“Who wants to milk a goat?” Truthfully, my immediate answer was “No.” Despite the amazing places this job has taken me, I still struggle with being enthusiastically outdoorsy. | | | | | | “Who wants to milk a goat?” Truthfully, my immediate answer was “No.” Despite the amazing places this job has taken me, I still struggle with being enthusiastically outdoorsy. But traveling makes me braver, and so, on a sunny day in Manatí, Puerto Rico, I milked a goat. The farm-to-table movement here isn’t widespread, but it’s growing. And I got to go see (and taste) that growth. At Frutos del Guacabo, a family-run micro farm, grocery and restaurant, I toured the grounds, smelled and sampled the greens grown on the property, and saw baby goats and rabbits. And, of course, I ate well with products grown from the land. The best way to get to know the food in Puerto Rico? Plan or join a chinchorreo. These are food tours where you gather your favorite people and hop from one locally-owned (often for generations) restaurant – called a chinchorreo – to another. Puerto Rico has stunning beaches and an incredible nightlife (La Factoría is worth the hype), but it’s the food that will truly introduce you to Boricua culture, especially on a chinchorreo. Don’t worry, I’ll teach you how. | | | Stop 1: El Rancho De Las Longanizas Don Nando
| Vibes: Casual, open-air eatery, filled with locals because the food is that good! The longanizas (sausages) are the main attraction, and they are roasted on-site. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, it will feel like you’re at a cousin’s house for a barbecue.
What we ate: Chicken and pork longanizas (sausages), rice and beans and tostones.
Impression: This is a classic chinchorreo spot, quick bites in a lively atmosphere. The tradition is to stay a little while before heading to the next stop, and you’ll definitely want to linger here. | | | | Stop 2: Asador San Miguel | | | Vibes: This spot is a bit more upscale than your typical roadside chinchorreo, offering stunning views of the Cedro Arriba and an extensive wine collection. The menu has everything from smoked chicken crackling to caprese salad.
What we ate: Roasted pork topped with crispy onion, croquettes, grilled chicken, smoked ribs, shrimp and blood sausage.
What we drank: Woodford Reserve.
Impression: This is the kind of place you go to impress someone. Though walk-ins are welcome, you might want to make a reservation. The roasted pork and almojábanas were crowd favorites. | Vibes: This is a casual spot with a bar in the front and a beautiful patio section in the back, with a porch swing and a gorgeous view.
What we ate: Croquettes, fried cheese topped with papaya and bacon.
What we drank: Coconut, melon, tamarind and cherry mojitos.
Impression: Located next to a busy street, this is another classic roadside chinchorreo that’s just a fun place to be. Come here to enjoy a game, grab some tasty bar snacks, sip on any version of a mojito and relax. I still think about that fried cheese topped with papaya. | | | Photography credits: Alejandro Granadillo for Lonely Planet (3), Alicia Johnson/Lonely Planet (4) | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
