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.
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!!
No comments:
Post a Comment