I spent most of July 2024 on the “Isle of Enchantment,” Puerto Rico. The first week was for TBEX, a travel and tourism conference that brings together destinations and content creators. I then head the pleasure of a three-day gastronomy familiarization tour with Discover Puerto Rico. After that I stayed in San Juan for another two weeks while working on a book and enjoying the Puerto Rican lifestyle. I rented a car for my final five days and drove into the mountains, then to Rincon on the west coast. I saw native Taino hieroglyphs, dipped my toes in the ocean, enjoyed coffee shops and rum bars, swam in waterfall pools, and found some amazing eats along the way. Here are 14 dishes that truly stand out from my trip, in no particular order:

1) Pan Seared Scallop “Crudo” Cebiche, Corn “Leche de Tigre”, Summer Truffle, Fingerling Chips

2) Chuleta Kan Kan, Tostones, Mayo-Ketchup

3) Longaniza - Pork Sausage

4) Tripleta Pizza

5) Wedge Salad with Sourdough Migas, Spicy Radish and Tahini Green Goddess Dressing

6) Pernil, Rice, and Beans

7) Chicken + Cabbage

8) Pastrami Sandwich

9) Pancakes with Fruit

10) Banquete del Oso (Bear’s Feast)

11) Ham and Cheese Mallorca

12) Mofongo with Chicken

13) Pulpo

14) Lechon