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LA CASITA BLANCA

Milly Lugo-Ríos and Gloria San Miguel

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During my last visit to Puerto Rico, I discovered a culinary jewel called La Casita Blanca. The restaurant offers traditional Puerto Rican food within a very relaxed atmosphere of open windows and high ceilings. It is decorated with old Puerto Rican memorabilia, making me feel like I was at my abuela's house. The server started us with a complimentary order of "bacalaítos" and "sopa de plátano". For our main dish we ordered "serenata de bacalao con verduras" (codfish salad with root vegetables). We completed our foodie adventure with a "tres leches" cake with "coquito" flavor and complimentary "chichaito", an anise digestif. The chichaito had 3 coffee beans that represent luck, health, and love. All the food was delicious, just like at home!

The review above is by Milly Lugo-Rios, who visited the restaurant recently and loved it. La Casita Blanca is one of the six recipients of the 2023 James Beard America's Classics Award. The America's Classics Award is given to locally owned restaurants that have timeless appeal and are beloved regionally for quality food that reflects the character of its community. The Casita Blanca is known for its homestyle Puerto Rican food, such as arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas). Its owner, Jesús Pérez Ruiz, opened the restaurant in 1980. His vision was to have an inexpensive, family-run restaurant. Ruiz’s sons now run the restaurant and they have maintained its homey vibe. For Puerto Ricans, going to La Casita Blanca, it is indeed like visiting a tía or abuela’s house for a family feast.

La Casita Blanca is located at 351 Calle Tapia, San Juan, Puerto Rico. For an interesting video about La Casita Blanca go to the link below. English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnuqVPXGNKQ

Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnuqVPXGNKQ

Our deepest condolences to our dear member Dorianne Montalvo on the passing of her mother, Doña María Teresa Pagan Vega. She lived a beautiful life dedicated to her three children, grandkids and great-grandkids. She loved Puerto Rican cooking, music, and playing dominoes. May she rest in peace.

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