A really different and delicious take on regional food, plus great spirit and delightful service--so good we came back for more the next night.
We had driven most of the day from Fajardo, stopping at a great lechonera along the way, so by the time we arrived at Buena Vibra, it was late, we were a little tired, and not really all that hungry. PR cuisine can be tasty, but heavy--often fried or stewed, with starchy veg. What a great surprise to see the menu at Buena Vibra. Each couple split one of the aguacates rellenos (stuffed avocados). We chose the one with the mixed seafood. And because we didn't know how large the portions would be, we went in on an order of the coconut shrimp appetizer. Turned out that was unnecessary (even if it was delicious), because the stuffed avocados were full platefuls of ripe avocado and plenty of perfect ceviche-style seafood. We had ordered a side green salad with it, which turned out great, because we could mix the greens in with the avocado and seafood. Everything was fresh and tasty, light and filling all at once. The two of us filled up completely on a shared main course, a side salad (the best salad we had in PR), and half an appetizer, washed down with a couple Old Harbor IPAs. And, oh yes,we had to order a couple flans--one vanilla and one guava and cheese, which was unbelievable. So...
The next night, my partner and I opted to split another stuffed avocado, this one with the octopus, and another salad--both fantastic once again. Our companions ordered the Volcan Tamarindo, which was really incredible--tender grilled skirt steak in a tart tamarind sauce tumbling from a "volcano" formed from a crisp, coconut fried snapper. Oh yes, I was a little envious. Flans again, of course, with the pistachio one winning the day, and a couple more Old Harbor IPAs (why not?).
What made the second night extra special was the live music--a trio of guitar/singer, timbales and guira. If you can imagine the best guira player on the planet, you can imagine the band. It also turned out this evening the restaurant was celebrating its Top 5 standing in Trip Advisor, so everyone was in high spirits. Maybe it was the free shots of Kaluah, rum and Amaretto they were handing out. Joel, our waiter both nights, treated us like royalty, and the owner made a special effort to visit us on our second evening, even taking the time to introduce us to the chef and talk about the history of the place (it was his childhood home).
What can I say? If you're in the neighborhood, you have to pay a visit. read more