I had lunch with family here. This used to be an old gas station converted into an outdoor…read morerestaurant. The backdrop of the native plants, birds, and low-volume music was perfect. There is an uncovered patio with seating and straw-covered umbrellas. We did not have a reservation, but were able to get seated within 10 minutes of arrival. A reservation is a must. There is an area adjacent to the restaurant that sells the food items by the pound. This is one of the more expensive places to eat on this side of the island. The smell of the smoked meat and seasonings is intoxicating, drawing you in.
I had a glass of lemonade, Caribbean Chicken Wings Ceviche, and a smoked tuna dip. My main course was the grilled lobster and fries. I sampled the cole slaw, red beans, and rice.
The lemonade was very watery, as if it had been poured before and was ready for guests when they ordered it, since it was served quickly. Would take a pass on this.
The Caribbean Chicken Wings were delightful. It has a sweet, smoky, slightly crunchy texture, with just a pinch of spice, heat, and flavor. I enjoyed this and did not want to share with family.
The smoked tuna dip was delightful, not overly creamy, and retained the tuna's texture and flavor; I wanted to order another and would have appreciated a few more wings than what was served.
The Ceviche was a little underwhelming but done well. I am on the picket fence on whether pineapple helps or hurts the dish, so I would pass on this when going back.
The grilled lobster was beautifully presented. The spices and grilled marks were prominent and beautiful. The spices and flowers were just amazing, and they retained the lobster flavor despite the bold seasonings.
The red beans and rice were well-cooked, but had very little flavor. This was disappointing given how ubiquitous this dish is on the island and the restaurant's ability.
My son had the El Matahambre: "Kill your hunger" BBQ sandwich. Pulled pork, smoked bacon, BBQ sauce, and cheddar on a local bread called Mayorca. I sampled the pork. Tender, well done, seasoned, and perfect.
This is a must-stop place. Remember to set a reservation, and that this is not a cheap place to eat. I want to go back soon, and I am wondering if they would ever consider chicken beyond the appetizer.
