First a quick stop in our new home and then enjoy a delicious dinner at the Post Meet - Up :)
February 7, 2009
the Urban train.
We were 4 people at the room, so taking a shower took long. We all used the time for different things, including TB's checking for me, haha. Francisco was taking a break and we were wondering if Enrico would be able to join us as he said yesterday. Suddenly, Francisco's phone rang.
maybe sick, but in charge of all the coordinations. He's awesome!!!!
Problem solved, we would go to a Mexican place called Aurorita. This one was one of Enrico and his wife's favorite and we had to trust them, since their son knows all the restaurants in the area, haha. Furthermore, Francisco used to go there and likes the food. No need to think it twice. We had a plan. But before going I'd take care of a personal business: getting a magnet for my collection, haha.
As agreed we arrived almost at 8pm. Francisco called them in advance, but couldn't book a table, we just had to show up but better doing it in advance since they had a mariachi show and they could get crowded.
Proud of my parcha margarita, lol
We were waiting for Enrico and Lilia to order our food, but it didn't mean we couldn't order something to drink and since we were in a Mexican restaurant we got Margaritas, hehe. To make the experience at least a bit Puerto Rican, I got the Parcha one. I was so excited about having a local fruit, but then I realized it was the passion fruit with other name :P nevermind, it was tasty, haha.
We were zipping our drinks when I saw the lovely couple. "Hey! We are here!!!" The group was finally complete: Jess, Jason, Enrico, Lilia, Francisco & me. Enrico and Lilia asked for their drinks too, while we were checking the menu. It was warm outside, but inside it was cold.
Francisco & Yadi
Now I was warm and happy, hehe. After a while the waiter came back with most of our orders. Jess' chalupas, Jason's flautas, Francisco's combination, Lilia's combination and another dish. This last one was for Enrico but was wrong, so he had to go back to the kitchen and change it. Hey! my food was missing and it was a salad!!! I was missing my veggies!!!!
Ok, now he came with our food, yeah!!! The food was really good. I tried a bit of the Mexican dishes and tasted really Mexican. My salad was perfect! Just what I needed, something fresh and not fried, lol.
happy table: Enrico, Jason, Jess, Francisco, me & Lilia
OMG! The food was really a lot! but we finished our dishes, lol! When the waiter came asking if we'd like to have dessert, we kindly refused. But Enrico and Lilia insisted we should try one. So they order 2 with lots of spoons, haha. We were full. The dessert was really sweet, but it didn't matter. It was sooooo tasty, we had it all, haha. Actually Francisco and me were the ones who ate until the end, haha.
Dinner was perfect, delicious food, good company and tons of fun.
where did the Meet Up take place? haha
Our original idea was to go for some Salsa dancing, but I was tired and had to catch an early flight next morning, 7:20 am!!! Also Jess, Jason & Francisco should leave early in order to go to Culebra Island. So, after driving around to look for a nice spot, we decided to go back to the hotel. So bad we couldn't enjoy the sunroof, but it was better, I was too tired. But before going to bed, I packed and left everything ready for the next morning. Jess told us not to worry since she set her alarm at 5:30am, which would give me time next morning. We weren't far away from the airport, so we'd be arriving there around 6am. Ok, let's go to bed. Puerto Rican adventure was getting over :(
Create a free TravBuddy account or login to leave comments, meet travelers, and share experiences with the TravBuddy travel community.
the Urban train.
maybe sick, but in charge of all…
Proud of my parcha margarita, lol
Francisco & Yadi
happy table: Enrico, Jason, Jess…
where did the Meet Up take place…
at Cataño area
what's this?? antibiotics
the bar at the back
Welcome, please wait
with the menu :)
Jason & Jess toasting with Marga…
My parcha margarita :)
the barman in action, hehe. Were…
with my Mexican wrap :)
Yadi & Lilia wrapped, haha
Enrico, Jason & Jess
Francisco's combination: Taco, T…
My norteña Salad!!!
Mariachi playing the violin
Para subir al cielo, para subir …
in charge of the guitar
Tasty dessert: Cajeta!!!
Dulce …
our fun candies, hehe
"Protecting the planet"
Good location and view in San Juan - Hotel Miramar
We weren't supposed to stay here, but since we didn't make a reservation for Sat night, we became homeless. Fortunately, a friend Jess was staying here and let us crash there 1 night - thanks!
Well, I can't say much about the value, but I can give my opinion about the rest. The hotel is well located. Near the airport - which was awesome 'cause I got up late next morning - and also near the Isla Verde area - with restaurants, pubs, etc.
The room was big, with comfy beds. The hotel had a nice view, which explains its name: Miramar = Looking to the sea.
The only things I didn't find very well were: bathroom - was small and could be better; the fact the vending machines weren't working & there weren't enough parking spots - just 4 for the whole hotel...
Well, I can't say much about the value, but I can give my opinion about the rest. The hotel is well located. Near the airport - which was awesome 'cause I got up late next morning - and also near the Isla Verde area - with restaurants, pubs, etc.
The room was big, with comfy beds. The hotel had a nice view, which explains its name: Miramar = Looking to the sea.
The only things I didn't find very well were: bathroom - was small and could be better; the fact the vending machines weren't working & there weren't enough parking spots - just 4 for the whole hotel...
the building
our room
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
A piece of Mexico in San Juan - Aurorita Restaurant Mexicano
Going to Mexican place in Puerto Rico? Well, it doesn’t make much sense when you listen to it, but this place was really good. We were eating Puerto Rican food the last couple of days and don’t get me wrong. It was tasty, but we were ready for a change and what better choice than Aurorita?
The restaurant is located in San Juan. It used to be just part of the house but then the whole building became the restaurant. They even have a bar section at the bar. The atmosphere is great and a bit modern. At the bar you can see the barman fixing the drinks, most of them margaritas of course. Also you can take a look at the kitchen and see how they cook everything. The furniture is modern, but keep on Mexican decoration objects and if you are cold (like was my case) they will lend you some really nice and colourful Mexican wraps to keep you warm. But this is not the only Mexican thing they offer. From Wed – Sun they have mariachis who will perform the songs the people request. They go from table to table asking for the songs you’d like to listen and will play them for you.
Now, talk about the food. We didn’t order any appetizer, since we were told the size of the portions was big and wanted to save space for the main dishes, also they give you chips and a delicious salsa – with chilli, yummy! At the menu you can find the different Mexican dishes like: tacos, flautas, chalupas, tostadas, refritos, etc. If you don’t know what one means, do not hesitate to ask the waiter. We certainly did it so, hehe. But before ordering anything, read the whole menu. At the end there are dishes called “Combinaciones” or “Combinations” which mix different Mexican dishes. This would be your best choice if you don’t know what to order, but want to try a bit of everything, haha.
The most popular combinacion is #2, this is the one Francisco and Lilia got. One each, hehe. And me? Well, I decided to be vegetarian that night and ordered a Salad – the Ensalada Norteña. It was very good and fresh. I liked the fact that the dressing wasn’t too much, perfect amount. But it didn’t mean, I didn’t try some of the Mexican food. I tried a bit of the Combinacion and was very good. The food wasn’t greasy and you could feel the flavours of fresh ingredients. Francisco was telling me, he wasn’t hungry, but ended eating everything, hehe.
After a delicious meal, we all were full, but Enrico insited we tried his favourite dessert: Cajeta de celaya. It was dulce de leche (like cream caramel) and you have to dip sweet chips. It was delicious!!! Sweet but not too much. In South America we love the dulce de leche and I’m quite an expert regarding this and I can say this one was one of the best I have had.
Of course they serve Margaritas. Which are refreshing and tasty and according to expert Jess, the one she got was the 2nd best she had ever!
And at last but not least, the staff is nice and helpful. Although Enrico’s and my order took longer, I’d say that the stuff do their best. They could be a bit slow, but the place is always crowded and they are always smiling and ready to help.
If you are in San Juan and feel in the mood of trying another cuisine besides the Puerto Rican. I recommend you to stop by Aurorita. Great food & great atmosphere!
The restaurant is located in San Juan. It used to be just part of the house but then the whole building became the restaurant. They even have a bar section at the bar. The atmosphere is great and a bit modern. At the bar you can see the barman fixing the drinks, most of them margaritas of course. Also you can take a look at the kitchen and see how they cook everything. The furniture is modern, but keep on Mexican decoration objects and if you are cold (like was my case) they will lend you some really nice and colourful Mexican wraps to keep you warm. But this is not the only Mexican thing they offer. From Wed – Sun they have mariachis who will perform the songs the people request. They go from table to table asking for the songs you’d like to listen and will play them for you.
Now, talk about the food. We didn’t order any appetizer, since we were told the size of the portions was big and wanted to save space for the main dishes, also they give you chips and a delicious salsa – with chilli, yummy! At the menu you can find the different Mexican dishes like: tacos, flautas, chalupas, tostadas, refritos, etc. If you don’t know what one means, do not hesitate to ask the waiter. We certainly did it so, hehe. But before ordering anything, read the whole menu. At the end there are dishes called “Combinaciones” or “Combinations” which mix different Mexican dishes. This would be your best choice if you don’t know what to order, but want to try a bit of everything, haha.
The most popular combinacion is #2, this is the one Francisco and Lilia got. One each, hehe. And me? Well, I decided to be vegetarian that night and ordered a Salad – the Ensalada Norteña. It was very good and fresh. I liked the fact that the dressing wasn’t too much, perfect amount. But it didn’t mean, I didn’t try some of the Mexican food. I tried a bit of the Combinacion and was very good. The food wasn’t greasy and you could feel the flavours of fresh ingredients. Francisco was telling me, he wasn’t hungry, but ended eating everything, hehe.
After a delicious meal, we all were full, but Enrico insited we tried his favourite dessert: Cajeta de celaya. It was dulce de leche (like cream caramel) and you have to dip sweet chips. It was delicious!!! Sweet but not too much. In South America we love the dulce de leche and I’m quite an expert regarding this and I can say this one was one of the best I have had.
Of course they serve Margaritas. Which are refreshing and tasty and according to expert Jess, the one she got was the 2nd best she had ever!
And at last but not least, the staff is nice and helpful. Although Enrico’s and my order took longer, I’d say that the stuff do their best. They could be a bit slow, but the place is always crowded and they are always smiling and ready to help.
If you are in San Juan and feel in the mood of trying another cuisine besides the Puerto Rican. I recommend you to stop by Aurorita. Great food & great atmosphere!
holding the menu, hehe
inside the restaurant
dining area
barman in action
the mariachis make everyone laug…
Parcha (Passion Fruit) Frozen Ma…
Combinacion #2: Taco, Toast, Cha…
Ensalada Norteña
Cajeta de Celaya - delicious des…
