a drive through El Yunque. This is the only tropical rain forest in the national forest system. 29,000 acres, is is one of the most biologically diverse of the national forests. Please call 787-888-1880 for more info. the Forest is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Also, you may visit http://www.elyunque.com.
A stop at La Coca Falls. The temperature already had come down. It can get quite cool and humid as you go up the Forest.
For day trip tours, please visit http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com.
Have a great day…..Next? The Bioluminescent Lagoon in Cabezas de San Juan in Las Croabas.
February 14th, 2016
This winter in order to get guaranteed warm weather you better go way south, past Florida…..needless to say, my friends, Jody, Cindi and I took off for La Isla del Encanto, otherwise known as Puerto Rico. I think the best time to go to Puerto Rico is February. The temperatures? 77 degrees to about 84 degrees. I cannot believe that on my last day there I was complaining that it was too hot. Well, that stopped me on my tracks when arriving in Baltimore it was a mere 34 degrees. Brrrrrr!!!
My friends had not been there. I told them that the airport could be a little hectic. Guess what? It made a liar out of me. Smooth arriving and picking up the luggage. It early evening, and after a little wine on Ashford Avenue in the Condado section of San Juan we took off for some Puerto Rican fare.
Ashford Avenue is a tourist destination. Oceanfront hotels and a great avenue to do some shopping, exercising or hitting some of the hotels for a little nightcap or some gambling.
We decided to stop at Orozco’s Restaurant at 1126 Ashford Ave. Tel. 787-721-7669. This little restaurant has surprised me on other visits. Even though is in a tourist area, the food is true Puerto Rican. It is small and cozy. You can sit street side or go inside. Latin music is always playing.
A little Sangria for us….it was the first of many Sangrias on the island.
We ordered some Corn Fritters or Sorullos de Maiz. Every restaurant has them. They are served with a sweet sauce. They are stuffed with a little bit of cheese. I was trying to have my friends get a taste of “comida criolla”.
Plantains are a staple of the Puerto Rican cooking. They are used like a potato. You get it in different ways…..tostones (fried plantains) or Mofongo. The traditional Mofongo is shaped in a mortar, adding bacon crumblings, garlic, and broth until mashed to the right consistency. Then it would be turned over on a plate and served with broth on the side. The purists still like it that way like my cousin, Sonia, who was with us through the whole week.
Through the years as innovative chefs in the island learned that the Mofongo could be stuffed…..a new way of serving started. You can get it stuffed with lobster, crab, beef, pork, you name it. We ordered the one stuffed with beef.
Another walk after our meal completed our first evening in Condado.
January 18th, 2016
You know, it really has not been bad at all. The weather here, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, has been perfect when you think of what winters we have had these past few years. But, now that it has gotten a bit colder I see that some of my friends are taking off for milder climates.
I just thought that one place where you will have warm weather year round is Puerto Rico. One of my favorites cities is Old San Juan. It is so romantic and a National Historic Landmark District.
And one of my favorite walks is Paseo de La Princesa. It is perfect for a power walk, or for just checking out the vendors that come during the week-ends to sell handmade Puerto Rican artifacts.
Just follow the walk and you will see how beautiful it is.
The group of sculptures is called Raices or Roots, and symbolizes the roots that gave birth to Puerto Rico cultural heritage.
Continue walking, we are heading towards the San Juan Gate.
The San Juan Gate is named after Saint John the Baptist. This gate was built in 1635 and it is the last remaining of San Juan’s principal gates.
When I was younger you were able to drive through the Gate, but now is just walking.
My cousin, Sonia, and I continued walking on a very hot day along the walled City. The wall was started in 1630 and finished in 1798. The wall was 3miles long and encircled the whole City of Old San Juan.
Preserving San Juan National Historic Site…helping to save the historic wall. There is a lot of erosion of wind, rain, and ocean waves. The riprap was finished in the 1990s, the concrete coating sprayed onto the slope is called shotcrete.
You can walk all the way to the back of El Morro Fort, and it is a great walk but remember that you will have to walk back. There is no way to access the other side of town at the end.
I forgot to tell you to take some water with you. There is a water fountain at the end of the walk but the water is warm.
The small island across the channel is Isla de Cabra. It is also the site of Fort San Juan de La Cruz, a vital link in San Juan’s defense system. Today it is a recreation area managed by the Commonwealth.
Entering the City through the San Juan Gate will be perfect to continue your walk through Old San Juan.
When walking through Old San Juan please wear comfortable shoes. The streets are most all cobblestones. The original blue cobblestones are there to see, but soon many of them will be replaced by new ones. The original ones called in Spanish adoquines were cast from iron slag, which is the waste from iron smelting. The first came to the island as ballast in the bottom of European merchant ships circa 1700s. In Calle del Cristo you are sure to see original ones.
La Fortaleza is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico in Old San Juan. On this photo is at the end of the street.
But if you are walking Paseo de La Princesa you can see it. When I was visiting, it was under renovation.
With all the problems Puerto Rico has at the moments, financial and otherwise, it is still a beautiful island, worth exploring.
January 10th, 2016
Growing up in Puerto Rico gave me an extra holiday to celebrate. This holiday celebrated in Spain and in Latin countries is called Three Kings Day. In Spanish it is Dia de Los Reyes. It’s celebrated on January 6th. Known as the Epiphany it is the Holiday celebrating the biblical adoration of the Baby Jesus by the Three Kings, or Wise Men…in Spanish Los Reyes Magos. Their names? Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar.
They offered gold representing Jesus’ royal standing as King of the Jews. They also offered frankincense referring to His Divine nature. And, myrrh which was often used to embalm corpses. This was presented to the new baby as a symbol of Jesus’ mortality.
So, when I was a young girl, I would go outside on the eve, which would have been January 5th, with a shoebox, and collect grass for the camels. I would place the box under my bed. Then, I would put cookies and milk for the Kings. In the morning I would find that the camels had made such a mess!!
Once John and I had children and lived in Bethany Beach, I continued with this tradition. It really was a mess, but so worth it!!
The tradition in Puerto Rico was to celebrate this day with roasting pigs, blood sausages, plantains, rice with green pigeon peas, flan and local music!! You still can find those parties but it is not like when I was growing up.
I invited friends for dinner on January 6th to celebrate Three Kings Day. I think this might become an annual tradition. I got some Puerto Rican flags to put on the tree….forgot to get the group photo. I will be more organized next year, I promise.
One of the typical drinks in Puerto Rico at this time of the year is Coquito. It is like an egg nog. My brother told me that the Rum Chata would be perfect to serve. Guess what? I forgot to serve it, as well!! But, Cindi and I tried it the next day. Sooooo good!!
I really thought I was very organized, but as my friends came and the chatting continued I almost forgot a few things that should have started cooking. Hey, don’t worry everything did come out pretty good.
As usual we all gathered in the kitchen…that’s usually the case. A few appetizers…not too many because I had a lot of food. Pasteles are like tamales, but made with plantains. My brother had a Puerto Rican woman in Orlando, Florida, make them for me. Federal Express and here in no time. My grandmother used to make the best plantains but these were a second best. Inside they had raisins, olives, garbanzo beans, and chicken or pork.
Fried plantains with mojito…I like the plantains thin.
Here is Donna helping out in the kitchen.
Pork loin chunks prepared with spices, cilantro, tamarind, olives, capers, and tomatoes. Cooked for some time letting the spices do their thing.
The rice with green pigeon peas was cooking but to tell you the truth I did not like the consistency. The taste was good, nevertheless.
A green salad to clean our palate.
For dessert 2 flans were made. One a traditional Puerto Rican flan with milk and eggs. The other also widely made with cream of coconut….Guess what? I forgot to take the photo but here is a photo of one that I had made some time ago. No kidding, I will have to be better next time. That’s what happens when you are a too relaxed hostess!!
Two tables with the sounds of laughter and story telling, celebrating long time friendships!! It is always amazing!!
And my new granddaughter, Sophia, experienced her first Puerto Rican Fiesta!!
Have a great 2016!!
Note: And if you thought you were finished with the Holidays, think again. In Puerto Rico beginning on January 7th….8 more days of parties…called the Octavitas.
January 3rd, 2016
We really should not complain here in Southern Delaware. The temperatures so far have been great and it has felt like summer all through the Holidays. But, as we start a new year, and being that it is January, the temperatures dipped a bit this a.m. Thinking about the blue waters of San Juan. Getting to Puerto Rico is pretty easy. It is a relatively short flight and there are daily flights from Baltimore (BWI) and Philly.
Every first Sunday of the month the Mercado Urbano or Farmers Market takes place at 1054 Ashford Avenue…9 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is a great way to get up close and personal with farmers, and artists. It is a family affair with plenty of food for everyone. This will be the first Mercado Urbano of 2016!!
This time of the year in San Juan the temperatures will be in the low 8Os, which is great for walking and exploring the Condado area. Mercado Urbano is also ocean front.
Fresh coconut water.
Local produce.
Every Sunday there will be paella.
Local cookies…bring back childhood memories.
Cod Fish Cakes or Bacalaitos. They are so good, and yes they are fattening.
Fresh Pasta.
Throughout the day there are plenty of activities. On Sunday, December 3rd from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Yoga with Lara. All you have to do is bring your mat.
From 10 a.m. unti Noon you can participate in Boot Camp with Spartan Fit.
From 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. there will be live entertainment on the stage.
Shop around for Puerto Rican cigars.
Every household in Puerto Rico has “pique” or hot sauce, locally made.
And please stop by to meet Carla from Carla’s Rosaries. All made by Carla…they are beautiful. Check her out on Facebook. Her website is http://www.carlasrosaries.com.
This customer was so graciously posed for a photo.
If you are in the metropolitan area of San Juan, please stop by. It is a lot of fun!!
October 19th, 2015
On November 19, 1493 Puerto Rico was discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to claim lands for the Rulers of Spain. When he arrived the island was called Borinquen by the Indians who lived there, but Columbus named it San Juan Bautista. Old San Juan is 522 years old.
It has diverse architectural and historic treasures and these make Old San Juan quite distinct from any other place in the world. It has lively plazas, parks, and promenades, restaurants, and plenty of shopping as well. One such shop that I visited was Spicy Caribbee located at 154 Cristo Street or Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan, PR 00901 Tel. 787-725-4690 Website? http://www.spicycaribbee.com
Follow them on Facebook.
Their Spicy Caribbee line is their own recipe and has been created to make cooking fun. They have been serving customers since 1988. They do ship and there is also online shopping, as well. The photo shows Sica, the owner, taking care of customers.
The hot sauces looked amazing. It is their recipe and they are made for them. You can buy individual bottles or the small crates. Some of the sauces are hot and others are more a condiment to enhance your cooking like the Ginger and Garlic.
If you are in the store you will be able to sample some of the sauces before purchasing.
Coffee is so much of a part of the Puerto Rican tradition. At any time of the day a cup of coffee is always offered. Their coffee is from Hacienda San Pedro, which is a family tradition for 4 generations.
Rag Dolls, homemade in Puerto Rico are a tradition….their particular ones were so cute and my little granddaughter, Sophia, got one of them.
Their tropical jams are prepared just for them, as well. Banana, Mango, Guava, Pineapple, Mango Pineapple and Hot Pepper Jam…use them on toast, pastries or in any cooking were you want to add a bit of the Caribbean. Honeys and teas!! Remember that they can ship everything to your home.
Rubs are so easy. Just rub your chicken, steak, or fish and then decide your method of cooking it….got some of the rubs!!
So as the weather begins to cool off in the Northeast….the Caribbean is warm year-round.
Have a good one!!
March 29th, 2015
Always look forward to visiting churches on my travels. Not necessarily on a time when religious services are taking place. I like them when they are totally quiet. For me is a time for reflection; to pray for my family and friends. I usually stop at churches of all denominations, even though I am Catholic. I thank for our religious freedom. Historic churches and chapels…I am in awe of their beauty and of their strength.
Here are some of my favorite churches and the list is getting longer.
NEW YORK
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a New York Landmark. In 1785 there were only 200 Catholics and one priest in New York City. The doors opened in 1879. The newspapers hailed the New Cathedral as “the noblest temple ever raised in any land to the memory of Saint Patrick, and as the glory to Catholic America”. When I have visited New York with my friend, Shelley, who is Jewish…she always makes a point to stop at St. Patrick’s. So beautiful.
St. Paul’s Chapel was built in 1766. It is the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan. It survived the Great Fire of 1776 and the attacks on 9/11. George Washington prayed here after his inauguration in 1789. It is located at 209 Broadway, between Fulton St. and Vesey St. Still standing against all odds, this church has been a place not only for spiritual healing but for physical refuge, as well.
PUERTO RICO
I grew up in the Island of Puerto Rico. When you see my posts from there is because that’s where my formative years took place. Old San Juan is the Capital and it is over 500 years old. La Catedral de San Juan is formally known as the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, named after the Puerto Rican Patron Saint, San Juan Bautista or Saint John the Baptist. It is located on Cristo St. between Luna St. and San Francisco St. It was built in 1540 and it is the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. The Cathedral contains the tomb of Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon. And, the mummified remains of Roman Christian Martyr, Saint Pio.
Capilla del Cristo or Christ’s Chapel is located at the end of Calle del Cristo, which is also where the Cathedral is located. The Chapel was built to commemorate a miracle. Local lore has it that as a young man lost control of his horse and galloped down Calle del Cristo over the cliff at the end of the road, he prayed to a Catholic saint and his prayers were answered.
Parroquia San Francisco de Asis is located at San Francisco Street #301 in Old San Juan. The Crypt – As in old colonial churches, the remains of Christians were buried in catacombs. This can also be seen at the entrance of the Parish. They are called catacombs similar to the Roman catacombs but they are crypts. In the crypt are the remains of personalities of Puerto Rico. They are considered of important historical heritage.
Iglesia Dulce Nombre de Jesus is located in the town plaza of Humacao. This is where I grew up. It is on the eastern side of the island. I went to primary school at Academia San Jose which was across the street. My family went to church here, my parents were married in this church, and I also made my First Communion there. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally, it was a single structure built in 1769. A second church was built from 1825-1826. The present church was built in 1868-1877. It was designed by Don Evaristo de Churruca in the Gothic Revival style. Further renovations have taken place since then.
Parroquia Nuestra Senora del Carmen is located at 33 Marina, in Punta Santiago near my hometown, Humacao. Punta Santiago is a fishing village. Nuestra Senora del Carmen is the patron saint of Fishermen. The official Feast Day is July 16th. I have fond memories of this church. It is always kept in pristine condition. My late husband, John, and I got married here. We chose this church because it was on the beach and it really is pretty, small and cozy. It was the second wedding….first one in Orlean, Virginia and then this one in 2 complete different years. One was not enough!!
SHOWELL, MARYLAND, EASTERN SHORE
Saint Martin’s Historic Church and the importance of historic preservation. For so many years it stood neglected, just waiting for those who would take over the mission of its restoration. It is considered by many historians “to be the finest preserved, most significant piece of American history on the Lower Eastern Shore”. It is an Architectural gem, built in 1756, and a museum located at 11413 Worcester Highway in Showell, Maryland. For more info., please visit http://www.historicstmartinschurg.org.
LEWES, DELAWARE
St. Peter’s Church is located at 2nd & Market Streets in Historic Lewes, Delaware. Lewes is the First Town in the First State. Since 1680 this church has served this community. The early settlers who were members of the Church of England formed its first congregation. The graveyard which surrounds the Church has stones dating back to 1707. Stop by while strolling Lewes.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
 
The Baltimore Basilica’s is America’s First Cathedral. I have a deep connection to Baltimore. My late husband was from Baltimore and many years ago, I lived and worked in Baltimore. Love the City. The Basilica’s construction started in 1806. George Weigel, the biographer for Pope John Paul II said “No other Catholic edifice in America can claim to have seen so much history inside its walls”. At least 15 saints or potential saints have prayed in this Basilica. The Crypt inside the Basilica holds the tombs of Archbishop John Carroll, the first Bishop of the United States of America, Archbishop Martin John Spalding, and James Cardinal Gibbons.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia has 4 Catholic shrines: St John Neumann, St. Katherine Drexel, Miraculous Medal and St. Rita of Cascia. Philadelphia is considered a city where the foundations for our right to freedom and religion were laid. The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is located at 1166 S. Broad St. and it was built in 1907. I came to know it during my stay in Philadelphia the summer of 2013.
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
St. Michael’s Catholic Church is located at 71 Broad St. in Historic Charleston. A National Historic Landmark. Pewes are made of native cedar and remain the same as they have always been. The altar is Victorian. The chancel rail is made of wrought iron. It dates to 1772. George Washington worshipped at Governor’s Pew #43. This church is gorgeous and the docent was so amazingly inspiring.
St. Philip’s Protestan Episcopal Church is located at 142 Church St. in Historic Charleston. The original building was completed in 1724, destroyed by fire in 1835 and finished the rebuilding in 1838. Porticos and columns remind visitors of Roman porticos. This church is also a National Historic Landmark and has the tallest steeple in Historic Charleston. The docent was so nice and proud of her church.
I am looking forward to this list getting longer. These churches welcome us all. Many of them are so simple. Some are architectural wonders. You don’t really have to look for them, some times they find you.
Another magical Sunday….but waiting for summer is what I am doing.
February 19th, 2015
I am praying that it gets a little warmer at the Delaware Beaches…..but I remember well a couple of weeks ago when visiting Puerto Rico we went to the Mercado Urbano or Urban Market that takes place at Ventana al Mar (Window to the Sea) on Ashford Avenue in Condado the first Sunday of every month. A popular place to be in order to get up close and personal with many local artists….and taste that delicious Puertorican food.
The rosaries did attract our attention. They were beautiful. Meet the artist behind Carla’s Rosaries and bracelets…Carla. Very friendly and most accommodating. So many of us asking questions…could you add this other medal or replace this one for that one. With a smile on her face she obliged.
 
Carla’s Rosaries are sold in Puerto Rico at Carla’s Sweets in Guaynabo and at Carla’s Sweets cart at Plaza Las Americas in Hato Rey. Please visit http://www.carlasrosaries.com. Tel. 787-792-9777 You can find Carla’s Rosaries on Facebook, as well. Please note that Carla’s Rosaries can be purchased online.
 
Carla is also the baker behind Carla’s Sweets. So successful in San Juan. I will have to try them next time, but in the meantime you may visit http://www.carlassweets.com. Shop online, shipping available.
Carla’s Rosaries and bracelets are made with semi-precious stones. The metals are not silver, but alloy and pewter. With time the rosaries will take a “vintage” look. With a bit of care they can last you a lifetime.
 
Please open http://www.carlasrosaries.com, to read about her story. At times when a door closes, another opens. It was pretty much the case for her. Going through a difficult time in her life, she went to a family retreat. She stated that during the retreat she felt anxious….a couple acknowledged the fact that praying had changed their lives. Carla started to cry. Some began to pray for her and gave her a Rosary, blessed by the Virgin of Medugorje. They also gave her the novena of the Divine Mercy, which is supposed to be prayed at 3:00 p.m. Her story is passionate, she is devout of the Divine Mercy, very spiritual, and very much at peace.
Carla wanted to wear a rosary, not in a traditional way. She loves accessories….so Carla’s Rosaries began. Carla’s Rosaries can be worn in a traditional way, or you can wear them like a scarf…worn like that by Carla on the above photos.
   
The Mercardo Urbano or Urban Market will be at Ventana al Mar on Sunday, March 1st, and you can be sure that Carla’s Rosaries and bracelets will be making a statement like they usually do.
Note: You may have your rosary blessed.
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