I am a fan of living the off-peak life. This surely emanates from a formative sophomore year in college, which I worked my way through by being a bank teller at a branch then-distinguished for having the only fullystudent-teller roster. Much though I enjoyed the company of my colleagues at work and at after-work events, somehow the idea of traveling with them on spring break did not appeal to me. The whole point, it seemed, was to able to get away, choose to be with people with whom you might not ordinarily, in places you might not ordinarily.
the stars is also an option. Chef Ernie’s trio of Nuevo Latino appetizer creations included a new take on the Puerto Rican standard mofongo (mashed plantains with
This year, I traveled with some colleagues to San Juan, where we discussed sand, sea and sunsets while in San Juan’s chic Condado district, noted for its restaurant scene. The centrally located San Juan Marriott Resort
(parsley, shallot, garlic, rice wine vinegar and olive oil) was a fresh representation.
787-722-7000, www.marriott.com/hotels/ travel/sjupr-san-juan-marriott-resort-andstellaris-casino) has La Vista Island Grill, where the affable, Le-Cordon-Bleutrained, Ernie Reyes Oliver is the Executive Chef. The Caribbean blue and slate grey walled room lined with high hung mirrors for an expansive effect and view, although dining under
lightly drizzled with guava for presentation, local baccala salt cod croquette, and pastille these appetizers was the use of microgreens on appetizers. Yucca fries served with the Chilean sea bass (also accompanied by spinach and garlic) gave the appearance of French fries, with a lighter taste. A beef
Iron Chef competitor Roberto Trevino’s Budatai is located in a two-story art deco townhouse, and has a deep burgundy red décor artfully strewn with silk-lined walls, Buddha statutes, soft lights and contemporary Asian furniture overlooking Condado. Trevino’s forward thinking menu is one part Asian and one part Latino spices, like dim sum standout pork dumplings guisados
During the day to work up an appetite (and avoiding college students on spring break), ways to work up an appetite include waling tours of Old San Juan (the dungeon at Fort San Cristobal, dungeon – an isolation chamber where temperatures reached up to 140 degrees a day, with felons granted barely a bit of bread and water, inspired me to write a criminology blog post). For sun-worshippers avoiding indoors, nearby Pinones has “virgin beaches,” and a recentlyinstalled beach side walking/biking trail are
Iron Chef competitor Roberto Trevino’s Budata 1056 Avenida Ashford 787-725-6919 www.ootwrestaurants.com
based in plantains, a unique spin on the Puerto Rican staple).
Resident