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.
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