The working world is showing no signs of slowing down. From at home working, to being constantly ‘plugged in’, the line between professional and personal time has never been more blurred. But taking the time to rest and reset is the key to thriving in our careers. Which is why it has never been more vital to switch off and invigorate our senses with the things we love the most, like exquisite culinary experiences. In partnership with Discover Puerto Rico, we’re delving into why Puerto Rico, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, is the perfect escape for busy working women, particularly foodies. We also sat down with renowned chef, Loumiry Sanchez, who shared some key insights on the island, so you can maximise your trip with her top foodie tips.
Farm-to-table foodie delights
In a world where we are constantly, busily career-building, reconnecting with the things we enjoy, like delicious food and drink, is essential to our wellbeing- and travel opens up our entire world of possibilities. Despite its small size, there is so much for foodies to explore.
Over the years, Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise, Loumiry explains, the area has “transformed in the last three decades”. The Island’s clear focus on farm-to-table growing was a result of the impact the 2017 hurricanes had on food chain supplies from other countries. But this impact created an opportunity to create more sustainable practices, with delicious results.
Chef Xavier Pacheco is a farm-to-table pioneer, co-owning and curating culinary experiences for Bacoa Finca y Fogón, in Juncos, Los Guapos, a taquería in San Juan, and Aldeana, in the mountains of Cidra. The dishes he creates are deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture, inspired by his upbringing. Always created with the most high-quality and fresh ingredients, Chef Xavier blends modern innovation with traditional cooking methods to create truly transportive culinary delights.
San Juan’s first farm-to-table restaurant, Verde Mesa, is female-owned and located in a stunning Old San Juan building. They offer a range of dishes to suit every diet, including vegan and vegetarian options, set against antique decor and captivating artwork.
There’s plenty of choice for those following vegetarian or vegan diets too. Loumiry is a vegan herself and owns a vegan restaurant too, El Grifo; “Nowadays, almost every restaurant, hotel, and bar in Puerto Rico offers one or more vegan options, but this wasn't the case eight years ago when I opened my restaurant. Diners would arrive and not know what "vegan" meant, so as part of the service, we had to give each table a presentation that included what veganism is. Today, almost a decade later, I can see the impact of all the educational work we did, not only in the restaurant but also in local media outlets.”
Alongside the incredible range of food markets, this innovation and exploration should put Puerto Rico on every gourmet connoisseur’s ‘travel to’ list.
Explore gourmet creation in action
Another reason to book your trip to Puerto Rico, is the unparallelled, immersive opportunity to explore the Island’s educational culinary experiences, with several family-owned farms throwing their doors open to teach guests their foodie secrets.
Alongside their stunning restaurant, family-run agroecological company, Finca La Zafra’s gastronomic experiences are a must-visit for any foodie traveller. Their Harvest + Cook experience invites guests to learn about the entire farm-to-fork cycle, from planting to harvesting and then cooking to create delectable dishes. Guests can explore with a guided tour and experience life as a harvester with a tractor ride, hands on harvesting session, and educational masterclasses. Visitors can then enjoy the fruits of their experience, ending the day with a delicious farm-to-table lunch, curated and cooked by Finca La Zafra’s expert chefs.
Farm Frutos del Guacabo is another unmissable spot, offering an education in the Island's sustainable practices alongside a delicious meal prepared with ingredients straight from the farm itself. The perfect, back-to-nature escape from any busy, screen-heavy career.
Restaurants that feed the soul
Puerto Rico is famed for its rich culture and experimental and innovative culinary scene. The array of five-star restaurants are no exception, with choices to suit every visitor’s appetite.
Located amidst the exquisite beauty of the oceanfront Condado Vanderbilt hotel, 1919 Restaurant blends meticulously personalised service with lovingly curated dishes from Michelin star chef Juan José Cuevas. The restaurant invites guests to enjoy socially conscious fine-dining that supports local businesses and delights the senses with hand-picked, high-quality ingredients.
For those looking for an interactive food education, Cocina Abierta, or ‘open kitchen’, takes visitors on a journey through the different cultures and techniques of the Island, applying a human lens to tell the rich story of Puerto Rico’s culinary heritage. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience Puerto Rican life, with Loumiry highlighting that it’s the local people that really make the island such a delightful place to travel, “Puerto Ricans are happy, loving, dedicated, and party-loving. When I go on a trip, I miss that human warmth that distinguishes us.”
Or for the traveller seeking authentic Borícua tastes, the stunning foodie region of Piñones is a must-visit destination. Lovingly described by locals as the ‘soul of the Island’, the region boasts a range of unparalleled Afro-Carribean street food. It is also a stunning spot to enjoy an ocean drive starting in Loíza, along the region’s beautiful, unspoiled coastline, brimming with beaches to relax on and local street food gems.
For travellers in an exploring mood, there is no better spot to delight the senses than Luquillo. A beachside town just past the El Yunque rainforest, the area offers stunning views, lively Latin music and over sixty chinchorros, or kiosks, and restaurants that immerse each visitor in the enticing culture of the Island. For a purely peaceful trip, Loumiry recommends exploring the west side of the island, “Isabela and Rincón are magical places where sunsets renew my energy… They keep me centred and allow me to appreciate the simple things: nature, family, and well-being.”
Cocktails with a cultural twist
Over the centuries, Puerto Rico has perfected the art of rum distillation and is currently the largest producer of premium rum in the world. If you’re a mixology-curious traveller, you can uncover the secrets of the Island’s distilleries and sample the finest rums on tours and masterclasses.
Another must-see experience is the Casa Bacardi, also known as the ‘Cathedral of Rum’, or the Castillo Serrallés Museum, situated in a stunning 1930’s Spanish Revival-style home.
If you’re searching for a spot to relax and unwind with a cocktail, the previously mentioned Piñones offers both beauty and delicious tastes. Or for a quick drink, Loumiry recommends her favourite spot in Caguas, 404 Coffee & Beers.
To find out more about the ultimate foodie destination of Puerto Rico, discover more about everything the Island has to offer and start planning the perfect foodie escape today.