Angels may come and go... El Trapiche Seafood Restaurant-Guayama, PR will stay on my favorites list

This weekend has been one of those weekends that you will never forget.  Interestingly; I celebrated the future coming of an Angel, the new announcement of the coming of an Angel, and the passing of a newly arrived Angel...  All this in three days!

A group of close friend took the trip south to Ponce to celebrate the Baby Shower of a baby on the way called Alexis Matteo.  The exodus from the capital San Juan to the South Capital of Puerto Rico Ponce was like something taken out of an episode of Sex and the City.  Fortunately, the company and the love for the future mother made everything just wonderful. 

On our way back to civilization we decided to visit a small Restaurant named El Tapiche in Guayama.  My best friend and confidant; which by the way was the one that announced this weekend is expecting the coming of an Angel; absolutely adores fresh Seafood just like me.  She had been told by friends that El Trapiche is the place to be when it comes to enjoy fresh Fish dishes, some Crustacean Cousins, and the tentacles of the beast of the Sea called Octopus.  She stated and we all followed lets enjoy the savory dishes of the pleasures of the Sea... I have a craving!  As you may know a woman with a craving has to be pleased... and Lola our GPS buddy in the with her Little Black dress the Jeep called Samantha with all her a grace and charm delivered 4 hungry friends to El Trapiche.  

(Picture taken out of Facebook http:facebook.com/trapichedepozuelo)

As you can see it is a quaint little rustic restaurant with an exterior dinning area.  It is a simple as it gets.  But the service of the staff makes you feel just like you have arrived to your Grandmothers kitchen, and the smells of the food is just tantalizing your taste butts.

There is nothing like sitting outside on a Sunday afternoon with friends, a cold beverage or two and enjoy the breeze of the fan... 

Our charming server came to the table and took our order.  By her personal recommendation we tried the fresh Pastelillos of Crab meat and Beef and you could taste the freshness of the ingredients, and the love that was put into the product.  Unfortunately, with the excitement I forgot to take a picture of them.  But I can tell you order one of each on the menu you will not regret it.  The have them made from fresh Conch, Shrimp, Mixed Seafood, Chicken, and Beef.. the list has about 10 different once to choose.  

Traditionally in the countryside in Puerto Rico, they will serve you fresh clear Fish Broth as an Amuse Bouche.  This one was light and tasty. My mother taught me that fish dishes have to have fresh lime squeezed  on top.  It was the perfect compliment to this small cup of Fish Broth.

After a bit of a wait just like the tagline:  We will make every dish fresh to order... our food arrived.

I ordered the fresh fried Red Snapper with Green Plantain Mofongo.  It comes with small side of lettuce and tomato.  You can order it smothered in Salsa Criolla which is a tomato, garlic and onion sauce.  But I go for the simple fish that I can clean from the scales from head to fin by adding fresh lime.  And so I did.. the fish was cooked to perfection.  You could still the freshness of the Caribbean Sea in it!  It was caught earlier that morning from nearby waters.  It was just heavenly.  The Mofongo was moist, well seasoned and didn't need to be added any additional condiments.  It was perfect!!

Behind the Red Snapper is a plate of Octopus Salad.  Simply fresh, and delicious for a warm afternoon.  The Octopus was so tender it melted in your mouth.  The salad was seasoned to perfection.  It wasn't drenched in Olive oil, and the ratio of fresh Peppers, Onions and Tomato was added to the T.  My friend requested Aranitas which is shredded Green Plantain made with garlic, and deep fried to a mouthful of crispy goodness.  Again, the kitchen just new to make them just like I remember my Grandmother used to do.  It brought me right back to childhood.

For those allergic to Seafood, they have excellent dishes made with Beef.  We easily had the option to satisfy the member of the clan that is unable to share with us the Seafood love... he is allergic... sadly.  His manly appetite ordered a Mofongo filled with pieces of Sauteed Flank Steak.  The Flank Steak was heavenly seasoned, simple... but just addicting.  Again, the Mofongo was perfectly prepared, moist, and the perfect compliment to a dish that just so easily ruined at other places.

So, if you are ever near Guayama, I invite you to visit your new Grandmothers Shack Called El Trapiche.  After a few cold beverages, a few plates of traditional Puertorrican Seafood Plates, you can take a walk up the parking and sit and watch the sunset at the beach.. you will not regret it... I promise!!

Tinto y Blanco a haven for Wine lovers in Puerto Rico

Thursday Happy Hour delight at Tinto y Blanco, Guaynabo, PR

Last Thursday, without plans I got invited by my good friend Charlie, and his wife Joanne to hang with them at Tinto y Blanco.  I was actually excited to return to the venue since it had been 2 years since my last visit.  Glory a good friend and server at Tijuanas, Old San Juan had introduced me to the venue right after the new owners had taken over.  I knew the place had potential.  It was a bit off the beaten path to my standards, but the quality of wines for the $$, and the great "Tapas" or for me better stated smaller portion appetizers for a very reasonable price. Instantly I was a believer.

We arrived around 7 pm after closing up after our work endeavors.  The place was nicely filed with a mixed crowed of young professionals, and and some older couples.  As usual the owner and his Manager, were on the floor making sure that everything was up to par. The best part about this place is that there are 8 tables of two, and about 2 tables of four, and for those that smoke or just want to sit outside they do have two tables ready outside.  We did have luck to find a table for us three in the back nicely hidden away.  

Service here is impeccable.  Charming, easy, on time and with a smile.  Recommendations of wines are easy to come by.  They are not Sommeliers, but they do understand your pallid.  You can also easily scan their variety.  They are divided by regions, and grapes.  Prices range from $15 to $62 with the median about $25.  Appetizers "Tapas" range from $6 to $12.

It is a reasonable, friendly, enjoyable treasure to come with good company.  We ended up tasting about three bottles, and enjoying some olives with cheese, puff pastry filled with chorizo topped with honey, and their "Incredible Wings" which were quite nice.

Our favorite wine for the night 

Pagocel Vicario Penta 2007 Spain VT Castilla Price $28.00

Blend from Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

So if you have a chance to stop by please do.

Calle Carazo, Suite 104 
Plaza Real Shopping Center
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00969 

PF Changs San Juan, PR Lunch

It is Friday, it is nice and sunny outside, and its payday... So I decided to recruit a friend and his wife to have lunch with me at PF Chang's San Juan.  The franchise has been in operation since November 2011.  It has chosen a centric and popular venue to call home:  Plaza Las Americas.  "Plaza" as we locals called it, is the largest Mall establishment of the Caribbean.  When Borders used to call this venue home, it had the highest gross sales in the entire United States.  Therefore, "Plaza" is a good choice for the first PF Chang's of Puerto Rico.

As you can see from the PF Chang's website http://www.pfchangspr.com which as usual... because this business is in PR, they have their own website.  It actually upsets us locals, that US businesses love to treat of differently.  Why can't you just add us to the regular site, have the regular specials, and be the same?

So here is a good example:

When I called in the beginning of April to do a reservation for our first visit, to celebrate my Brother's and Mom's birthday, they stated they didn't take reservation.  So, today to my surprise... their takeout bag, which  I got because I had leftovers... stated Order Online * Reserve a Table Online at PFChangs.com... well as you can see www.pfchangspr.com does not have these options.  I laughed so hard on my way back to the office... and I work with this type of technology every day... IT WORKS THE SAME HERE... WE ARE NOT INDIANS... WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE SAME BENEFITS!!!!  So, I will leave it at that.

Well let me get back on how I decided to have lunch at PF Chang's.  For the past few days I have been seeing on cable, that they were offering $10.00 lunch specials at the store.  (What I should have immediately reacted to is... NOT IN PR... but I gave them the benefit of the doubt) So I had it all planned since Wednesday... Chang's on special.

Being Friday, I had late breakfast, and noon arrived, as usual my body didn't react to the need of lunch.  But , my partner in crime was hungry and we left the office around 12:30 pm.  Arrived at the restaurant door around 1:00 pm, and they already had a wait time of 30 minutes for a table of 3 for lunch.  I did appreciate the vibrating device that was given to me to let me know when the table is ready... but since the restaurant is huge, and busy because of the novelty, we didn't have a place to sit and wait.  (The hostess did tell us not go to the mall with the device because it the signal wouldn't reach... Kudos, I can see many locals going shopping and taking the thing with them... and then complaining why it didn't work).  Also, hostess missed to offer us to pass by the bar to get a beverage while we were waiting.  It was my friends wife idea, smart, and a glass of house white wine did the trick in a corner of leftover bar chairs while we waited.

About 1:30 pm the device vibrated... went to hostess desk, and we were walked  us to our table.  She was pleasant, and excited to work for the company.  One downfall is that the bar tab was not transferable to our table.  With all the technology and thousands of dollars invested in those Restaurant machines.. they should be able to pass the bill to the server... but nope we had to close out the bill.

I do like that two servers attend you at service at the section.  We took a few minutes to look over the menu, and we all decided to order from the lunch special.  Like I mentioned before... I gave them my benefit of the doubt... they didn't have all $10.00 lunches... but the most expensive plate was the Asian Grilled Salmon, for $13.99 that is what I ordered.  Lunch special come with a choice of Egg Drop Soup or Hot and Sour Soup.  I choose the Egg Drop Soup.

Big mistake with the Egg Drop Soup.  As tendency of mine, I added Soy Sauce and few drops of Chili Oil.  But we all agreed... because we all tasted it.. It was nasty!! The texture was slime with pieces of scrambled egg, lacked salt, and just tasted old!  After half a spoon, I requested the server to please switch to the Hot and Sour Soup, and it was better.  Definitely not my favorite, but texture wise more appealing.  It had small pieces of tofu, and mushrooms.  As the name stated it was a bit spicy and sour at the end.  Not a dish that I would go... OMG I have to go to PF Chang's to get it now... but since it was included half of it was consumed.

Next my Asian Grilled Salmon arrived.  Presentation was basic.  I ordered with the Brown Rice which lacked a bit of temperature, but it was well seasoned and went well with the light dish.  It had some very fresh green grilled asparagus, grilled lemon half, and cucumber-carrot side salad.  For $13.99 lunch portion it was appropriate, and I had enough to take some home for later this evening.  Salmon, was cooked nicely, it was moist and well seasoned.  The grilled lemon was a treat with the dish.  It was not "Asian"  it was so because it was served at an Asian inspired American restaurant.  Would I have it again.. yes.. is it my favorite... no... I rather order their Lettuce wraps as main dish next time.

On the service side, it was quick and proper.  They did fix my dislike right away.  They are still lacking attention to detail.  My friends wife ordered a glass of water for herself, and then stated she wanted water for us three.  Just as the first time, only one glass came.

I am looking forward to go back with friends and family to order as we usually do family style were we all share.  This restaurant is good for that and it is fun!

Rating for this one.. I had an enjoyable time!

Saborea Puerto Rico 2011

Saborea 2011 Short and Sweet

Saborea 2011 was an interesting experience.  After my family went through a sad and complex experience, I had the pleasure to visit for the second time with my Mom Saborea 2011.  I knew from 2010 it was going to be amazing and I wanted my Mom to experience that with me. What I didn't expect was how busy and hot that day was going to be. Mom left early, she got cranky but I got to stay for a while and enjoy the blessings.

Going through my pictures from 2011 I realize I didn't have that many to share, but I did as usual take pictures of my favorites that day.

As usual the view.  I love the deep blue sea, and clear waters at the shore.  The breeze, mixed with the saltiness of the water just opens your lungs, and relaxes you to start the day in peace.

I had the pleasure to visit Spain several times when I was young.  My parents love Paella, specially Seafood paella.  Fresh ingredients, brought together in a large pan, slowly cooked to perfection is my families favorite thing to enjoy. Living in Germany in my childhood, my mother the Puertorrican (my Dad is German) was always looking for company that spoke the mother tong Spanish.  In our neighborhood we had a large presence of Spanish immigrants.  In the late seventies to early eighties, Germany promoted the immigration from nearby european countries to work the jobs others didn't care for.  That is why I had many friends from Italy, Spain and Turkey.  Mom made many friends with families from Spain.  I learned thanks to them to enjoy fresh grilled sardines with olive oil and garlic.  Roasted pigeons in wine, and Serrano ham.  I still crave for these flavors today. Manchego cheese, tapas, and Sangria.  Therefore the first thing Mom went for when we got there was the Paella.  Not like the ones we tasted in Formentera but not bad.  Puerto Rico has the Spain influence thanks to the Cristobal Colon, so we do have several Spanish venues were I can remember my smells and tastes of my youth.

Fern is found at the Saint Regis Hotel in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Chef Jean-Georges creates contemporary American with Local and Global Influence. A comfortable yet elegant hideaway  is his signature sophistication realized far away from home.  He creates masterpieces.  His location is yet modern but sophistacated, a frame just for his creations for us to enjoy.  Having the opportunity to taste Fern outside of his comfort zone was a treat on its own.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Fern, the fresh fish is very well done.  The roasted Cod with Black beans and avocado is delightful.  As well as the Octopus with Black Pepper Sauce that was served at Saborea is featured in the regular Menu, is a must have item.

If you are lucky enough to be invited to one of the VIP areas at Saborea... the W has the best view and premium cocktails.  For 2011 I entered the lovely mini fort at the W.  Black Label, Grey Goose and Premium Wines was the offerings nothing less to expect.  Top Sponsors, local celebrities, and special guest get to enjoy an Oasis from what sometimes can become a busy event.  

Again, Warning, as you can see I did not learn my lesson on 2010 and did not wear Sunblock again.  You can see above it is about 3:00 pm that day and I am nicely pink which when I got home was red.

2011 was the year of the Cod fish.  This Codfish was stewed on top of a Malanga (root vegetable) mash with a sweet papaya chutney on the side.  Fresh, fusion cuisine, clean flavors to the pallid.  

As I said, 2011 was a short and sweet event for me compared to 2010.  I did get to meet Chef Augusto Schreiner for Augusto's the best european fine dinning in Miramar, Puerto Rico.  He was one of the in the early nineties to provide traditional ingredients like Foie Gras to our Caribean Pallid.Chef Augusto is on the top row fifth gentleman to the right.  

Another fun anecdote from this weekend was to see Chef Anne Burrell again, but this time in personal setting.  After the Friday traditional Rum of Puerto Rico VIP opening event, I decided to go to Condado for dinner and after go home after a very long day.  On my way back to the car, I run into one of my brothers childhood best friends, who tells me not to go to have at Bar Gitanno which is Chef Trevinos place a glass of Champagne.  I agreed to it since I had not seen him in years and since he is the Restaurant manager... why not!

To my surprise Chef Anne Burrell, Chef Trevino, and some of their friends casually having cocktails at the venue.  It was very cool because they remembered from previous year to have met me, and we hanged out for while.  It was a memorable experience that not many get to enjoy.

So I said goodbye to Saborea 2011, counting the days for 2012 to see what exciting new things I would get to enjoy again.

Saborea Puerto Rico 2010

Saborea Puerto Rico a Culinary Experience

April is my favorite month of the year.  You might ask why?  Very easy... Saborea is in town!  I got introduced 2010 to Saborea thanks to a good friend Yolanda Torres.  She is a Marketing Director for a Telecommunication company I used to work for.  We were a proud sponsor for the event.  She knew how much we shared passion for food so she made sure I had the opportunity to participate in this magna event in the island.  

This is Yoly and I in 2010 at the opening cocktail and tasting event at the Caribe Hilton

Here are some of the delights from that evening:

Bacalao Cake with Calalu Sauce by Chef Vivoni.  And yes this was my favorite that evening!

And the dessert went to:

The Chef that created a simple Passion Fruit Sorbet, with Rum Glazed Pineapple and Coconut Crisp

The Puerto Rico Tourism Department has worked hard for the past 5 years to create this event.  They have been able to bring together a 3 day culinary extravaganza with private Restaurant Dinners in the best restaurants of the island, and a 2 day all inclusive tasting event in Escanbron Beach.  Local Chefs have the opportunity to show of their talents, share insights, and make me smile.

This is me with Chef Trevino at the 2010 opening cocktail and tasting event. This event is by invitation only. I had one and never thought in my wildest dreams that I was going to have the opportunity to meet one of many of my idols that night.

The next morning the fun starts.  You arrive at Escanbron beach to the outdoor event.  The nicest thing about it, its right next to the beach.  The sky is blue, the wind is blowing and we are ready to enjoy 30 to 40 different venue exhibits in one large white tarp.  

Also, world renown chefs will do recipes live for you to watch.  It is cool to see Robert Irvine from Dinner Impossible taking shirt off to impress a crowed not only with his cooking talents, but with his tight abs.

So let's go to the good stuff the food.  For me 2010 was the best year for Saborea.  It was innovative, tasty and unforgettable.  The best was exhibited that year.

Let's start with my favorite dish, Asopao Frito.  Asopao is a traditional rice soup dish that my grandmother used to make all the time.  It is good with chicken or seafood.  Usually served with fried plantains or corn sorullos.  In 2010 the Chef decided to make it into a fritter with sweet water prongs.  It was sweet, creamy, and savory at the same time.  Almost like a Fried Risotto ball.  You couldn't stop eating them.  

The boys from Alchemia served creamy Rissotto with freshly cut Sweet Potato fries.  One of the best local Rissotto's I have had.  I do tend not to order Rissotto in Puerto Rico unless it is at the Italian La Piccola Fontana at the El San Juan Hotel and Casino.  Nothing like their basic Mushroom Rissotto.. you can taste the white wine and the fresh Shallots.  That Alchemia did win me over with their Rissotto.

The Lake was very good as well with fresh Chicken breast with Sundried Tomatoes and Basil.  We know... it has been done before.  But it was very nicely balanced, fresh and perfectly seasoned.  Having in this setting a juicy piece of Chicken is hard to do.  I gave them thumbs up for that.

And yes the most refreshing treats from that day.  The Lounge provided the best cocktail of the house.  French Gin made of the flower of grapes, mixed with Cranberry Juice, Passion Fruit and 7up.  This Adult fruit punch was so refreshing, and addicting.  At one point in time they had to stop serving because they were about to run out in less than two hours of opening the event.  Secondly, the Passion Fruit with a touch of Chili, it was light, not too sweet and easy to the pallid. The Chili powder was a great surprise in this dessert. I like subtle deserts more than chocolate overly sweetened heart attacking mountains of fudge desserts.  The simpler the better. And to the right my ultimate favorite traditional dish Serenata de Bacalao.  Serenata is made of desalted codfish with fresh onions, cilantro, tomatoes, scallions, olive oil and sometimes root vegetables.  That day it was just the fish with the fresh herbs and the olive oil.  It was very refreshing for a nice hot day.  Warning... when you are light skin like me if you ever plan to come don't forget your Sunblock like I did, you will regret it at the end of the day.

Lets not forget the view... I love this location for the event.  You get to enjoy the raw Atlantic Ocean Breeze and smell with a beer and a slider.  There is nothing like it.  

And enjoy some nicely needed shade in one of the very nicely set up cabanas.  Mingle with some local celebreties, or just when you about to say goodbye to Saborea 2010 you get to meet...

Hector Santiago from Top Chef.  He is a very down to earth guy and very approachable.  Every so often I catch him on Facebook making home made Pate, Head Cheese or fresh sausage for his Atlanta based Restaurant.  He is on my bucket list to visit and taste in person... soon.

I left Saborea that day with a great smile on my face.  I wish my Blackberry that day would had a better battery life to take more pictures, but I have great memories that I will never forget.

Who am I?

When I was little girl I would spent hours in front of the TV every afternoon watching a show called: Great Chef's and Great Chef's of the World.  This was in the mid 80's.  I was fascinated by Executive Chef's from the best hotels and restaurants from around the World show their talents with fresh ingredients.  Simply showing technique, terms that I learned with time hearing them over and over again, and yet at the end a beautiful plate was presented that I could only dream to taste. The funny thing was at the end of the show I swore I could taste it in my mouth.


You have to understand... Food Network was nowhere to be found those days.  Anthony Bourdain was probably partying his butt off in New York.. doing naughty things after hours.  Great Chef's of the world was different.  It took viewers out of the television studio and into the working restaurant kitchens of the world's greatest chefs. The Great Chefs themselves were selected through a system of nomination by other Great Chefs, assuring that they are among the best-of-the-best in the world.  I dreamed with the day to be one of them but in my own kitchen.  I noticed it was a man's world at the time... even though I did get to watch Julia Child in action... my family never approved on the idea.  At the time that was not a career to follow.  Today, it is a multi-billion dollar industry, with "Food Superstars".  Who would have thought back then.  I might have done it anyway if I new I had a chance.


Even my son which was two and half years old when Ratatouille the movie came out decided he wanted to be a chef when he grows up.  Today he is six and loves to sit in the kitchen with me watching me cook.  I am no Executive Chef but when I get inspired it is fun to be able to taste a dish in your mouth without even have had the opportunity to cook it.  It is interesting how your brain works, remembering experiences, tastes, flavors, and moments.  I am able to take these experiences, and interpret them in the kitchen.  That is my passion and that is why I am writing this blog.


I like to share with you my culinary experiences from now on.  Even though I live in a island called Puerto Rico,  we have amazing culinary experiences here.  From local mom and pop shops, to over priced dinning.  We have it all!  Since the early 90's when Paula Paley had Pomiane, and the first Gourmet Shop opened in this island.  Chef Alfredo Ayala had Chayote, and Condado became the meca of fusion cuisine... I was there when it all started.  The boom of  taste and special ingredients.  Puerto Rico wanted it and we had bright talent bringing it to the crowd.  My goal is to share with you the good, the bad and the ugly.  


Let the fun start! 


Stephanie K.