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A WEEKLY COLUMN
I sip my mojito as I watch the action around me. Couples dance to the salsa music pouring out of a bar in the background. Crowds of locals and a few tourists, drink and chat and laugh. The air is filled with music and the amazing smell of the pinchos (like shish kebabs) sold on the corner. The night is clear and warm, and the dresses are skimpy. This is Placita de Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on a Friday night, and it is wild.
La Placita is a few blocks of bars and restaurants. During the day, there is a hundred-year-old market with everything from local fruits and vegetables to freshly caught fish. At night, the streets are blocked off and the party begins. We start our night at Jose Enrique, a restaurant that serves Puerto Rican fare with a gourmet twist. The chef, who is featured in many magazines such as Food & Wine, creates a new menu daily, which is shown to patrons on a chalk board. Everything is delicious! After a relaxing couple hours eating and drinking in the tiny restaurant, we head out to the party.
We refill our drinks at a bar next door and start to wander around. It’s safe, clean and filled with people. We wander from one bar to the next, chatting and enjoying the music. This is an evening not to be missed if you are in San Juan and want a taste of the real culture of the Island. After a night here, you will know why Puerto Ricans have been voted the nicest and most beautiful Americans!
More Info?
Jose Enrique is the name of the chef and restaurant. It is very small and very popular. The night we went, we were lucky enough to have a friend who arrived early to put in our names. There are no reservations accepted. They will take your cell number, however, so you can wander around the area while you wait for your table. The address is La Placita, Duffaut St. 176, San Juan. http://www.joseenriquepr.com/
The best way to get to La Placita is by cab. Parking is a bit challenging, but a cab driver will know exactly where to drop you off. The best nights to go if you like a party atmosphere are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Salud!
You can read about all my family adventures around the world on my blog.
Photo Courtesy of Leslie Fonesca
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