Atop the hill overlooking the beach, you drive up and hear bachata music coming from the other side of the painted wooden fence. The smells of spices interwove themselves with the rhythmic pulse of Puerto Rican music.
As I entered the covered patio I was met with the sweet aroma of garlic and onions grilling somewhere in the background. The chalked-up board announced the daily specials of which I asked for the fried chicken and a small salad. The chicken was not breaded but still deep-fried and had the flavor of fried turkey. I had the guisado rice, which had the color of Spanish rice with the same small peas found in rice around the island. They use small grain rice, which tends to be a bit al dente for me but the fact that I didn't like it was just a matter of preference.
It came with a mini green salad which consisted of shredded romaine and a slice of tomato and a separate side of ranchero-style beans. For me, the beans were the highlight of the plate. A salty gravy-style kidney bean cooked down in a loose chili style gravy that had layers of flavors and delight.
I also ordered a small side salad and was impressed to find a medley of garden vegetables, including, red bell pepper to my delight.
Nothing special with the salad dressings but the Picante (island hot sauce) also had a depth of flavor and heat that made me forget that I don't care for short-grain rice.
All in 15 USD is not a bad price for enough food to feed three or feed me into the night.
They also have a bar that seems to favor tequila shots and rum with drink specials and pinchones on evenings closer to the weekend. read more