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Sunday, July 21, 2013

Hotel Rosa Del Mar, Hatillo, Puerto Rico


                                                                
Hotel Rosa del Mar, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Hotel Rosa del Mar, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Sorullitos, Mojitos Restaurant, Hotel Rosa del Mar, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Hotel Rosa del Mar, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Mojitos Restaurant, Hotel Rosa del Mar, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Mojitos Restaurant, Hotel Rosa del Mar, Hatillo, Puerto Rico

This June, we left San Juan, Puerto Rico under nice sunny skies for a visit to Isabela, on the north coast, to see the new condominiums and hotels being developed in that area.  When we got to Hatillo, we decided to check out the Hotel Rosa del Mar, which was listed as a three star hotel in our guidebook.  It turned out to be a very nice, small hotel with free continental breakfast and Wi-Fi.  The rooms were clean, spacious and ocean view rooms have a terrace or balcony.  Our room had an ocean view.  Also available is a small business center, a spa-salon, and gym.  That night we had dinner in the hotel restaurant and bar, called Mojitos.  We had a ceasar salad, garlic shrimp, salmon with creole sauce and a side of mofongo. The service was excellent and the meal prepared by Chefs Geraldo and Joel was delicious. 


The hotel excelled with prompt service and very courteous front desk personnel.  We would not hesitate to return.  We were told that there was going to be a Cow Festival the next day, and that Hatillo has more cows than people and as such, it is called “The Cow Capital of Puerto Rico.”  Rosa del Mar hotel is a great place to stay if you will be visiting the Camuy Caves or the Arecibo Observatory.

                                                                  



Monday, July 15, 2013

Mesones Gastronomicos In Puerto Rico

When you dine in Puerto Rico, you may find that some restaurants are called Mesones Gastronomicos.   Mesones Gastronomico, is a restaurant that has maintained the high quality standards set by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.  There are many of these restaurants all over Puerto Rico, especially in the smaller towns and villages.  Quality standards have to be kept high to remain a Mesones Gastronomicos establishment, so visitors can feel completely comfortable dining at any one of these restaurants. 



The Mesones Gastronomicos Program was established in 1987 by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to regulate participating restaurants and to ensure that guests who dine at these specific restaurants are guaranteed excellent service, good food and value for their money.  The Mesones Gastronomicos Program also assists the tourism industry of Puerto Rico, as they are able to recommend restaurants to their clients and international visitors.


                                                                  


Sunday, July 14, 2013

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Villas Del Mar Hau, Isabela, Puerto Rico


While visiting Isabela and before heading back to San Juan, Puerto Rico, we took a
detour to visit the Villas del Mar Hau.  From what we could see, there are
many cottage-type accommodations.  Some of the villas are right on the
oceanfront.  There was a line of cars waiting to get by the guard at the
entrance gate so it looked as if it was full to capacity.  We learned that Villas del Mar Hau
is a very popular place with the locals.


We wanted to have dinner at the Olas y Arenas Restaurant which is a Meson
Gastronomico, a rating given to only a few of the restaurants on the
island.  In Puerto Rico, a Mesones Gastronomicos Program was established in 1987 by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to regulate participating restaurants and to ensure that guests who dine at these specific restaurants are guaranteed excellent service, good food and value for their money.
The restaurant is round and open to the breezes
overlooking the ocean.  We got excellent service and we were surprised
when the waiter brought us 2 complimentary "parchacellos."  These are an
in-house creation made with the juice of the parcha and white wine among
other ingredients.  It was very refreshing and delicious.  In addition to
that, we also ordered a pina colada as it was rather warm out.


For dinner we had mofongo with chicken, chillo (red snapper) with creole sauce and
tostones.  It was all quite tasty and to our surprise, served rather
quickly.  However, when it came time to pay for dinner, the waiter was not
around and we had to go to the cashier in order to pay the bill.  All in
all, the food was delicious, but the facilities are not first class.

                                                                
Parchacellos Drinks, Isabela, Puerto Rico

Chillo with Creole Sauce and Tostones

Villas del Mar Hau, Isabela, Puerto Rico

Mofongo with Chicken

Villas del Mar Hau, Isabela, Puerto Rico


                                                               

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Looking Back: Puerto Rico In 1955

Take a look at this video of Puerto Rico in 1955:

 


                                                          
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Monday, July 8, 2013

Back In Time: Puerto Rico In 1953


Take a look at this video of Puerto Rico back in 1953:




                                                         

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Kiteboarding In Puerto Rico


Puerto Rico
has become the place for kiteboarding thanks to the constant winds of the island.  Puerto Rico has some great locations if you enjoy kiteboarding, or if you would like to learn, Puerto Rico has a number of schools.


Kiteboarding is becoming a very popular sport.  Those who enjoy it, go to the beach to catch the  constant winds of this Caribbean island.  There are many beach options for kiteboarding in Puerto Rico.  Some of the favorites are, Ocean Park beaches in San Juan, Isabela in the west and Dorado in the north.  


If you are new to kiteboarding, Dorado has a new school, Goodwinds, located at the Dorado Beach Resort.  The watersports center is part of the Ritz Carlton Reserve.  The watersports center provides classes in kiteboarding, windsurfing and sailing.


Have fun kiteboarding in Puerto Rico!  Tale a look at this video of kiteboarding in Puerto Rico: