The 2 day event will showcase traditional BBQ cooking methods along with the Puerto Rican Lechon Asado cooking method of roasting whole pigs on a spit over open coals. So if you have always wanted to see how lechon is traditionally made and have never been able to make it to Guavate, then the Cattlemen’s BBQ competition is a great opportunity to see local teams cooking up this traditional Puerto Rican food.

Saturday July 3 is Lechon Day
Teams will be cooking whole pigs weighing in at around 50-60 pounds using the traditional spit and open coals method of cooking

Sunday July 4 is Tradional BBQ Day
Teams will be cooking various joints of meet using slow smoking and grilling in the traditional American BBQ Style. Categories include: Pork Rib, Beef, BBQ Sauce, Anything Goes, Poultry and Dessert

Along with the 2 day team BBQ competitions there will also be a Chef’s Grilling Challenge on Saturday. This competition will see 8 talented local chefs competing against each other to see how reigns supreme on the BBQ grill.

During the day, 2 chefs will compete against each other in a grill off using a box of secret ingredients, fresh local produce and 1 hour to create something special. The winners of each round will then compete until only ONE chef remains. The winning chef will be crowned ‘The Top Grilling Chef in Puerto Rico’

Finally there will also be the ‘Showmanship Prize’ that will be given to the BBQ team that has entertained the public the most. So look out for colorful decorated booths, traditional music and more from the various competing teams.

If all this BBQ talk is making you hungry, don’t worry; FREE SAMPLES will be provided by the various teams throughout the two day event.

What: 2010 Cattlemen’s BBQ Competition
Where: Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan
When: July 3 – 4, 2010
More info: here

You can find the Puerto Rico Convention Center on our interactive map here

SKIP THE FAST FOOD AND TRY THE STREET FOOD.

Yes you will find, Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Hut etc. here in Puerto Rico, but you will also find: food stalls in Old San Juan, food kiosks at Luquillo, Lechoneras in Guavate and roadside food vendors all over the island, serving great inexpensive foods that you probably won’t find back home. I know which ones I would prefer to try…

Here in Puerto Rico there is an abundance of roadside stalls, carts and vans serving traditional Puerto Rican snack foods that are not only very tasty but also perfect for those on a budget. Whether you are sightseeing around Old San Juan, trekking through El Yunque Rainforest or discovering the island by car, you will find roadside vendors serving up mouth watering snack foods such as: empanadillas, alcapurrias, bacalaitos relleno de papa con carne, as well as more hearty dishes such as; lechon, arroz y habichuelas, mofongo, tostones, the list goes on.

You don’t have to just take my word for it, as Budget Travel just named Puerto Rico as the 5th best destination for street food in the world, citing Pinones as one of the best places on the island for frituras (fried snacks)

The roadside is not only place to find great reasonably priced foods, just head to one of the many Panadaria’s (bakery) for tasty sandwiches, snacks, pastries and Puerto Rican coffee. There are also plenty of locally run restaurants that are also reasonably priced serving traditional Puerto Rican dishes. Just ask at your hotel, check out our restaurant page, check salpr (a local restaurant listing website with reviews) or visit TripAdvisor for user recommendations

So remember, if you are on a budget here in Puerto Rico (and even if you are not), you know what to do; skip the fast foods and try the local foods, you won’t be disappointed

Here are just a few places we’ve found great cheap snacks around the island:

Old San Juan, vans and stalls selling traditional snack foods and local drinks such as; mavi, pina coladas and piraguas (flavored shaved ice)
Pinones, numerous roadside stalls and restaurants
Rd. 681 close to Arecibo Lighthouse Park, selling snack foods
Guavate, for Lechonera’s (local restaurants serving roast pig and traditional side dishes)
El Yunque, Isama Bakery
Luquillo kiosks, numerous small kiosks where you can grab a snack or a sit down meal
Rd. 901 near Yabucoa, road side stalls selling snack foods, fruits and drinks
Rd. 10 heading to Lago Dos Bocas and Utuado, road side stalls selling snack foods, fruits and drinks

You get the picture. Wherever you decide to explore you will find someone serving up great local foods.

Do you have favorite Puerto Rican street food (and location)? Share them in the comments below.

Rums of Puerto Rico Beach Soirée at the Caribe Hilton (Fri evening):
The beach soirée at the Caribe Hilton kicks off the weekend’s events and will feature specialty cocktails created by Rums of Puerto Rico. You will also get the chance to enjoy great tapas while listening to Latino beats provided by world class DJ’s

Saborea Puerto Rico Village at Escambron Beach (Sat / Sun)
The village will highlight the best Caribbean and International dishes with the Pavillion showcases some of Puerto Rico’s top restaurants. As well as great food and drinks you will have the chance to see cooking demonstrations by local and international chefs

Saborea Puerto Rico Kids Pavillion (Sat / Sun)
At the Kids Pavillion your children will have the chance to watch top chefs prepare simple foods and snacks.

Some of the chefs taking part include:

Keegan Gerhard – Host of Food Network’s top rated “Food Network Challenge and has been Pastry chef at several top US restaurants, including: Charlie Trotters Restaurant, Waldorf Astoria, Ritz-Carlton Naples, Four Seasons Chicago, Dean and DeLuca and Wynn Las Vegas gave impetus to the creation of Keegan’s own Dessert restaurant – D Bar Desserts in Denver, CO.

Hector Santiago – You might recoginize Chef Santiago from the 2009, Chef Héctor “Top Chef” Season 6 Las Vegas on Bravo TV. He’s also the owner and chef of the Pura Vida restaurant in Atlanta.

Anne Burrell – Chef Burrell is the current co-host of the Food Networks ‘Worst Cooks in America’ where she puts hopeless cooks through a culinary boot camp along with co-host Beau MacMillan. Chef Burrell also has her own show on the Food Network ‘Secrets of a Restaurant Chef’

Ventura Vivoni - Chef Vivoni grew up in a coffee Hacienda in the central mountains of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. Having trained outside of Puerto Rico, Chef Vivoni has returned to his homeland and you can find him at Hacienda Luz de Luna in Adjuntas

Israel Calderon – Chef Calderon from Puerto Rico has been Executive Sous Chef of the Caribe Hitlon in San Juan as well as the Chicago Hilton and Towers. He was recently involved in the rebranded Sheraton Old San Juan and is currently Executive Chef of the Mundo Imperial Resort in Acapulco, Mexico.

Robert Irvine – You probably recognize Chef Irvine from the Food Networks ‘Dinner Impossible’. The native UK Chef has cooked for everyone including the Royal Family as well as Presidents of the USA

Robert Trevino – Chef Trevino arrived in Puerto Rico where he created dishes at the El Conquistador Resort. His latest ventures Budati overlooks the ‘ventena al mar’ in Condado, San Juan

Check out the Saborea website for a full list of participating chefs

Schedule of Events:

Friday, April 9
Rums of Puerto Rico Beach Soirée, 9:00pm, $75 per person

Saturday, April 10
Saborea Puerto Rico Village, 11am – 6pm, $90 per person
Dinner with Treviño, Farmerie & Greenspan at Budatai, 8pm, $150 per person
Saborea San Juan Nightlife & Culinary Tour 6pm 0r 10pm, $65 per person

Sunday, April 11
Saborea Puerto Rico Village, 11am – 6pm, $90 per person
Saborea Kids’ Pavilion, 11am – 6pm, $30 per child
Saborea After-Party at Lemongrass, 6pm, $65 per person
Saborea San Juan Nightlife & Culinary Tour 6pm 0r 10pm, $65 per person

Note: If you plan on attending the whole event, you can purchase Saborea Puerto Rico Weekend Pass for $225 (includes Saborea Puerto Rico Village on Saturday and Sunday and the Rums of Puerto Rico Beach Soirée on Friday)

Dress Code is casual, children under 5 are not allowed and under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

What: Saborea Puerto Rico 2010
When: April 10 -12, 2010
Where: Escambron Beach (Sat / Sun) and Caribe Hilton (Fri evening)
More info here

When it was first constructed back in 1539 El Morro was just a simple tower, the layout that you see today was designed several years later in 1587 by engineers Juan de Tejada and Juan Bautista Antonelli based on the established Spanish military fortification design principles of that time period.

From its very beginnings El Morro Fort has seen its fair share of action:

1595, Sir Francis Drake fails in his attempt to attack El Morro. The gunners of El Morro thwarted Drake with their cannons and a metal chain stretching across the entrance to the bay.

1598, the Duke of Cumberland battled his way into El Morro not my sea but by land and occupied the fort for 6 months. Illness to his men forced the Duke to give up his temporary residence in El Morro and the fort was again returned to the Spaniards.

1625, The Dutch attacked San Juan, but El Morro resisted under the leadership of Spanish Governor De Haro and Captain and the help of the local Puerto Rico militia.

1630, the construction of the city walls started and were completed around 1678. These are the same walls that you will see today as you tour Old San Juan

1797, the British with several thousand men invaded Puerto Rico and once again attempt to take San Juan. Once again El Morro and the Spanish were able to defeat their attackers. The battle of 1797 was one of the largest in Puerto Rico’s history and is reenacted every year on the grounds of El Morro and throughout the city of San Juan.

1898, El Morro fought its final battle when the United States Navy bombarded the fort during the Spanish – American War. The fort suffered a lot of damage from the shelling and the war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Under the new ownership of the United States the damage to El Morro was repaired and the lighthouse that you see today was built.

1942, as part of the USA’s Second World War preparations El Morro was fortified with a concrete artillery observation posts and an underground bunker

Today this World Heritage Site is MUST SEE for visitors to San Juan.

Admission to the fort is $3 for adults ($5 if you buy a combined ticket that also includes San Cristobel Fort) and children under 15 get in for free. It is well worth this admission price. The fort is exposed to the elements and as such it can be very hot walking around the fort, so make sure you have something to drink while you are touring the fort. Note: the small gift shop in the Main Plaza sells bottles of water.

Once you are inside you can watch a short video about the history of the fort highlighting how it was construction and how it faired during its several battles. The video is shown in English on the hour and half hour and in Spanish every 15 and 45 minutes past the hour. You will also find a Park Ranger giving a short orientation talk on the hour in English and 30 minutes past the hour in Spanish.

If you’d rather skip these two, then just take the guide map and go and explore the 6 levels that make up this magnificent fortification.

Highlights of El Morro

Main Plaza
The Main Plaza of El Morro was the area where troops would assemble for parades and daily inspection. The well in the center of the plaza held around 220,000 gallons of rainwater; enough to last a year if needed. The rooms around the sides were used as living quarters, storerooms, powder magazine storage, prison cells and not forgetting canon firing positions. There was also a chapel where the soldiers would worship.

Upper Level
To the west of the Main Plaza is the ramp leading to the upper level. Here you will find air vents that provided fresh air to the rooms below. The sentry boxes known locally as Garitas are position all along the upper and lower walls of the fort and make for great photo opps.
The Upper level is also home to the lighthouse that was rebuilt in 1908 and also to the three flags of the United States, Puerto Rico and the Cross of Burgundy, which was flown by the Spanish Forces from 1516 to 1785.

From the upper level you will have great views of the San Juan Cemetery to the east and to the west across the bay you will see the remains of Fort San Juan de La Cruz (El Canuelo)

To access the lower levels you need to head back down to the Main Plaza

You can get down to the lower levels by taking the ramp / stairs directly opposite the entrance to El Morro or by taking the Triangular Staircase to the east of the main plaza. If you have small children I would recommend taking the main ramp/staircase as the triangular staircase is very steep and can be slippery.

Lower Levels
At the bottom of the main ramp/staircase is the Bateria de Santa Barbara and it was the most powerful cannon battery of the fort. Here you will also find more of the Garitas (sentry boxes) along the walls, as well as the ‘Water Battery’. The ‘Water Battery’ got its name from the fact that the cannons were placed so close to sea level that they could easily hit the hulls of any ships that attempted to get too close to the fort.

The Old Tower, is the oldest part of El Morro and dates back to 1539 where it would have housed just four small cannons. If you head into the tunnel you will find the shell fragment from the 1898 US bombardment that is stuck in the wall

More steps lead down to a lower level which would have been used for living quarters, storage rooms etc.

From all levels of El Morro you will have fantastic views make sure you have your camera with you.

Finally, if time permits take a stroll around the outside of El Morro for more spectacular views. The large green field in front of the fort is an extremely popular spot for locals to picnic and fly kites. There are also great views of the San Juan Cemetery and San Juan Bay.

What: El Morro Fort
Where: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
When: 7 days/week from 9:00am – 6:00pm. The fort is Closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Cost: Adults $3 ($5 for combined forts El Morro and San Cristobel), Children under 15 Free
Tel: 787-729-6777
Website: here
Map It: You can find El Morro Fort on our interactive map here

Additional Information: There is a small gift shop and toilets with baby changing facilities located just off the Main Plaza

Photo resource: wikicommons

Don’t Miss:
Walking Tour of Old San Juan
Mallorcas at La Bombonera
Things to do in Old San Juan

Lago Dos Bocas is located just north of Utuado in the central mountain region of Puerto Rico. The drive from San Juan takes approximately 90 minutes (depending on traffic) and even though you will be heading into the central region, the roads to Lago Dos Bocas are very good. From San Juan head west on Highway 22 towards Arecibo, take Exit 75B and join Road 10 towards Utuado. Road 10 is a very scenic road and just before you exit Road 10 for the lake you will pass a scenic view point (unfortunately on our visit, the rain prevented from enjoying this spot). You will need to exit Road 10 (left) at Road 621. At this intersection you will see the brown signs for Lago Dos Bocas. Here you will find another scenic view point that in theory will give you great views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Regrettably when we stopped to check it out, we found the views were obscured by overgrown hedges (really disappointed). At the junction with Road 123 turn right and follow the signs to the car park and boats. There are several areas to park and on busy days there is usually someone helping to direct the cars to vacant spots.

A bit of history: Back in the 19th century the area that is now Lagos Dos Bocas was once a coffee plantation. During this time, the area around Utuado was known for its coffee growing ‘black gold’ and towards the end of the 19th century Utuado was the largest coffee producer in Puerto Rico. Coffee growing around Utuado ended around 1899 due in part to the occupation of the island by the USA and also Huricane San Ciriaco which in 1899 wiped out the coffee plantations. In 1942 the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) built a dam, flooded the area and constructed Lagos Dos Bocas. The lake originally held approximately 37.5 million cubic meters of water but current estimates show a much smaller volume of 18.0 million cubic meters, due sediment infilling

Today: There are currently four restaurants located on the shores of Lago Dos Bocas with plans for another three. All four restaurants; Rancho Marina, Restaurante Otoao, Restaurante Paisaje Escondide and El Fogon de Abuela are located south of the boat dock (car park) and each restaurant has their own FREE boat; so all you need to do is decide which one.

How do you decide?

As you make your way to the boat dock you will be greeted by representatives of the four restaurants who will hand you copies of their menus. Don’t feel pressured, just take each menu and decide which one appeals to you the most. All four restaurants serve typical Puerto Rican dishes with appetizers costing between $3 – $9 and main courses starting around $11.

Once you have decided, the restaurant representative will phone ahead to let them know you are coming. The boats run continuously from late morning to late afternoon but I would suggest you get there around noon so you can enjoy the lake and have a relaxing lunch.
If you don’t plan on eating, then you could always jump aboard one of the Department of Transport boats for a scenic tour around the lake, or if you are feeling energetic and have your own Kayak, use the slipway and kayak the lake.

We headed to Rancho Marina for lunch on board a small boat that would probably seat about 20 people (the boat had a canvas roof, but the sides were open to the elements). The restaurants are located at the southern end of the lake which means that you get a really long boat ride on the lake. The views from the boat (even on an overcast day) are spectacular. I really was not expecting such a long boast ride, so this was an added bonus.

All four restaurants are located on the lake shore with outdoor and covered decks. Rancho Marina has a large covered dining area and smaller outside ‘open air’ dining deck. There is also a separate open area with patio seating and a very small children’s play area
Rancho Marina’s menu includes typical Puerto Rican dishes (here’s a sample):

Appertizers:
Pastellios de Carne (meat turnovers)
Sorrullos de Maize (corn fritters)
Queso Frito (fried cheese)

Main Course:
Monfongo Relleno con Pollo, Camerones (Mashed Plantain stuffed with chicken or shrimps)
Masitas de Cerdo al Rancho (Fried pork chuncks with special house sauce)
Filite de Tilapia, Chillo en Salsa Criolla (Tilapia fillet or Red Snapper Fillit is Creole sauce)

Desserts:
Flan de Vainilla, Café, Queso (Vanilla or Coffee or Cheese Custards)

Needless to say, we did not leave the restaurant hungry…

After your meal you head back to your car the way you came, by boat. On the day we went the restaurant only had one boat running so you may have to wait several minutes for the boat to arrive.

Lago Dos Bocas had been on my ‘to do’ list for a long time. We had such a great time that I have decided to NOT cross it off my list, as there are at least another three restaurants to try, in the not so distant future.

Nearby Attractions:
If you set off early enough you could also check out one of the following attractions: Arecibo Light House Park, Arecibo Observatory, Camuy Cave Park, The town of Utuado, Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana and Lago Caonillas

What: Lago Dos Bocas
Where: just north of Utuado (off Road 10)
When: Saturdays and Sundays plus most holidays (for the restaurants – check for times). Daily from 6am – 5:30pm for the lake
What To Do: Eat at a lakeside restaurant, take a boat ride or go kayaking (bring your own)
Map It: You can find Lago Dos Bocas on our interactive map here
Directions: From San Juan. Hwy 22 west towards Arecibo. Take exit 75B, join Rd 10 south for Utuado. Exit left at Rd 621 (follow brown signs for Lago Dos Bocas) At junction with Rd 123 turn right and continue until you see the sign for the lakes car park

Resource: USGS and Wiki image

Don’t Miss:
Things to do in the central region of Puerto Rico
Arecibo Lighthouse Park
Shop at Barceloneta Outlet Mall

The layout of La Bombonera is old style diner, with counter seats and tables. The restaurant can be rather busy, but it’s well worth the wait. The restaurant has been featured on television, several times, and was recently seen in Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods episode on Puerto Rico.

From Sandwiches, soups to typical Puerto Rican main course dishes, the prices at La Bombonera are very reasonable. On a recent quick visit, a glass of fresh orange juice, coffee and a quesito came to $6.

What: La Bombonera Restautrant
Where: 259 Calle San Francisco, Old San Juan
Map It: La Bombonera

You might also like to check out:
Old San Juan
Puerto Rico Foods – the basics
Walking Trails in El Yunque Rainforest

A couple of months ago the Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern visited the island of Puerto Rico to film an episode for the current series.

On June 9, 2009 at 10pm EST you can see Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern in Puerto Rico on the Travel Channel.

On his tour of Puerto Rico Andrew, discovers the flavors and history of the island; ‘from the deep-fried treats brought in by Africans to the roasted pork made popular by the Spanish’.

So where did Andrew go on his culinary tour of Puerto Rico?

Old San Juan
Here he visited one of the oldest bakeries on the island and one that is popular with locals and a MUST for any one visiting Old San Juan; La Bombanera. Here he tried a local favorite Mallorcas (a Spanish pastry) and Cocas which are similar to pizza, with vegetables and sardines.

While in Old San Juan, Andrew is joined by his friend and chef Wilo Benet. They tour Old San Juan on Segways annd enjoy a Tripleta. A sandwich made with ham, chicken and beef with mayo, ketchup, fries and lettuce and tomato

Rio Piedras
At Plaza del Mercado de Rio Piedras he meets chef Maira Isabel and checks out the local market where he tries: Mavi , a drink made from sugar and tree bark, Corazon, a fibrous fruit with a creamy flavor and Caimitos (star apple)

Guavate Area
Bizzare Foods with Andrew Zimmern would not be complete without tasting some Pork and Puerto Rico did not disappoint. In the Guavate area (home of the lechon) the show stopped off at El Rancho Original, where Andrew tried some of the local favorites: Roasted Pork, Roasted Pig Ears, Roasted Pig Tail, Roasted Pig Leg, Roasted Pig Nose.

San Lorenzo
Here they stop at a food stand and sample some Rabbit, more Roasted Pork and some White Rice with Salt Pork

Arecibo
At El Nuevo Guayabo he samples some Ceti Empanadas, which are tiny fish mixed with corn, plantains and pumpkin

Lares
The small town of Lares is known locally for it’s Ice Cream shop. As well as regular flavors the shop also sells some strange flavors. In Lares Andrew tries several including Sesame Seed Ice Cream, Cod Fish Ice Cream, Garlic Ice Cream, Corn Ice Cream and Sea Grape Ice Cream

Pinones
Pinones is located just east of San Juan and here Andrew samples some Mofongo from one of the roadside Kiosks

Toro Negro National Forest
After hiking in the rainforest the show stops at a local families house where Andrew samples a home cooked meal that includes: Gandinga (a stew made with pig heart, liver, kidneys and lungs), some Guinea Fowl, some Deep-Fried Pork and some Morcilla (blood sausage)

Pikayo Restaurant
At Pikayo Chef Wilo Benet serves up his own take on Puerto Rican cusine with dishes such as Pigs Feet Stew and Alcapurria with Land Crab

So don’t forget to set your DVR for 10pm EST on the Travel Channel. Here’s a quick clip

Resources: Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Related Articles:
Lechon in Guavate
Puerto Rico Local Food

As in past years the re-enactment takes place over 2 days in Old San Juan. This year you will be able to see:

• Recreations of the Spanish and British encampment
• Demonstration of military tactics
• Cavalry and artillery fire
• Re-enactment of the Battle of 1797
• 18th century men and women’s fashion display

On Saturday, April 25 the main action will be at Fort San Felipe del Morro (El Morro Fort), Old San Juan

On Sunday, April 26 the main action will take place at the Parque Tercer Milenio, San Juan

On both days the activities will take place between 9am and 4pm.

What: Re-enactment of the 1797 battle of San Juan
When: Saturday – Sunday, April 25-26, 2009
Where: El Morro Fort, Old San Juan (Sat), Parque Tercer Milenio, San Juan (Sun)
Cost: Free

Related Articles:
Escambron Beach, San Juan
Alternative Ideas for Old San Juan
Puerto Rico Lighthouses

The west coast of Puerto Rico is served by the Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, that has direct flights to the USA through JetBlue, Continental and Spirit.

Check out Affordable Caribbean: Puerto Rico in the New Your Times

Photo resource: sicarr

Related Articles:
Surfing in Rincon
Ideas for the West Coast of Puerto Rico
Ideas for the North Coast of Puerto Rico

The area is inundated with lechoneras (roadside cafeterias) whose specialty is seasoned slow roasted whole pig. Traditionally the pig is roasted over an open flame mounted on on a wooden spit called a varita, but now must use a steel spit. The pig is usually roasted for about 6 – 8 hours which ensures that the pork is pact with flavor, moist and tender. The roast pig is not the only delicacy on the menu; as you will find roast chicken, turkey, morcella (blood sausage) and numerous side dishes, including: rice and beans, rice with pigeon peas, tostones, mofungo, sweet potato and many more. If you happen to be there during the Christmas period you will also see pasteles, arroz con dulce and Puerto Rico’s very own egg nog ‘coquito’.

The main road up and through Guavate is lined with lechoneras, so you will have plenty of choices. Look for one that is busy and lively and then try to find parking at the side of the road close by.

Note: The road which is known locally as ‘La Ruta del Lechon’ is fairly winding and can become busy on weekends, so drive carefully.

The lechoneras in the area are cafeteria style with indoor and outdoor seating, where you line up and select what you would like from the counters. Once you have chosen your food, find a table and dig in.

Weekends are the best time to go if you really want to savor the atmosphere of the area, but even during the week you will find some of the lechoneras open.

What: Lechon (roast pig)
Where: Lechoneras in Guavate
When: Weekends are best before 12pm (but some are open during the week)
Map It

Directions from San Juan:
Take Highway 52) south and take exit 32 (Guavate). Make a left and head up Rd 184. You will find lechonaras all along the route with some of the most popular around km. 27.

Enjoy!!!

Related Articles:
Restaurants around Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Kiosk Food