Cooking with Nivia, Condado Beach, and Rum Running

Much to my husband's dismay, when I travel I sometimes pack in as much as I can to fully get the culture embedded in my mind in the entirely inadequate amount of time most Americans are given for leisure. He has squashed some of my rapid travel dreams so I have to behave a little more when I am with him. But the ladies? They want to do ALL the things and are even more thrilled it is already planned.

So, we split up day 2: cooking class and beach club in the am/early afternoon

Cooking with Nivia

Nivia is a mainland trained chef who grew up in Puerto Rico and specializes in farm to table and traditional PR cooking methods. Wherever I go, if time allows, I love to take a cooking lesson. Culture is food and food brings great conversation and friendships, right? So three of the ladies in our group joined me for a morning at the market and cooking with the chef.

The market was a colorful array of fruits and veggies of gargantuan size in La Placita de Santurce, one of the funky neighborhoods in San Juan with amazing nightlife. We started by purchasing our supplies for the class, snatching up plantains, avocados, beets, and more. Nivia discussed the trends in PR of getting back to the farming roots in spite of several natural disasters spurring the development of more industrial plants such as medical devices to help the economy. Almost 30% of Puerto Rican natives have moved to the mainland after being walloped with hurricanes over the last decade, and those who remain are dedicated to retaining and thriving. I mean, DJT really didn't give them a choice with his condescending bull and throwing TP at the locals. Sink or swim is not what a US territory deserves, but resilience is part of the culture as well.

We headed to Nivia's apartment with the most picturesque little sitting area and started our class while sipping Rum Fun Punch. Which has 3 ingredients: rum, punch, and FUN! We learned how to make sofrito, salsa, tostones, mofongo, and a shrimp asapao all in one morning! I will most recipes I am adapting for a dinner party soon @tinygyniecooks.blogspot.com and include the links.

Mofongo: a ball or bowl made of fried plaintains, butter, garlic, chicharrones, and then topped with any amazing meats, sauces, or soup you would like!

Asapao: a meat and rice soup kind of like a watery paella of sorts

Tostones: smashed fried plaintains in a chip

Sofrito: the base of all deliciousness with peppers, onion, garlic, herbs

After the work, we all sat down for a lovely lunch. 100% worth it. https://www.spoonfoodtours.com/tours/flavors-of-puerto-rico-cooking-class/

Our group then moved on to the Condado Beach public area which has chairs and umbrellas for rent and a nice protected cove so the water is swimmable. Chairs were $5 and umbrellas $15. There are also quaint Pina Colada stands in front of the beach so beverages abound !

Once we felt medium rare, we freshened up to go to:

RUM CLASS!

Rum Runners Cocktail class starts at a bar/restaurant owned by the former drummer of the Beach Boys, Carli Munoz. The class involves a sunset walking tour in Old San Juan and visits 3 bars of historical and cultural significance.

At Carli's, we made a Maverick, which was a tasty blend of rum, mint, simple, etc. Similar to a mojito.

Second stop was The Mezzanine, where we had spicy blood orange margaritas with dehydrated limes. This building has a lot of significant history to it and was the site of a military/government uprising as well. 3rd floor is a wine bar now, which I will say had the worst service we had all trip, so stick to the amazing cocktail experience.

Finally, we ended at La Cubanita, a funky little bar with even more funky bartenders. I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the drink, but I took pictures!!

Dinner was at a new place recommended by our guide, Felix. Deaverdura

Deaverdura has no written menu, but you really can't go wrong with the classic typica food here. If you want to eat family style, it is only about $10pp for WAY TOO MUCH goodness.

Stay tuned for our lechonera trip on Day 3!!