You are appreciated!
I had to do an appreciation post highlighting one of the amazing experiences while in Puerto Rico, with The Spoon Experience
“The Spoon Experience takes you off the beaten path and gives you an exciting and authentic view of Old San Juan & the food culture of Puerto Rico“-K.W
Sunset Walk & Taste Tour™
FROM$129
“Our guided three-hour walking food tour lets you experience Old San Juan like a local. You sample both traditional and modern fare, tasting several items at up to 5 locations, including two alcoholic beverages”
The tour was supplied by Viator & Trip Advisor.
This evening tour departed at 4pm.
Covid-19 protocols were as follows-
*Face masks required for travelers in public areas
*Social distancing enforced throughout experience
*Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
*Guides required to regularly wash hands
* Face masks required for guides in public areas
Their website offered some really good “Before You Go” tips–
Before You Go
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• Puerto Rico is hot! Dress comfortably and stay hydrated!
• Tour runs rain or shine.
“Your guide will be by the fountain in Plaza de Armas with a blue umbrella“
After a short ride from our hotel we were on our way to meet our tour guide with the Blue Umbrella.
Although her umbrella was orange and not blue we could tell our tour guide Rocio was going to be amazing!
Not long after the quick introduction we were off to our first food stop Hecho En Casa.
Hecho en Casa is a Puerto Rican style restaurant featuring traditional homemade Puerto Rican food.
Efrain R.
Business Owner
To my delight, on the menu was one of Puerto Rico’s most popular dishes Mofongo.
Before we devoured this tantalizing dish, we were given a brief history lesson on its origins.
“Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish with fried plantains as its main ingredient. Plantains are picked green and fried, then mashed with salt, garlic, broth, and olive oil in a wooden pilón”
The layered flavors of olive oil, garlic, shrimp & plantains came alive in my mouth.
Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to see what our next eatery had in store.
Shortly after that we headed to our second local restaurant La Taberna Lúpulo
Not only did we have more yummy bites to look forward to, but we would also be trying our first Cocktail.
Chill, funky taproom offering a wide variety of craft beers on tap or in bottles, plus light bites.
While there we were treated to a delicious tasting of Croquette with Plantain & Pigeon Peas coupled with a mouthwatering Piña Colada.
Although the portions were only bite size the flavors were rich & robust.
Undoubtedly, Puerto Ricans are the best at making the Piña Colada.
Creamy & Smooth not to mention Saporous is how I would describe this drink and probably one of the best Piña Coladas I’ve ever had!
Soon after we were off to Deaverdura for more cocktails and yummy eats!
Easygoing corner restaurant in a colorful space dishing up traditional Caribbean meals.
First, we started off with a delicious tasting of Pernil with Rice and Beans.
My rice and beans were cooked to perfection to say nothing of the perfectly marinated Pernil.
In the meantime we were getting super excited about our next drink, a traditional Tamarind Rum Cocktail.
Later after walking a few blocks and enjoying some of the beautiful sights, we arrived at El Batey.
El Batey is one of the last remaining bastions of the 1960s-era San Juan. Today, the bar, notorious for $2 beers and a cave-like interior, with walls that sweat in the heat and are covered in decades of graffiti.
In spite of El Batey having a dive bar feel our Fish Taco sampling’s were delightful.
Along with the Fish Tacos, we were also treated to a nice cold glass of local Puerto Rican Beer.
As our evening was coming to an end, we took in every stunning view this glorious island had to offer!
Last, but not least it was time to indulge in some of the island’s sweet treats at Señor Paleta
Our first paletería was founded in 2014 on Calle de Tetuán in Old San Juan.We specialize in creamy and fruity frozen desserts on a stick, made with high quality, natural ingredients.
Of course I had to go with my favorite flavored ice cream Pistachio! #muybueno
In conclusion, our visit to Señor Paleta was the perfect way to end an even more perfect day!
And finally, I can’t express how amazing this food tour was, I would highly recommend it!
The Spoon Experience
SUPERB!