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The Best of Puerto Rico
By Andrew Zimmern on June 9, 2009 12:07 PM | Permalink | 116 Comments
Why go to Puerto Rico: Well, because it's the best secret hiding in plain sight in the Caribbean! ...and due to massive migration to the US over the years, it is said there are more Puerto Ricans living in New York than in San Juan. Growing up in New York City, I long ago got a big taste of Puerto Rico's culture and cuisine but not the full flavor of the island's diversity. I wanted to visit the "real" Puerto Rico - and believe me, this Caribbean island is no West Side Story. Steeped in an amalgam of complex influences, the cuisine clearly reflects the island's history: from original Taino native tribes to its Spanish occupation and subsequent influx of African slaves, to its current status as a Commonwealth of the United States. Nothing reveals the history of Puerto Rico more than the impact it has had on the cuisine. Spanish, African, and native Taino influences can be tasted in nearly every traditional Puerto Rican dish. Sound intriguing? I thought so.
Best Food Eaten on the Go: African slaves first brought the method of deep frying food to the island of Puerto Rico, and it remains a huge part of the Puerto Rican cuisine. Today deep fried food is commonly sold by the side of the road, at the beach, and in little kiosks. In fact, most meals on the island begin with a hot fried appetizer. I drove all around the island with my pal Shorty, especially along Puerto Rico's northern coast to sample some of the food that can be found when you are on the go. Our last stop was in Pinones where dozens of battered shacks line the road and serve up deep fried delights that have been cooked in giant kettles on wood stoves. We saw and ate a lot of treats, including:
• Bacalaito - salt cod fritter
• Octopus cone - paper cone containing fresh octopus salad
• Mofongo - mashed fried green plantains (African)
• Pionono - sweet plantain stuffed with seasoned ground beef (deep fried)
• Mavi - a drink made from the Columbrina tree and sugar
• Alcapurria - fried tube shaped snack made of a mixture of plantains, yautia, and stuffed with meat
• Pasteles - a tamale-like loaf made with plantain and root vegetable paste, stuffed and wrapped in banana leaves
• Tostones - twice fried smashed plantains
• Chicharron -fried pig skin
But the highlights of the day came in the tiny town of Arecibo where we went to sample a traditional fish native to the area called Ceti. No bigger than an inch, the Ceti fish is transparent in color and only fished at night when the moon is waning. The mashed root vegetable tamales the ceti were cooked in were insanely good, and lucky for us we got there early. After stuffing ourselves silly we stopped in the town of Lares, the home of an ice cream Parlor with more than a thousand flavors, including some designed only for the more adventurous palate. Don't skip it on your next visit.
• Garlic ice cream
• Rice and Beans with Chicken ice cream
• Avocado ice cream
• Corn ice cream
• Sesame Seed ice cream
Best Restaurant: Restaurant owner, author and rock solid awesome dude, Chef Wilo Benet, is known for raising the bar on modern culinary trends in Puerto Rican cooking. His flagship restaurant Pikayo has won more culinary awards than any other in Puerto Rico, thanks to the emphasis of traditional Spanish, African, and Taino elements used in his unique recipes. Chef Wilo uses indigenous ingredients and traditions to keep the true flavor of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine alive, while giving it a modern twist. I cooked with Wilo at Pikayo in San Juan, where the team cooked up some of Wilo's specialties using all local ingredients. Alcapurrias, Jueyes and a killer pig foot stew were some of the highlights. Later, Wilo took me out to the yacht of a friend for a get together on the water. It's the best place to see the sunset over Old San Juan. But don't go to San Juan without booking a meal or two at Pikayo, it's the best.
Best Place to Get Lost: Puerto Ricans have a strong sense of family, and big mealtime gatherings are an important part of the culture. Cooking together is an essential bonding activity, and a wide variety of traditional dishes are always served. I went off the beaten path to get a glimpse into the part of Puerto Rico that many tourists never see. Dinner with a family high up in the Toro Negro National Forest. I took an amazing adventure through the jungle-like vegetation, dove into a hole in the rocks under a waterfall (on air) and we almost died in a rainstorm when our van got swept off the road and we had to bail out of the car and push it back on the mountain top switchback before the car slid away down the peak. So when I tell you I was really grateful for the family meal that day, I wasn't kidding. I also got to eat some great little treats, all fresher than fresh.
• Gandinga - a stew of pig liver, kidneys and heart
• Morcilla - sausage made with blood and rice and the popular culantro herb, similar to cilantro
• Sancocho soup - stew made with pork, pumpkin, plantain, etc
• Guinea Fowl stew
116 Comments
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I love it when a show takes the time to tap into the original culture and personality of my beautiful island. the tourist industry tends to portray a water-down version of Puerto Rico. The best part of Puerto Rico is food, music, and family. Thanks Andrew.
so glad you made it to our island! sounds like you missed rincon, but maybe next time! can't wait to see the show.
I agree rincongirl the best part of the island is the west coast. I like Ricon but andrew also missed Aguadilla. What can I say the west coast has so much to offer to locals as well as tourist.
I can't believe you guys meet our island, that's so great. I am a huge fan of this show. The next time I hope you can taste a little more of our bizarre foods. For example eating some parts of the intestines at the same time you prepare the meal, etc.
Watching the show and got a little upset when Andrew kept confusing a pastel and an empanada. But i'm glad to see that he got them right on the blog.
What a great show! I am ready to pack and go to Pinones for pulpo salad and spend a sunday at Guavate. Watching you eat that pork made me ansiouly jelous. It looks like you had a great time showing all the best of Borinquen. I grew up in Arecibo, by the ocean, eating ceti very often. Now I know a secret place to track it when I go back, in a couple of months. Thank you for a great show. Now, I hope you had an ekg of your heart after all the cholesterol....
Your biggest fan. Vingie
I want some of that morcilla, Andrew. I am glad you put our beautiful, fantastic and exciting island on "THE BEST". Sure, we are the best, best roasted pork comparing to Hawaii; the best morcilla (not in Nicaragua, kid). Best ice cream more than baskin robbins (more flavors!!). There is more to see, six days are not enough mijo. Next time go west coast, Aguadilla (Crash boat) and Rincon are great beaches and you can find some good kioskos on the way. The best is La Parguera for a great fish dinner.
But if you want to taste some of Puerto Rico come to Orlando. We have great pork, morcilla, bacalaito, mofongo, etc. You can find it here too: Tripletas too. Keep on the grease intake, you look healthier with all that in your system. Our family had to eat "cuerito" every Saturday, like an inevitable suerum.
See you on the next program.
Andrew, when you come back to Puerto Rico, you need to visit the "Platano Loco" and the Vaca Brava".
YEA!!! That's the best episode ever in my opinion. It's not only because I am a native puertorican, but I've been to all those places and I am glad you saw and tasted REAL Puerto Rico. I was a little skeptic at first, thinking it would be the same superficial junk they always show on TV about PR, but I should have known better. Mr.Zimmern, you never fail to get around to the good parts.
You should have done a 2 hour special, so you could have gone to many other great places to eat and have some great fun... for example... my grandmother's house.
It looks like you enjoyed the food, as well as the island in a big way! Be sure to send me an e-mail if yo ever want to drop by and eat some more!
Okay, we've decided you have to go back since you only saw a little bit of this wonderful island. There are already votes for the west coast and I'm throwing in my vote for the East coast - Fajardo and Humacao. Arroz con pollo - oh, how I'd give anything to have right now! And then there's the coffee.... Thanks for spotlighting Puerto Rico!
Andrew, I'm so glad you enjoyed Puerto Rico. It's a beautiful island with a lot to offer and there are so many good things to eat. Too bad you couldn't all around the island but you did go to a lot of great places. Come back soon and Buen Provecho!
I Just love your show. But this episode showed me parts of Puerto Rico I never knew about.
You have to go to the west part of the island and enjoy the sea food. The pig feet stew looked incredible. I almost forgot why we love to eat, the flavors and textures and the people who prepare it. Thanks again for making me feel alive again thru the food.
I loved the show! I saw places that I knew and places that I didn't. I was so surprised when I saw you eating Ceti in Arecibo; I live in the next town over in Hatillo and I didn't even know about that place! Thanks, I plan on making a visit as soon as I can.
Awsome, Awsome, Awsome show tongight!! Andrew you displayed Puerto Rico, like so few have!! Being raised in the US (now back in PR, Fajardo, to stay!) I love watching shows about PR to see how my island is portrayed and you truly demonstrated Puerto Rico perfectly! The warmth of the people, the diversity of our culture and the great food. The show put a knot in my throat and made me cheer with pride. Next time here, you have to hit up the East coast, Fajardo for some fresh lobster. Seeing Chef Wilo take you for Tripletas was priceless. He mentioned that they are great for breakfast, true because we normaly are eating them at 4am after a night of partying and dancing.
Awsome show, Andrew!! and Thanks again for such a great representation of Puerto Rico!! Buen Provecho!!
I couldn't see the whole show, but just looking at the webpage, I found what appeared to be a couple mistakes. In the video highlights, Andrew mentions the use of corn in the alcapurrias and even calls them corn fritters. I do not think this is right. In the photo gallery, a photo of bread fruit tostones is labeled as deep fried pork. I am looking foward to see the whole show, I am sure there are more mistakes. Please production people, be a little more attentive!
love your show, saw it tonight but theres that problem where everyone just looks at the Metro area, San juan, and thiks Puerto Rico is just that. you really needed to como to the west side of the island, and the south too. Aguadilla, Ponce, Aguada and Rincon definately should have been on the show.
Please PLEASE stop saying muchO gracias. It's MUCHAS GRACIAS. I've heard you say it many times, and you come across as condescending and ignorant.
I enjoyed watching your show. I was able to learn about places I have never gone to and will now go. I agree, you have to come to the western side of the Island, there's a lost of warmth in the people and good food for tasting. Thank you for showing Puerto Rico!!!
Andrew. You really did it this time! The show was fabulous. I have to take off my hat and say Thanks for highlighting the island. But I agree with Armando. You needed a 2 hour special, because you missed many places and dishes. Next time. As a matter of fact, I'm going to the island 2morrow, so the show REALLY got me going! Thanks again!
I loved the show. it was really nice to see you getting away from the city. Puerto Rico is so rich in culture that it is hard to show every good food spot in the island. In My opinion,there is a lot more to see and enough to make another wonderful show. Next time we want to see you eating Salmorejo de Jueyes, Pescado con salsa mojo, guanimes, funche, chuletas can can, and many other delicacies that can be found in the south. Also, you forgot about our delisious rum!!!!
Hi Andrew,
Great job with the show. I was in Puerto Rico visiting my parents a few weeks ago so it was nice to re-live the experience again through your show!
Thanks again,
Eric
Wow! I am now very interested in checking out Puerto Rico thanks to you Andrew.
Andrew, Than you so much for portraying our island, our people and our cuisine so beautifully. Kudos, great job. You definitely showed everyone there's lot to do in that little island. You need to go to the South next time,there's lot more to see and enough to make Puerto Rico II (revisited). Next time, I want to see you eating Donplines in Ponce (El Trigal) Salmorejo de Jueyes (Yeyo's Sea food rest)o la Casita in Lajas, Sopa de Siete Potencias (Salinas-Puerta Del Sol), guanimes con bacalao, funche, Chuletas Can-Can en Yauco, Mofongo (El Pilon-Salinas-Ponce), great seafood in Guayanilla, visit the beautiful resort as the Copamarina in Guanica along Caña Gorda beach and many other delicacies that can be found in the south of our island. You forgot to mention our coconut orchata and definitely visit Ponce because the city has lot to offer. If you want I'll be your tour guide.
Glad I could finally see it. I had seen pictures of the filming back in April 09 and was waiting for the TV episode to air.
Andrew,
In your next visit, hit a place called Punto Once in Ponce Playa for a twist on a Tripleta. This one is made of Octopus, conch and shrimp...is a VIAGRA sandwich!!!.
I saw your show on Puerto Rico last night AWESOME dude!!! you tasted the best and you let millons know how wonderful and beautiful our island is. Next time also try Cabo Rojo, Boqueron Beach, Joyuda you'll love as much as I do. Keep up the great show your AWESOME!!
Andrew, do it again! it was great. i must say next time stay on the west coast. AGUADILLA my hometown has a lot to offer. If you need a tour guide am here and the best food of course you will find it at my grandmother's house. Thanks.
Andrew,
Thank you so much for bringing back old memories.. I haven't been able to go back to my island since 2006 and I sure miss it..Great show as always..That dark water hole you jumped into was kinda scary but you did it big guy.. (:
Thank you, thank you...
Me encantó el programa! Simplemente Puerto Rico lo hace mejor!!
Andrew,
You have potrayed the real PR beautifully. As a Cuban American that lives in Miami but lived in Salina, PR for many years you brought me wonderful flashbacks. My family used to own the former Puerta del Sol. I remember those Sundays driving up to Guavate with my grandparents for some "lechoncito acabao de asar" and dancing the calories away afterwards. The only thing i wished was that the show were longer just so you can do a tour of the whole island and try each towns authentic food. Can't wait to get back!
I’m so glad you visited Puerto Rico. My husband and I enjoy looking at our favorite foods. Thank you for sharing with all the Boricuas living fare away from our beautiful Island. We love your show.
que mas puedo decir!!!!, Bravo!. I got this knot in my throat during the whole show, finally you portayed the real puertorican culture, no that superficial tourist thing that most of the gringos THINK to know about this amazing island.I'm so glad that my fellows puertorican welcome you with opened arms and anxious to tell you who we are... un abrazo, Brenda
I have lived in Puerto Rico for over 50 years. I loved the program you made of my beautiful island. I have visited most of the places you presented, however I want to know the name of the mountain top diner where you went in a Jeep for rabbit. I tuned in late and missed the name and in what town its located. Please tell me so I can visit it. Thanks.
I am glad you finally went to visit Puerto Rico. La Isla Del Encanto. My husband tells me stories about the bruises he sustained when he was a little kid playing Gallito with the Algarroba. It's a small island but big in character. I wished you visited the South West of the island to visit a special place called El Combate Beach where sea salt is made. Also, enjoy the beach while eating seaside grapes and icacos. A short trip from Combate Beach you will find Boqueron Beach which is known for it's famous Ostiones. "Don't forget to try Quenepas"!
We will always welcome you with open arms! Send us an email if you wish to visit the Combate area!
Thank you again for a great show!!!
I loved watching you in my homeland. It made me miss the food even more than I usually do. Next time try Humacao on the east coast and Ponce in the west (they have a great boardwalk). A million times thank you for showing the beauty of my little Island. LOVE YOUR SHOW!!!!!!
BRAVOOOOOO!!!! Ienjoy your show very much but this time u over did it. I was sooooo proud of seeing my Puerto Rico thru your eyes and my mouth getting sooo watery watching your show, thank you for showing a different side of my pais, not just the tourism sites.
Super siked that you wnet to Puerto Rico and hit up traditional spots like la Bombonera (THE place for mayorca's) and Guavate (THE place to eat roast pork), however there was a mistake with the ingredients that go into the paste that make PASTELES, it's actually green BANANAS and root vegetables that go into it. thanks again for doing culinary justice puerto rico.
Great Show! I love every second of it, but I have to say next time go south to eat fish at Salinas, best place in the island for fresh fish.
I loved your show of Puerto Rico, it was awesome. Thank you for showing the culture and food of Puerto Rico, love the mountainside view, it was spectacular.
It was a pleasure watching this episode, since it showed the beauty of our island, and the tasty of our cuisine. It was respectful, since it did not focus on bad things, but on those worth displaying. It will definitely increase our tourism, which will help our economy. Thanks a lot!
love your show but this one, wow! i'm a new york rican
but mom goes as often as she can. we were wondering
what was the name of that town or area where you went
up the mountain for the rabbit and all the other great
food? also what part of san juan can we find the man
who sells those great sandwiches you ate? thanks again,
hope you return real soon, maybe do a special with
bourdane on the island.
Frances, the town where Andrew had conejo is San Lorenzo
Love his show, glad he went to La Isla Del Encanto!!!! When i go to P.R. I gain about 10/lbs, the food is so fresh and good. I can't wait to see the show, my co-worker said he couldnt stop drooling. I Love my Puertorican food.
You missed the "empanadillas de chapin" Humacao makes the best.
I missed the part of... THANKS FOR COMING TO MY BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF PUERTO RICO. WELCOME !! Your show was exquisit ! Come see us again.
I LOVED the show!!! I've been in the US for 7 years and watching this show made me wanting to go home again for good. It made me so happy and SO proud to see how much you enjoyed PR. My friends who got to watch it said so many good things about PR and now they want to go. Thanks so much for portraying the real face of la isla del encanto :o)
When you visit areas where english isnt the 1st language..please flash the food item names on the screen so we can right it down and find it or get the receipe.. thanks
I simply LOVE the program u made about PR, LOVE IT!!! When Anthony Bourdain visit PR for his show, I was really sad beacuse I consider he missed A LOT of what we are as a country. Ur PR show portray as best as u can in only 1 hour my beautiful island, it's people, our culture and food. U still have to come back because there is a LOT more to see and eat. Thanks for a great and yummy show! 2 thumbs up for u and ur crew.
LOVE YOUR SHOW ESPECIALLY YOUR VISIT TO MY HOMELAND PUERTO RICO BUT I FEEL YOU WHERE LEFT OUT ON OTHER TOWNS THAT SERVE THE BEST IN SEAFOOD DISHES AND SITES. BUT I HOPE THAT YOU ENJOYED YOUR VISIT TO OUR LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN,PUERTO RICO.
MuchOs gracias Andrew, this show was smoking good! I was visiting Guavate in March and I met you the day you were filming this show. You are as handsome and charismatic in person as you are on TV. Thank you for visiting the island of Puerto Rico and showing the exquisite folklore of our wonderful and hospitable culture, and of course our excellent food..gracias!
ANDREW, ERES FENOMENAL ME ENCANTA TU PROGRAMA. LA PROXIMA VEZ NO LLEVES MUJERES PLASTICAS A COMER COMIDA TIPICA LA QUE FUE CONTIGO A GUAVATE PARECIA MUY ARTIFICIAL. PERO POR LO DEMAS TUS PROGRAMA ESTAN FUERA DE LIGA ERES EL MAESTRO DE LOS MAESTROS. SIGUE ADELANTE.
I really enjoyed your visit to Puerto Rico, I feel you showcased some of our best cuisine, sights and culture. However I did feel a little uncomfortable with something you stated in the introduction to the episode. I heard you say that Puerto Rico "is lovingly called the 51st State". I feel this comment is highly insensitive to one of the most controversial and touchy subjects in our country. There are many passionate and differing opinions regarding our current political status. While there are many Puerto Ricans who wish to be a state, that is not the sentiment of the majority of the habitants of this island. Frankly, this is a highly complicated subject that should have been avoided altogether. I agree that food is the best way to grasp a country's culture and history, but it should always be accompanied by cultural and historical sensibility and some prior knowledge of the realities of the country.
I remember something similar happened in your Chile episode. In the introduction it was stated that contrary to other Latin American countries that had terrible civil wars and conflicts, Chile had always been a peaceful country. Which really shocked me because Pinochet's dictatorship was fairly recent.
Like I said, I really love your show. It just seems to me that it's better to avoid certain comments that might result insensitive and I know that is not your intention at all.
after i saw this episode some things got me mad because some of the foods didn't originate their also i think you should go to the dominican republic.
Thank you for visiting Puerto Rico!! Im a huge Fan Of your Show, so naturalmente when I heard you were coming to PR I got so excited!!! Gracias por venir y espero que hayas GOZADO tu visita.
I watched your show on Puerto Rico and enjoyed a lot. But looking at your comments regarding the ingredients of alcapurrias and pasteles, I want to make a correction there. Plantain is not an ingredient of these preparations. Instead, the main ingredient is green bananas. You can add some plantain to them but only small amounts since it will turn the product too hard. Don't worry, I've heard local people on the radios make the same mistake
Dear,
Andrew I'm from pennsylvania and I trie to watch your shows every single time there on! I might be your biggest fan! I cant believe what you eat it AWSOME!! Please I would appriciate and honor if we stayed in touch!
Oh im 13 so it would me alot! thank u andrew
I truly have to congratulate you for your show and everything you do because not everybody can do it and/or have the stomach that you do...but I do have to say that this show about Puerto Rico should be a lesson on how to portray any country's foods and traditions. I was honored to see that you went to the meca of rousted pork in the world...Guavate in Cayey where I'm from...I live in Radcliff KY, about five minutes from Fort Knox and friends that watched the show asked me if I knew to make those recipes that were shown in your show because some of them had lived here for many years and really miss eating authentic Puerto Rican foods and sence I cook and I'm always preparing things like the alcapurrias, bacalaitos or arroz con habichelas for them, they really want me to cook some of the dishes we saw on the show so it would be a great idea if you could have those recipes on your shows blog and/or in this page in the future. GREAT SHOW!! THANKS!!!
I know the food is bizzare but the smacking you do is really annoying...
As we all puertorricans say.... Andrew, te la comistes!!!!....great program.....hope you can come again and visit Fajardo where you can eat "arepas"....yummy....I just finished watching the program and it was GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm so happy you're showing the world the real face of Puerto Rico. Your episode is really fantastic! Congratulations! Hope see you soon again in Puerto Rico
Hi Andrew! Your show on Puerto Rico was excellent and refreshing to watch! I truly enjoyed watching it, even though I can get to go to Piñones or Guavate any day I'd like! I loved the fact that you went from "la plaza del mercado" in Rio Piedras to the restaurant Picayo, showing so many sides of our food and culture. To be honest with you, Anthony Bourdain's show on Puerto Rico SUCKED big time; he showed us as a third world country and I was really disappointed, to the point I never watched his show again. I'm married to a chef and I love to learn about food myself... Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for showing Puerto Rico for the country it really is and for such a great show! Hope you come back soon! xoxo!
PLEASE provide the name of the location that Andrew stopped (along with his BEAUTIFUL hostess), and enjoyed the roast pig, crackling skin, etc. I missed the name while watching the show, and I don't believe it's mentioned in the blog. Thanks to any/all, who can help.
Excellent!!! With great complacency I watched you wonder around my backyard and I really enjoyed seeing you having so much fun and the way you took the care and detail to show us the way we are. The Villalba part was outstanding as well as your trip to La Loma de Nandy. Eres siempre bienvenido. Felicitaciones!
What a wonderful show to watch when you are away from HOME..my beautiful Island !!!
wow!! this is as authentic as it gets! As a native Puerto Rican, I'm impressed!!
Great show!!! Thank you Andrew for the wonderful portrayal of our Island. You really touched on the things that make PR special...food, family and friends.
Andrew....thank you very much! Finally, someone portrayed my island as it really is. I live in the footstep of "Cerro Gregorio" in San Lorenzo were you ate conejo (I virtually can walk there), and I didn't know about that restaurant, but that will change this coming weekend.
Oh yes...you are right the "corazon" (Hart fruit), is gross.
Cerro gregorio??? En Jagual de San Lorenzo-o Quemado o Espino??? Porq yo soy de Jagual!! small world!
Soy de Cerro Gordo, colindando con Cayaguas.
Andrew, excellent show portraying a glance of true puertorican food, food places, real mountain views, with true puertorican people. Great Great work!!
Thanks for doing this.
Andrew:
That was definitely the best one hour show of Puerto Rico that I have seen in years. I was amazed of your knowledege of our island as well as our cooking customs and traditions. I am very glad you had the opportunity of working with Wilo Benet who is a personal friend and definitely a great Chef. Congratulations to you and your crew for an outstanding and well documented show. Warmest regards and may you return soon.
Im boricua. Im from Puerto Rico and I loved the show. But next time you vistit Puerto Rico go to Cabo Rojo to the beach of Boqueron. Go to Mona and eat white rice and beans with fried platains. Arroz con habichuelas y tostones and bistec encebollado. Also see the sunsets in Naranjito.
Thanks for visiting my beautiful Puerto Rico.
I Love You...how the memories came rushing back. Where do I get a listing of all the places you visited. I crown you ...Andrew the new PR man.
Your show was the BEST show i have ever seen out of all the travel shows on Puerto Rico. I live here in San Juan, and I felt ashamed of myself that I have not explored the island enough!! I envied you when you went to Toro Negro!!! The morcillas looked delish!!! Thank you so much for an accurate, attractive, representation of my homeland!!
Andrew I always watch your show and love it. This Puerto Rican trip was fantastic. I love the you included Willow on the high end side. You covered everything about our cuisine. I appreciate it.
At last my prayers were been answered!!! I was since November when in Bizarre Food "Talk about the show" (http://discussions.travelchannel.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3581974578/m/6541979159) I posted why Puerto Rico was a Bizarre Food. The show was amazing and the food that were chosen as well as the places visited by Andrew was authentic and representative of our culture. I wish that this is the first of many shows since still a lot of bizarre foods in my island that the world need to know about. Thanks to the travel channel and Andrew and his crew to bring my ego high, feel proud to be a puertorriqueño. If you cook it they will come!!!!
I actually saw you in my hotel Conrad Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino. You were at the Noodle Bar. I'm glad you stop by the island and enjoyed yourself. Come back soon. Your always welcome! ;-)
My parents are from PR and I was born in the States. I lived in PR from the age of 9-16 and never got to experience the island. Thanks for showing me a PR I don't know. I'm going next week for a long weekend and I'm looking forward to going to Guavate. Love your show... you are great! Although, I must admit that I have a crush on Anthony... go figure...
Saw the show 6/15 LOVED IT. You made Puerto Rico shine. I am Puertorican, grew up in FL. Now I have some places to explore the next time I return to the island. Can't wait to go eat some lechon! Is the episode available on video to purchase? Will it be on your next DVD? Again Way To Go!
THANK YOU! for capturing the essence of the puertorrican cuisine and it's people. As a native living in the US, I have a list of things we must eat every time we go to PR. Starting as soon as we get off the airplane in Isla Verde, we stop at pinones for the delicious alcapurrias, bacalaitos, pulpo and MOFONGO! Watching your show made our salivary glands work in overtime!!! Hope the show is available to buy.
Great show.I was born in NY but when I was 9 my parents and I moved bak to Coamo (third town founded in PR in the south part of the island) to raise poultry for a company called "Pollos Picú". There is also an inn that has natural hot spring waters called 'Los Baños de Coamo" where at there restaurant they make a killer "Fricase de cabro" (goat stew) :). Next time you should head to the south part of the island and try some "domplines", "funche" with fish broth and "guanimes".
Oh my God Andrew you have to come back to Puerto Rico and it has to be soon man. Just look the comments about Puerto Rico. 81 comments, more than Nicaragua, Singapore, Texas and The survivor all together. I am sure that the episode that day had the best rating compared with the rest of the week. Please the next time you must go to the west side as Cabo Rojo (Joyudas, Boqueron, El Faro and now to Playa Sucia named as one of the 10 most beatiful beaches in US), Lajas (La Parguera), Rincon and other places. You will enjoy it, believe me.
Wonderful show Andrew. I recently moved from the Island for professional reasons. Seeing your show made me realize that what I missed the most (besides relatives) is the food. You made one of the best portraits I've ever seeing about puertorican traditional dishes, you brought so many memories to back to my mind. I agree with many of the postings in the fact that it would required a whole new show to present so many other places you missed. Hope you decide to comeback again. thanks for an excellent show.
Andrew you I left the show recording 'cause I get off from work at 2 am but when I came home and watched it I got home sick. I wanted to pack and go home. Dude you forgot to try the Mondongo try it when you get a chance its the puertorican viagra. Good job and Thanks.
Loved the show, good job Andrew. I am a proud Puerto Rican thank you, for visiting my country.
Andrew:
As a born and raised puertorican now living for 19 years in New Jersey I have to admit my skepticism before watching your Puerto Rico show. Like many of the people have commented on the blog, the "reviews", "trips" or "visits" that other celebrities have performed in the past never have dug as deep as your show did. Andrew your show was not only a home run, you took it out of the park! Congratulations, you have succeeded where others have fail. Your one hour episode captured and correctly explains the role food plays in our culture. The people who participated in your program bared their souls to you. In Puerto Rico love stars at the kitchen ("el amor comienza por la cocina"). Your program displayed that spirit from beginning to end.
Ramona Kent
Hey Andrew, please consider beautiful and mysterious Greenland as one of your next food destinations...there has been very little or no coverage of this unique and mostly unexplored country...I happen to find it and its people fascinating. I am most certain that you could find some very 'Bizarre Foods' within its glorious realm!! I'll be waiting and watching!! I am one of your biggest fans of your show!
Sincerely Ramona Kent
I do not have the travel channel so I missed this episode. What I saw of the clips looked great. But I wish you guys would put the episode online! :(
hey andrew,muchas gracias por tu visitar a mi isla de puerto rico,i live in florida (tampa) but born and raised on the island, thanks for visiting pinones one of my first stops when i go back to visit. one thing a side of alcapurias y bacalaitos that you forgot to eat was piononos, love them. maybe next time keep in mind. thanks you fan.....
Loved the show, can anyone advise of the different towns andrew visited and thier speciality.What was the name of the town that had a restaurant at the top of the mountain? I am going to visit PR and would like to go to most of the places he went. Thanks
Andrew,
Thank you for making an episode which really shows the best of our culture and cuisine. There is so much to see and taste, so I'm sure you will enjoy every visit to our beautiful island. My family really enjoy watching your program and we feel very proud of our culture specially when is presented in the way you did it.
Andrew! You are amazing! I'm so glad you got to see my island and experience what it really feels like to be in Puerto Rico! It's not just a tropical island, it's so much more! You got to experience a lot but I think you need a Part II and spend some time in the southern part of the island. You missed out on some great food such as guanimes con bacalao, sorullitos, longaniza, arroz con dulce, tembleque, flan, pinchos, carrucho, rellenos de papa, chuletas can can, and so much more!!! I hope the sound of this food makes you go ahead and start planning that second trip! :)Thanks for showing the world who we really are and what it's like where we come from because there are no words that can really explain all that!
I can't believe you went to Toro Negro National Forest which is located in Orocovis,PR where I am from. I used to live in La Francia town which is like 5 minutes away from Toro Negro National Forest. I'm hungry!! I want some Pateles with rice and beans with some fried chicken.
I loved the episode so much I locked it in my DVR so that I can freeze the scene in which you visit the rabbit restaurant in the mountains. I must go there!!! My fiance was born and raised in PR and never heard of this place so we are making it a point to go there on our next trip to the island. =)
Thanks Andrew!
Andrew:
I too enjoyed your Puerto Rico show, so much so that I decided to book a vacation to the Island from 8/10 to 8/15. My wife has printed your map and we are trying to map your trip plus visit the West/East coasts. I worked as a consultant in PR for several weeks back in 97-98 time frame and truly loved the people and the food, this project was in Aguadilla and agree with the comments from this blog, it is a beautiful part of the Island along with Boqueron, Rincon, etc. I would like to visit Fajardo and take the ferry to Vieques/Culebra Island. Also stopping at El Yunke Ntl Park. I would love to contact some of the folks in your blog as I have found places to visit but need further information, pls let me know how to. As you can see Andrew, the warm people from Puerto Rico really loves you, you did a great show here and need to do a second one. This household is a big fan of yours and we also plan to do Thailand and Vietnam in Dec. and yes we will follow your steps from your shows.
Thank you my friend for bringing the real world in people and food to our living rooms with such a fun and warm touch.
Buen provecho!!! Hope to see you on the road.
I recently had the opportunity to eat ceti from Arecibo in pastelillos. They were excellent.
Hi
If you didn't visit Isabela,PR (located at northwest of PR, with best beaches, horse riding, rooster fighting, scuba diving,etc.) you miss what is called the "seven sea meal" called "mariscada". This is made with shrimp, lobster, octopus, crab, king crab,"caracoles",osters,etc, seasoned with olive oil,lemon juice,garlic,lettuce, tomato, corn....mmmmmmmmm you missed that. In addition, leaf cheese,etc. Maybe next time.....
i love your show but i would advice that ask the indigens what their food taboos are before u start eating. for example in a lot of cultures it is a sign of disrespect to smell a hosts food before you eat it and i see u doing a lot of that in your show
Hi Andrew!!!!
Gracias for presenting our delicious food!!!! Great Show!!!
I had a question, where is El Solar the Mandy?????
Just wondering, you have mentioned a few times that you are Jewish. If that is the case, why do you eat pig and/or any pork dishs? Isn't that a big no-no?
hi andrew love your show!
What does been Jewish has to do with anything? There are secular Jews. There are Jews who eat anything and some Jewish people today think that pork meat is lean and that sanitary and cooking appliances are better than the days of hot coals when the meats were not cooked all the way. There are Jews who do not eat any types of meats unless they are Kosher meats and not pork. There are Messianic Yews=Jews who are Christians. San Juan -has a couple of synagogues by the way. Many people in Puerto Rico have Spanish Yewish =Jewish background roots all the way to Israel thru Spain. They got to the Islands during 1492 and after just like Colon who was a marrano. Puerto Ricans were hidden from the monsters of the inquisition because some were converts to Christianity. There are different sects of Jewish roots etc. In reality yes pigs were forbidden also during those days but you are also talking about a different type of pig. The show was nice and glad that it showed also the poverty and dirt in places rather than not showing the hidden Puerto Rico. The island has come a long way from being from an Indian paradise to a rich place in material wealth before 1898 until the abandonment by the Spanish Jewish Christian Crown - During the 1898 era the Island was two spheres the have it and the have not / it took a long way like many parts of the mainland ( Example) Many parts of some states like Montana) which were living in the old ways and some people were living in squalor. Many false proud persons of our mainland try to make bad hate speech about other places and lands. They should look at places around the Mountains of the South in the Carolinas where some Caucasian children do not even have running water in their homes or sewer systems. I am proud to be an American but not proud of the false ignorant within our country be wealthy or poor alike. Thank you sir for showing places around the world and helping break the false pride within our nation while at the same time teaching the certain truth about not only the world but also our United States of America. SHALOM
is so cool that you got to go to puerto rico
you tyred a lot of my fav foods =]
i grew up in yauco i miss it over there.
is the best. love waching your show idk why you have tostones as one of your lest fav there so good and cranchy lol =]
I love your show, that was definitely the best show of Puerto Rico that I have ever seen. Thank you for showing the world the real Puerto Rico. Congratulations to you and your crew for an amazing show. Come back soon!! Good job and thanks Andrew!!
I lived in PR for 6yrs and I often wondered what Puerto Rican are proud of? There’s nothing special about the food, the service sucks and they are not very clean. As for eating at those curbside kiosks (Pinones), you have to be out of your mind. The food is cooked using contaminated wood pallets that have been treated with pesticides. When the wood is burned these carcinogens seep into the food, it’s cancerous! I’m surprise the health dept has not closed them down. In addition, the “best restaurants” are out of reach to the average Puerto Rican. Remember PR is 10x poorer than Mississippi.
Hey Pepo are you serious, what hole did you pop out off?
Of course Puerto Ricans are proud, probably the most proud ethnic people you can find. If you don't know why, you should educate yourself about its history and its people, just by seeing this show you will get a liitle taste of it but you have to do some more research.
See if you can start with answering this... Tell me what country in the world comparable in size has the most famous actors, sports luminaries, richness in food, best music, varied topography, and to top it off beautifull women.
In spite of being poorer than Mississippi it is the richest latin country. So how about that pookie !!!
Very good job Andrew! I liked the way you took viewers away from the control eviroments that most shows portray in the metro area and ressorts, Hey they are OK and a part of Puerto Rico, but that is not the Borinquen that Islenos aman con pasion and like to share with all comers...
I just came back from Isabela from a week at Montones beach my Wife and I, love P.R so much She was born in Aguadilla, every time we go we like to enjoy as much as possible exploring new places and of course eating the wonderfull food the Island has to offer, along with the fresh fruit abd fabulous sites, the Puerto Rican food is
the most amazing one becouse of its variety. like Andrew said the finger food just comes handy no matter were you are. love your show thanks.
Puerto Rico is the coolest place in the West Indies,period!
I am a huge fan of yours the show and I was very happy to see you did an amazing job at portraying Puerto Rico in such a good light. PR is an amazing place and even though I grew up there and visit almost every year, I always find new places to see and visit. You missed one place just outside of San Juan called "Bebbos". EVERYTHING is awesome!
I recently got back from Shanghai China and I was remembering the stinky tofu episode . . . go to ShaoShing next time . . . try the stinky tofu there . . . it is amazing . . . stinky but so good!
Great site...keep up the good work. I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I'm glad I found your blog. Thanks,
A definite great read...:)
-Bill-Bartmann
I saw the show just days before I made my first visit to the island. I searched for the Ceti through and through, but it was nowhere to be found. I settled for the chapin which was excellent. The show was amazing. Thanks for everything!
I don't know If I said it already but ...I'm so glad I found this site...Keep up the good work I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog. Thanks, :)
A definite great read..
-Bill-Bartmann
Your site was extremely interesting, especially since I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Thursday.
Love your show, but the way you pronounce plantain irks me. Plantain rhymes with fountain. It doesn't rhyme with plane.
I'm so happy you get to visit my beautiful Puerto Rico. Next time you go back be sure to visit other places besides San Juan, I'm glad you visit Piñones and Guavate, but I'm afraid to say that you miss otehr great spots. I love ceti and you went to right place, Arecibo; you have to visit Vaca Brava in Barranquitas, El Platano Loco in Aguada, Aguadilla, Cabo Rojo and Rincon beaches, In Añasco there are two native plates: Hojaldre which is a cake made of spices,people often said that taste like cinammon, but its peculiarity is its process and also you can find there Chipe, a kind of baby clam that is only found in Añasco's coast. You missed Joyuda and El Poblado at Boqueron, Cabo Rojo were you can experience thejoy of eating clams,oysters and ostiones. There's also Casa Bavarian in Orocovis and the best home made sausage in Morovis..next time!