Puerto Rico News Digest For September 26, 2016

THREE MURDERED IN CAROLINA ON SUNDAY

As reported by El Nuevo Dia, three people were murdered Sunday night at around
7:30 PM on Road PR-857, in the Canovanillas sector of Carolina. A 911 call alerted
the police to three people who had been shot. Upon arriving, police found the bodies
of Julio M. López Castro, age 41, and Jonathan J. López Pizarro, age 22. A 23-year-
old man, Jonathan Rodríguez Cabrera, was taken to Centro Médico in Río Piedras
with various gunshot wounds. He died while receiving treatment. These three killi-
ngs were part of seven overall murders registered across the island during this past
weekend. The number of murders for the year in Puerto Rico now stands at 484, 70
more than at this time last year.

TOURISM COULD FACE LOSSES FROM BLACKOUT

From Caribbean Business:

"Despite the lengthy lines thousands of Puerto Ricans did on hotels and restaur-
ants after the island remained partially dark for more than 40 hours, the final bal-
ance of the incident isn’t necessarily positive for Puerto Rico’s tourism industry,
much less for the general economy. While hundreds of hotels saw a significant in-
crease in their occupancy since Wednesday, others have had to cancel reservations
due to the outage or have had to send guests to a different accommodation because
their electric plants didn’t work, exploded, or simply couldn’t tolerate the emergen-
cy usage, revealed economist Jorge Elguera to Caribbean Business. Similar incide-
nts occurred at some restaurants that didn’t have electric generators or hadn’t given
them maintenance..."

PPT CANDIDATE CALLS FOR PLACITA AGREEMENT

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"Puerto Rican Working People’s Party (PPT by its Spanish initials) candidate for
the San Juan municipal assembly Jorge Farinacci Fernós on Thursday proposed
reaching a “consensual agreement” that will allow the harmonization of the inter-
ests of the diff erent sectors at the Placita de Santurce. “We have to recognize that
we are all part of the same community, so we have to try a reach a consensual agr-
eement,” Farinacci Fernós said, referring to the public dispute between the reside-
nts and business owners in the area. Farinacci Fernós noted that certain issues need
to be cleared up regarding the aff ected parties and the interests involved, such as the
fact that residents of the area have a right to be able to rest and to the “tranquility they
deserve after a long day at work;” the businesses and their staff s, which are trying to
make a living, and the people who visit the establishments to enjoy one of the only
open public spaces remaining in Puerto Rico..."

UNITED WAY: ECONOMY STRANGLING NON-PROFITS

From News Is My Business:

"In Puerto Rico’s embattled economy, everyone is at risk. Nonprofit organizations
are no exception.To survive, organizations are cutting staff, services and administra-
tive costs, maxing out their credit cards and even borrowing from their board mem-
bers. Those are among the findings of a recent informal survey conducted by United
Way of  Puerto Rico, a coalition of 131 charitable organizations. “There was nothing
surprising [in the survey] since we constantly receive financial reports and do moni-
toring. What does worry us is that there is too much dependence on government fun-
ds,” said United Way President Samuel González..."

Puerto Rico News Digest For April 26, 2016

HHS CHIEF TO VISIT PR, ADDRESS ZIKA

From The Washington Times:

"President Obama’s top health official will visit Puerto Rico this week to
get a firsthand look at how the island is combating the Zika virus, a trip
that coincides with Senate efforts to partially fund President Obama $1.9
billion request for emergency funding to stave off the mosquito-borne ill-
ness. On a two-day trip, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Ma-
thews Burwell will meet with Puerto Rican Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla,
tour a blood bank and personally urge pregnant women and those of child-
bearing age to protect themselves against mosquito bites that could lead to
infection..."

PIP DENOUNCES DNA TESTING OF ACTIVISTS

From The San Juan Daily Star:

The vice president and secretary general of the Puerto Rico Independence
Party (PIP) María de Lourdes Santiago and Juan Dalmau, respectively, con-
demned late last week the arrest of independence party activists by the FBI
to take DNA samples from them... The denunciation from both PIP leaders
came after reports circulated through social and mass media of the arrests of
Orlando González Claudio and Norberto Cintrón Fiallo after federal José Fus-
té issued orders against 16 independence activists to provide their DNA..."

TREASURY PAYS VENDOR, PRIMARIES TO PROCEED

From Caribbean Business:

"State Election Commission President Liza M. García announced that the
Treasury Department has paid its $1.6 million balance with Dominion Vo-
ting Systems, which is providing electronic vote count equipment for Puerto
Rico’s Ju- ne 5 primaries. Dominion Voting machine“We are pleased with
[Secretary] Juan Zaragoza’s engagement with suppliers and because the two
checks emitted have settled the remaining balance with Dominion Voting
Systems for this fiscal year,” the official said..."

PR RESTAURANT WEEK RETURNS IN JUNE

From News Is My Business:

"The 5th edition of “Puerto Rico Restaurant Week” will take place June
1-11, when premier restaurants will offer specially designed three course
dinner and/or lunch menus at a fixed price. These “prix fixe” menus are
the cornerstone of the event, that seeks to get foodies to try new establish-
ments and revisit old favorites, enticed by affordable multiple course me-
nus. The menu is set at either $28 or $38 for dinner and $20 for lunch, ex-
cluding beverages, tax, and tip. There are no tickets for the event, but re-
servations are required and must be booked directly with participating
restaurants.."

An Introduction To Puerto Rican Food

The food is probably the best thing about the island that most of the 
world at large doesn't know about. Puerto Rican food is largely a 
combination of Spanish and African elements, with some American 
characteristics blended in over the last century. Puerto Rico's best 
known dish these days is probably Mofongo, which is a ball of fried, 
green plantain filled with meat (usually either chicken, fish or pork) 
and sometimes served sitting in a few ounces of fish broth. Green 
plantains look a lot like bananas, but aren't sweet. The closest co-
mmon taste I could compare it to would be potato. When the plan-
tain ripens, it becomes sweet, but dishes with green plantain always
seem to taste best. Dishes like tostones and arañitas are also made
from green plantain.

Rice and beans are everywhere, and have long been a staple of the 
Puerto Rican diet. The rice is usually white, and the beans most often 
red kidney beans, but different varieties of both are used. The island's 
diet is also heavy on pork, and is often found inside pasteles (which
 are a sort of turnover) on kabobs (orpinchos) and in sausages. Pork 
chops are also...[CONTINUE READING]

Puerto Rico News Digest For January 26, 2016

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL SHUTS DOWN CASINO

From Caribbean Business:

"The casino at the Intercontinental San Juan Hotel, in the Isla Verde sector
of Carolina, closed down operations Monday, the hotel’s management ann-
ounced. It is the ninth casino to close in Puerto Rico in the past five years.
“The operations at InterContinental San Juan Hotel are not affected by this
decision and all aspects related to such will proceed without interruption,”
reads a short statement by the company. “It has been public knowledge that
the casino industry in Puerto Rico has declined in recent years and the casi-
no at the InterContinental San Juan Hotel has also been affected by the si-
tuation,” it added..."

PRISON INMATE MEALS AT RISK

From The San Juan Daily Star:

"New Progressive Party (NPP) Rep. Ángel Muñoz Suárez on Friday deman-
ded concrete answers from designated Corrections Department Secretary Ei-
nar Ramos regarding “the chaotic state the island’s prisons are in, including
the possibility of suspending meal services to more than 20,000 prisoners in
the system.” The NPP lawmaker added that he will be introducing legisla-
tion in the lower chamber so that an immediate investigation can take place
into how the agency’s budget is being used, “particularly regarding where
the assigned funds to purchase foods are going.” The government owes so-
me $11.8 million to Trinity Services LLC, the company that has supplied
food for the past 13 years to the island’s prisons..."

GOVERNOR PARDONS MARIJUANA CONVICT

From Fox News Latino:

"Puerto Rican authorities on Monday released the only citizen remaining 

in jail for smoking marijuana after Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla granted 

the convict a conditional pardon. Jeremy Ruiz Tomassini, 24, had been im-

prisoned for 15 months in the Guerrero de Aguadilla jail after being sen-

tenced to four years behind bars for smoking pot near a school. In October 

2014, and amid a full debate regarding decriminalizing marijuana, Ruiz's 

conviction sparked numerous protests by those arguing that his sentence 

was disproportionate to the crime and would ruin his life..."

7 ARRESTED OVER COCAINE ON CRUISE SHIP

From The Daily Star:

"U.S. authorities say they have arrested seven people after finding 24 po-

unds (11 kilograms) of cocaine aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship just 

before it was to set off on a cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico. U.S. Cust-

oms and Border Protection said Monday that a dog doing cabin inspections 

aboard the MS Jewel of the Seas found the drugs on Sunday..."

FIRST RED LOBSTER TO OPEN IN DECEMBER

From News Is My Business:

"Puerto Rican firm Restaurant Operators Inc. announced Monday that cons-
truction on the first Red Lobster restaurant in Puerto Rico will begin in May,
through an investment of $2 million. The eatery will open in December 2016
at the Plaza Las Américas shopping center in Hato Rey. The new 7,000 square
-foot restaurant will generate 125 new jobs, ROI executives said. The future
Red Lobster will open in the area formerly occupied by Banco Santander, and
will have the capacity to host 230 guests..."

An Introduction To Puerto Rican Food

The food is probably the best thing about the island that most of the 
world at large doesn't know about. Puerto Rican food is largely a 
combination of Spanish and African elements, with some American 
characteristics blended in over the last century. Puerto Rico's best 
known dish these days is probably Mofongo, which is a ball of fried, 
green plantain filled with meat (usually either chicken, fish or pork) 
and sometimes served sitting in a few ounces of fish broth. Green 
plantains look a lot like bananas, but aren't sweet. The closest co-
mmon taste I could compare it to would be potato. When the plan-
tain ripens, it becomes sweet, but dishes with green plantain always
seem to taste best. Dishes like tostones and arañitas are also made
from green plantain.

Rice and beans are everywhere, and have long been a staple of the 
Puerto Rican diet. The rice is usually white, and the beans most often 
red kidney beans, but different varieties of both are used. The island's 
diet is also heavy on pork, and is often found inside pasteles (which
 are a sort of turnover) on kabobs (orpinchos) and in sausages. Pork 
chops are also...[CONTINUE READING]

Quick Puerto Rico Restaurant Reviews

Dragonfly 

364 Calle Fortaleza,Old San Juan * 787-977-3886 * $$$
Website

This latin-asian fusion eatery has been in Old San Juan for well over a
decade, and shows no signs of slowing down. Always crowded (they
don’t normally even take reservations, but calling ahead to get a feel
for how busy it is is usually a good idea), but always worth it. It’s in
a really old Old San Juan building, and it’s set up inside to kind of look
and feel like an old Chinese opium den…dark, cramped and labyrin-
thine (it has two levels connected by narrow, winding stairways). This
may sound less than ideal, but the atmosphere it tries to create really
works. Try the chorizo fried rice, the fried calamari or the grilled tuna
steak. Or anything, really. It’s on the expensive side, but oh so good.


Lechonera El Mojito

PR-184, Cayey 00736, Puerto Rico *  787-738-8888  *  $
Website

Part of Puerto Rico’s increasingly famous “Pork Highway” in the Gua-
vate area of the central town of Cayey, El Mojito will likely be the first
“lechonera” you will see upon entering Guavate. And while you should
certainly explore as many of the rest as you can, this place has every-
thing you need. Delectable, crispy-skinned roast pork (“lechon”), deli-
cious rice and beans, mouth-watering desserts, and lots of other Puerto
Rican treats. The service is cafeteria style and pretty informal, but the
place looks clean and welcoming. You can tell it’s the real deal by the
amount of locals you’ll see eating here. Order enough to take some ho-
me with you, you’ll really thank yourself.


Mi Casita

Plazoleta Isla Verde, San Juan 00979, Puerto Rico  *  787-791-1777  *  $

Mi Casita is a long-time favorite for affordable and authentic Puerto Ri-
can food. Mofongo is their specialty, and while it’s a bit heavy after the
fact (get some Tums), it is as delicious a mofongo as you’ll find anywhe-
re. It’s a small, unassuming place, but service is friendly. A must if you
want local  food in the Isla Verde area and don’t feel like spending a ton
of money.


Rosa Mexicano

The Shops At Paseo Caribe
Ave. Munoz Rivera San Juan PR 00907 * 939-338-7344  *  $$
Website

Unless they’re confused as to where they actually are, most people don’t
come to Puerto Rico to eat Mexican food. But I felt I had to mention San
Juan’s branch of this impressive Mexican chain. Everything is carefully
prepared and loaded with taste: the chile, the seafood, the beef, the rice,
even the churros. This also looks like it would be a fun spot to hang out
on a weekend night, as I’m sure the bar area would be pumping into the
wee hours. Not cheap by any means, but for the area (it’s next to the
swanky Caribe Hilton resort), it’s pretty reasonable.

____________________________________________________________


Want more information about  Puerto Rico restaurants, attractions and
events? Check out The Real Deal Guide to Puerto Rico, available for 
the Amazon Kindle for only $3.89, or FREE for Amazon Prime members.

Restaurants In & Around San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a great place to go sight-seeing, surfing, fishing, hiking, hanging out on the beach, dancing or shopping. But it is also a great place to eat, with many gastronomical options available for every palate and budget. As someone who has dined in and around the capital San Juan -- and beyond -- many times, I have a few favorite places. Below are reviews and information for some of them. Buen provecho!

Key: $ = Inexpensive $ $ = Moderate $ $ $ = Expensive

Dragonfly, Old San Juan

Source: Delta Sky Magazine

Dragonfly

364 Calle Fortaleza,Old San Juan * 787-977-3886 * $$$

Website

This latin-asian fusion eatery has been in Old San Juan for well over a decade, and shows no signs of slowing down. Always crowded (they don’t normally even take reservations, but calling ahead to get a feel for how busy it is is usually a good idea), but always worth it. It’s in a really old Old San Juan building, and it’s set up inside to kind of look and feel like an old Chinese opium den…dark, cramped and labyrinthine (it has two levels connected by narrow, winding stairways). This may sound less than ideal, but the atmosphere it tries to create really works. Try the chorizo fried rice, the fried calamari or the grilled tuna steak. Or anything, really. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but well worth it.

Panaderia España

1105 Marginal Villamar, Carolina * 787-727-0528 * $

You’ll see lots of panaderias (bakeries) all over Puerto Rico, and most of them are at least pretty good. This one just seems to have the best breakfast sandwiches and orange juice of them all, though. Located in the Isla Verde neighborhood of Carolina (across the highway from the hotels and the beach), this place has been around for over 40 years, and it’s easy to see why. They not only have incrediblepan de agua sandwiches (my favorite is the ham, cheese and egg), but they also have paella and other Spanish and Boricua delicacies. A little pricier than most similar establishments due to being in a tourist area, but oh, so good. You can even buy bottled liquor here if you’re so inclined.

Source: Bill Alvarez

Mojito's

Recinto Sur 323, Old San Juan * 787-723-7539 * $$

THE place for mofongo in San Juan (or anywhere else, really). Get somemofongo filled with fried pork, or shrimp, or chicken, or even plain. Their rice and beans are also absurdly good. The décor and ambiance don’t quite match up to the slightly-higher than normal prices, but you won’t regret it. Unless your taste in food sucks. In which case, there’s a McDonald’s a few blocks away. Highly recommended if you want to have some good local food. Did I mention the mofongo??

Zafra Del Caribe

Road PR 189, Kilometer # 5.3, Gurabo * 787-737-2737 * $$

Website

This excellent Puerto Rican/Mediterranean eatery is definitely not in the tourist areas, but worth the 30 minute or so drive from San Juan. Delicious and varied risotto dishes dominate the menu, which also has excellent seafood choices. Paella, poultry, steaks, pasta and local appetizers round out the offerings. A good quiet place to go with family or a date. With many entrees over $20, it is on the expensive side.

Rosa de Triana

72 Caleta de San Juan, San Juan, 00901 * 787-722-1144 * $$$

Rosa de Triana is a real Spanish cultural and culinary experience, albeit with a light Puerto Rican twist. This restaurant and tapas bar, located "downhill" in Old San Juan, has delectable appetizers and tapas, as well as excellent entrees. Although it's a bit on the expensive side (entrees average at about $25), it is well worth what you pay. Try the Chorizos al Vino, the Tostones or the croquettes from their tapas menu. The paella is definitely Spanish. Besides the food, they offer flamenco demonstrations and lessons on certain nights (with plenty of audience participation expected!). It's tough to have a bad time at this place, in my opinion, and it's great for groups. Ole!

Source: http://ranchomarina.com/

Rancho Marina

Lago Dos Bocas, Utuado 00641 * 787-894-8034 * $$

Website

Getting to Rancho Marina can be quite a trek. First, you have to get to Dos Bocas Lake in the central mountain town of Utuado. At the docks, you can park, and a motorboat will take you across the lake to this charming waterfront eatery. As far as Puerto Rican food goes, the experience and the taste doesn’t get much better than this. I recommend sitting outside, on the patio with the view of Dos Bocas Lake. All plantain dishes are excellent, as are the appetizers, such as sorullos and empanadas . Great steak, pork and fish, but vegetarian options are also available. The atmosphere, straddling a line between informal and sophisticated, was perfect. Recommended.

Other restaurants of note around the island (* = recommended)

Che’s (Ocean Park, Argentinian cuisine/ steak, 787-726-7202) $$

Café Cocina Criolla Espresso Bar (Ponce, Puerto Rican, 787-841-7185) $

Chihuahua TexMex Cantina (Humacao, Mexican, 787-850-2693) $

El Negocio de Panchi (Ponce, Mediterranean, International, 787-848-4788) $

El Zipperle (Hato Rey/ San Juan, Spanish, 787-751-4335) $$$

Gonzalez Seafood Restaurant (Mayaguez, 787-265-7497) $$

Las Vistas Café at Siete Mares Bay Inn (Fajardo, American/ Puerto Rican, 787-655-7053) $$

Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar (Old San Juan, Caribbean / International, 787-724-3969) $$$

Ruth’s Chris Steak House * (Isla Verde [in Intercontinental Hotel], 787-253-1717) $$$

Tierra Santa * (Hato Rey, Middle Eastern, 787-754-6865) $$

Zest (Isla Verde [in Water Club Hotel], Contemporary, 787-728-3666) $$$

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Bar Hop In Puerto Rico's 'Chinchorros'

Feature

USA TODAY

MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO — A good Puerto Rican chinchorro must 

have one thing and lack another: cheap beer and air conditioning. Louis O'

Halloran, an Irishman who has lived in Puerto Rico for 30 years, explains 

this to me as we drink a local Medalla beer and ignore the sweat dripping 

from our foreheads. "The chinchorro, this is the heart and soul of Puerto 

Rico," he says.

We are at Carbon de Palo, a chinchorro in this west coast town of Puerto 

Rico. A chinchorro, I learn soon after arriving here, is basically a bar with 

inexpensive booze and food. Carbon de Palo's Facebook page declares that 

"NO SOMOS UN RESTAURANT, SOMOS EL MEJOR SPOT DEL 

CHINCHORREO." In other words, "We're not a restaurant. We're the best 

spot for looking for a cheap bar...[CONTINUE READING]