Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 787-892-1175, 800-942-8086; 72 Luna; r $75; )
If you wanted luxury,
you've come to the right place - the catch is you're 20 years too late. Hidden under the cob-
webs of the lackluster modern-day Oasis is a once grand dame of Puerto Rican paradores.
Today, the place is down on its luck and seemingly bereft of guests, with the air of Miss
Havisham's house in Charles Dickens'
Great Expectations
, bearing carpet that is coming
up at the seams, and artwork that is downright bizarre. Still, the Italianate pool still glistens
invitingly and the staff tries hard to plug the gaps. Framed testimonies on the wall highlight
favorable reviews from years past; the most recent dates from 1984.
Eating
A 2 Tiempos
CARIBBEAN FUSION $$
( 787-892-9600;
www.a2tiempos.com
,
in Spanish; Dr Santiago Veve 70; mains
$10-20; dinnerWed-Sat,lunch&dinnerSun)
This intimate destination restaurant, in
a warmly finished 1912 creole home, is regarded among Puerto Rican foodies with awed
reverence. The atmosphere has the feel of a 19th-century Caribbean parlor, and the artfully
presented plates include creative offerings such as the Filete José - a filet mignon encased
in a flaky, lobster-filled pastry. Unpretentious and memorable, it's among the very best
small dining rooms on the island, especially when there's a live jazz combo in the corner.
Chateaux De Auxerre
FRENCH CARIBBEAN $$$
(16 Estrella; dinner Wed-Fri, lunch & dinner Sat & Sun)
Late brunch in the court-
yard of this centrally located, recently remodeled 19th-century town house rewards a morn-
ing of exploring the west coast. The morning dishes are exceptional - strong coffee and
eggs with fresh, seasonal vegetables - and in the evening the menu assumes a French clas-
sicism. Watchful servers and linen table dressings also elevate this to among the most up-
market dining experiences in the region.
Tapas Café
TAPAS $
(48 Dr Santiago Veve; tapas $4-11; dinner Wed-Fri, lunch & dinner Sat & Sun)
The food and atmosphere are both great at this cafe, which seems like it'd fit in among
the Triana district of Seville. Flamenco drifts under the high ceilings, and bullfighting
paraphernalia adorn the walls, while the kitchen turns out delicious fare such as
albondigas
(meatballs),
queso manchego
(Manchego cheese),
tortilla española
(Spanish omelette) and
jamon serrano
(cured Spanish ham).
