With its traditional blends of European, African and Caribbean elements, as well as its sophisticated, 21st-century trends, Puerto Rico is a hot spot for food lovers.
"Modern Boricua [Puerto Rican] food is innovative and fun, often with French, Italian, Peruvian and Chinese influences in the same dish," says Renatto Medranda, executive chef at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino.
"Fusion cuisine continues to gain popularity," agrees Fernando Coppola, executive chef at Sorce at the W Vieques. "The menu at Sorce highlights the blending of cultures present in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a unique mix of Spanish, American and Caribbean influences, not to mention new influences arriving from South America and beyond. Our menu has been updated to give guests an authentic Puerto Rican/Caribbean dining experience with a unique W Twist."
Nelson Rosado Fernandez, the chef at the Gran Melia Puerto Rico, concurs, saying Puerto Rican fusion cuisine is the latest trend right now. At his property, it's often served in Spanish tapas style, so that groups can sample a wide variety of cuisine.
Ernie Reyes Oliver, executive chef at the Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino, credited local chefs for showing more creativity than ever.
"There is a wave of chefs that are merging and fusing Puerto Rican flavors into different cuisines with great results," he says, noting that the best neighborhoods for foodies are SOFO (the southern part of Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan) as well as the Condado district, where the Marriott is located. "These precincts are abundant with fantastic dining options showcasing different cuisines at varying price points to suit all tastes and budgets."
At Zest, a restaurant at the San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel, Chef Raul Correa Soto creates "modern Latino" menus for groups, such as Puerto Rican arroz con pollo, made with Israeli couscous and served with shaved avocado.
The Marriott's Reyes suggests that mixing music with cuisine is a great concept for groups.
"There is nothing more exciting to those attending an event than hearing the authentic sounds of pleneros, a traditional Puerto Rican percussion band heralding them to dinner," he says, adding that one of the most popular elements at his private dining events is the mofongo station, where guests can see how this traditional plantain-based dish is made.
