Tailored for couples seeking a romantic escape, this enchanting Dome-style Airbnb promises an unforgettable getaway. From the moment you step into this harmonious sanctuary, the captivating surroundings leave a lasting mark during your visit.

Read our review and learn why this Airbnb is a must if you’re considering visiting Puerto Rico.

Pros

• Incredible privacy
• Air Conditioning
• Private Heated pool
• Full bathroom and kitchen
• Coquis singing all night long
• Comfortable king-sized bed
• Wi-Fi

Cons

• No Tv
• No washer or dryer
• No exterior security cameras on the property

What to Know About Escape Puerto Rico

Escape Puerto Rico can easily be categorized as one of the best places to stay in Cayey.

Besides being in a secluded location with incredible views, couples can also make special requests for an even more unforgettable experience. These premium services include floral arrangements, private brunch or dinner, photo sessions, and a private couples massage.

Regardless of your choice, you must provide a two-week notice so that every request can be accommodated.

Additionally, we recommend waking up a few minutes before sunrise to catch the fog slowly moving through the mountains. It’s even better with a delicious cup of coffee, which you can sip on the reclining deck chairs.

Want to add a deeper local experience? Escape Puerto Rico is located just minutes from the famous ‘Ruta del Lechon’ in Guavate. If you decide to go there before, during, or after your stay, make sure to try the tasty pork roast with rice and pigeon peas.

Price

Pricing varies at Escape Puerto Rico. We’ve seen it ranging from $415 to $470 per night (without taxes), depending on several factors like holidays, seasonality, among others.

Location

Cayey, Puerto Rico

Features

• Air Conditioning
• Private heated pool
• King-sized bed
• Gas stove
• Mini-fridge
• Dishes and silverware
• Microwave
• Towels
• Toilet Paper
• Outdoor Shower (with hot water)
• Body soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Designated Parking Spot
• Power Generator
• Water Cistern

Rules

• No pets
• Only adults (18+)
• No smoking
• No parties or extra guests
• 1 SUV recommended
• Check-in: 3:00 pm
• Check-out: 11:00 am

Host Communication

Escape Puerto Rico’s hosts, Eduardo and Alexandra, have a 100% response rate on their Airbnb profile as well as a response time within an hour. Both also recommend contacting them between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm — be sure to keep that in mind.

What to Bring to Escape Puerto Rico

Even though Escape Puerto Rico has a lot of great features and amenities included, it is always good to have a checklist of items to bring with you.

Check them out below

• Food
• Bug Spray
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Water
• Cozy sweater

The post Escape Puerto Rico Review: Luxury Dome Airbnb in Cayey appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.

Takeria is a small Mexican restaurant located on 66 Luisa Street in Condado, which is about a 5-minute walk from the Condado Lagoon. Roam Puerto Rico interviewed Takeria’s founder, Alejandra Lavalle, who was kind enough to give us a tour and fill us in on her story and how she made her idea come to life.

Keep on reading to know why you need to visit Takeria and, of course, what food and drinks should be on top of your mind.

Takeria Highlights

Price: $$

Environment: Casual

Location: 66 Calle Luisa, San Juan 

Parking: $5 Valet or street

Outdoor Seating: Yes

Events: Mamacitas Night & Karaoke

Pet-friendly: Yes

Decoration: Instagram-worthy

How Takeria Came To Life

Takeria was an idea that Alejandra had had in her mind for a long time. Being Mexican and living in Puerto Rico for over 9 years, Alejandra realized she couldn’t find a Mexican restaurant that maintained its food quality over time. So she decided to take the plunge and start working on Takeria. 

Initially, Alejandra financed the project with her savings. After hitting a brick wall and running out of funds, it was time to find a business partner or investor. She reached out to a few friends, one of whom came to visit Alejandra at Takeria’s construction site. 

Stephanie Enright, a Puerto Rican volleyball player who plays in the Italian league, saw Alejandra’s vision first-hand and agreed to help find an investor. A few weeks later, Stephanie, already back in Italy, called Alejandra to ask if she’d be open to partnering. An offer Alejandra did not refuse. 

With funding taken care of, Alejandra pushed forward with her idea and officially opened Takeria in January 2020. 

The restaurant’s official motto is: “¡Tú ponle pasión y quedará chingón!”

Inside Takeria

As you walk into Takeria, you will immediately notice the huge Frida Kahlo mural to the left, drawn by Mexican artist Sergio LAJUD, the upside-down Christmas tree on the ceiling, and the open bar area with another wall-sized mural made by local artist Carlos Ayala Barreto.

The restaurant has a trendy, modern feel to it. Spacious with neon signs set in different areas, swing-style seats, and props like the vintage 1957 public telephone under a neon sign that reads “La Puteria,” making Takeria a great place to snap an Instagram-worthy picture.  

What to Eat in Takeria?

When looking at Takeria’s menu, it can be hard to know what to order, especially if it’s your first time visiting. 

Read on to know what to get for appetizers, tacos, margaritas, and dessert.

Appetizer

To start things off, order the Mini Keka Oaxaca, which essentially is a quesadilla with Oaxaca cheese accompanied by a green sauce.

If that isn’t tempting enough, and you want something greasy but delicious, you can definitely try the “Chicharron con salsa verde” or pork rind with green sauce.

Furthermore, you should also order the Papas Chingonas — French fries with Oaxaca cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and topped with mayo-chipotle sauce.

Margaritas

As for drinks, definitely try Takeria’s Bori-Rita margarita — it’s made of tequila silver, fresh mango, guava juice, and fresh lime juice. 

If you want to experience Mexican authenticity, order La Puteria margarita — it is made with Buen Bicho Mezcal, which gives the margarita a smoky touch, kiwi, guava juice, and fresh lime. 

Feeling even more adventurous? How does a margarita with a touch of red wine sound? Trust us, you will be surprised by its unique flavor. 

This is El Valle, which includes tequila reposado, orange liquor, fresh lime juice, and red wine (of course). 

If you try it out, let us know what you think!

Tacos

If you visit a Mexican restaurant and leave without eating at least one taco, did you really go to a Mexican restaurant? 

Alejandra thought of everything when building her taco menu. Made from fresh local products, Takeria’s menu has ten different tacos for just about every type of customer — including veggie options. Below is a list of the seven tacos Alejandra considers to be the most enjoyable and ordered by customers:

1. Pescao’ – Beer battered grouper with homemade mango relish, cilantro aioli, and pico de gallo
2. Tuna Wonton (2 tacos) – Fresh tuna poke with wakame,  fresh seaweed, avocado, chili, sesame oils, and soy served with wonton tortilla with mango relish and mayo chipotle
3. Rajas con crema – Poblano peppers with corn and sour cream
4. Carnitas – Carnitas are marinated for 24 hours, tanned onion, garnish with cilantro, and habanero on the side
5. Al Pastor (most popular) – Pork, white onions, sauteed pineapple, and cilantro
6. Tinga de Pollo – Chicken tings cooked for 24 hours with fresh cheese and cilantro
7. Carne Asada (Alejandra’s favorite) – Skirt steak with guacamole, pico de gallo, and chives

*All the tacos are made with corn (blue or white) tortillas except the Pescao’ taco, which is made with a flour tortilla* 

Dessert

If you still have some room left for dessert, you need to try the Churros with vanilla ice cream, coconut flakes, and dulce de leche. 

It is the perfect way to top off your authentic Mexican experience.

Looking for something more rooted in Mexican gastronomy? Alejandra gave us insight into what will be Takeria’s newest ice cream flavor: ‘Elote’, which translates corn corn-flavored ice cream.

Summary

Alejandra’s vision was to create a mix of a colorful, urban, street-style Mexican restaurant. Given how people in Mexico would go for a taco after a night out or even for breakfast, she wanted to bring that fast-casual approach to Puerto Rico through Takeria. 

According to Alejandra, that concept was lost while creating Takeria. In our opinion, we found it spot-on with what she envisioned. 

Be sure to follow Takeria on both their Facebook and Instagram profiles and keep a lookout for their Karaoke night every Wednesday starting at 6 pm.

The post Enjoy an Authentic Mexican Experience at Takeria appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.

Manatí is located 35 minutes west of the capital of San Juan; popular among locals for its unique beaches: Mar Chiquita, Poza de Las Mujeres, Cueva de Las Golondrinas, and Los Tubos.

Read on to learn more about Boquillas Beach and how it can be your ‘unofficial nude beach in Puerto Rico during your visit.

How To Find Boquillas Beach?

To find Boquillas beach, you only need your phone and Google Maps. 

Google Maps directions will look as if you are heading towards the nearby beaches of Poza de Las Mujeres and Cueva de las Golondrinas. But when you arrive at the parking area — a no exit, narrow road (no. 6684), supervised by locals — make sure to zoom in on your destination so you have a clear idea of where to walk to.

While walking towards the beach area, you’ll notice a trail that will resemble a small forest. We recommend traveling light since the trail can wear down first-timers if you get lost.

Since there is some wilderness involved in getting to Boquillas Beach, we suggest you bring some bug spray since you might encounter mosquitos. Also, keep a lookout for ‘cobitos‘ or hermit crabs roaming on the ground along with other species native to Puerto Rico, like the green iguana. 

If you follow Google’s walking directions, you should reach Boquillas Beach in less than ten minutes.

This should be your view when coming off the trail:

When you reach this point, all that’s left to do is walk towards the beach area, which should not take more than three minutes.

Although not uncommon, you might bump into people while on the trail or when walking towards the shoreline. Either way, make sure to practice social distancing measures and wear a mask. 

Look west when walking along Boquillas Beach shoreline. You will notice two more beaches. These can definitely be reached just by walking. 

However, at this point, you might be a bit worn out. So look out to the ocean, enjoy the sound of waves crashing on the rocks, open a cold Medalla, and bask in your hidden paradise — in the nude, if there is no one else in sight.

The post Nude Beach in Puerto Rico? Boquillas Beach Could Be One appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.

The area that used to be a concrete and cement manufacturing company called Concretos del Norte, has now been transformed into what could be San Juan’s newest, and most visited hangout spot. 

Roam Puerto Rico had the pleasure of interviewing Virgenesis Rodriguez, manager of Downtown Cupey. She gave the backstory and timeline that brought this place to life, which took six years and a $1.5 million investment. 

Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about Downtown Cupey.

Downtown Cupey Highlights

About Downtown Cupey

The idea of creating this space came from the owner’s love of traveling, and how he would always look for the Downtown area of each place he visited.

At the time, there wasn’t an area in Puerto Rico called or labeled as the must-visit “Downtown”.  

The vision was to create a space that everyone in the family could enjoy and feel like they were right at home. That’s why you may spot many seating areas that resemble a family room — a couple of chairs, a futon, and a table right in the center. Downtown Cupey wanted to create this feeling of being in your own space while being surrounded by many different groups.

To achieve their vision, every one of Downtown Cupey’s employees is guided by their motto which states: “We are at our best when we serve others”. And that’s precisely how they make you feel when you arrive.

When you drive through the main entrance, a security guard will happily greet you, ask if this is your first time visiting Downtown Cupey, and provide you with directions on where to park. 

After parking your car, there are two entrances you may walk through. 

The first is right in front of the main gate. You will notice the first restaurant called Fogatta — a pizzeria that lets you create your own pizza however you like and is ready in less than 10 minutes. What makes Fogatta’s pizza a must-try is their Italian oven, which is only 1 of 4 in Puerto Rico. 

The second entrance is located on the rear side of Downtown Cupey where most of the cars are sent to park. After parking your car, you will notice a set of stairs that will take you straight to Tomasa’s, an ice cream and coffee shop, and the Victory Beer Garden where you will have over 20 local and international craft beers to choose from; there are also beers on draft but make sure to ask what is available when you visit.

Walking around Downtown Cupey, you might notice many vintage pieces that give the entertainment venue a unique aesthetic. Currently, there are over 80 vintage items, which as odd as it may sound, provides the area with a modern look. 

We had the opportunity to briefly speak with Luz Bonilla, the “doer” of Downtown Cupey, and she gave us an insight into her favorite vintage piece: a concrete block with a kilometer number that is thought to have been carved by a slave. The concrete block is located next to the Victory Beer Garden. 

As a way to generate interest for their vintage pieces, Luz excitedly told Roam Puerto Rico that each of the vintage pieces will have a QR code that customers can scan to learn more about the history of the pieces. 

Part of the events that take place in Downtown Cupey include live bands that play a variety of music, social bike rides, and eventually, they would like to bring “microteatros”, invite writers, beer/wine events, and many other great activities. It is very important for them to always keep innovating and keep their public interested in coming back. 

What to know before visiting Downtown Cupey

Digital Payments only

To make things much more efficient (and safe), Downtown Cupey only accepts digital payments. This means a credit card, debit card, and ATH Movil, a local payment service where customers can pay and/or send money to each other right from their mobile devices.

Online Menus

At the time of writing, Downtown Cupey has four food stall options.

• Fogatta, a pizzeria
• La Compañia, a small stand that serves juicy burgers and fries
• Tomasa’s Ice Cream and Cafe

Currently, only Fogatta, La Compañia, and Tomasa have their menus available online. We recommend checking them out before visiting.

Reservations are required for events and special occasions

If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion such as birthdays, group activities, or corporate events, among others, you can make a reservation by filling out a form on Downtown Cupey’s website.

Reservation pricing ranges from $75 to $300. 

Early Closing Schedule

Downtown Cupey has an uncommon schedule compared to other entertainment venues in Puerto Rico. They are only open Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm. 

We recommend an early arrival at around 5 pm since the venue can get busy, and you might have to park farther from the entrance.

Beer is King

Downtown Cupey prides itself in providing its customers with a wide selection of both local and international craft and draft beers at the Victory Beer Garden.

To keep customers coming back, the team rotates their beer offerings every so often. Always make sure to ask the team members about their craft and draft beer options of the day.

Roam Puerto Rico Tip: The Victory Beer Garden next to Fogatta usually has more craft beer options, while the one next to Tomasa’s has more draft beer options.

Limited Liquor options

Don’t worry if you do not drink beer, Downtown Cupey brought in a small orange truck called ‘La Cantina’ that offers approximately four drinks

• Mojitos
• Moscow Mule
• Madras
• Sangria

Visitors can find ‘La Cantina’ near the main entrance parking lot just beside the antique Texaco gas station decoration. 

As of this writing, depending on availability, you might also find wine options such as Pinot Grigio and/or Merlot.

Things to Do in Downtown Cupey

Even though Downtown Cupey is still in its development phase, there is still a lot to do.

• Play games like bean bag toss
• Check out the various antique decorations like the antique Texaco gas station or the classic Pepsi and Coca-Cola vending machines
• Listen to live music
• Learn Salsa dancing by signing up for classes (when available)  
• Celebrate your birthday and special occasions with close friends and family

What to Eat and Drink in Downtown Cupey

We recommend trying out all the food options available at Downtown Cupey. Additionally, it is suggested to arrive early since wait times can be long the later it gets. 

Eat

Tomasa’s Ice Cream & Coffee

Grab a nice cup of coffee or cool down with some delicious ice cream at Tomasa’s.

Fogata

Pizza lovers, this is for you! 

Fogata is a unique option for anyone wanting to try something different. Their unique Italian oven will cook your personalized pizza in less than 10 minutes. 

Roam Puerto Rico recommends trying out Fogata’s specialty pizzas. Our top favorites were the Chicken Carbonara and the Honey Pepperoni. 

Fogata also has vegan options, as well as cauliflower dough, if you want to take care of your caloric intake. 

La Compañía

If you love classic burgers and fries combination, this is your go-to food option. 

Roam Puerto Rico recommends trying out “El Jefe”, a half-pound burger that includes cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes, and add the truffle fries, which are made right at Downtown Cupey and include salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, and parsley. 

Currently, La Compañia offers two sizes for their fries options: full time, which is enough for one person; and overtime, which is suited for more than one person. 

If you want to add any extras to your juicy burger, here are some options:

• Blue cheese or muenster
• Extra cheese
• Extra bacon
• Caramelized onions
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Fried egg 

Drink

Victory Beer Garden

Grab a cold beer at the Victory Beer Garden. Currently, there are two stands in Downtown Cupey — one on the exterior next to Tomasa’s and the other inside the main building next to Fogata. 

La Cantina

La Cantina is a mobile bar that serves mojitos, Moscow mules, madras, and sangrias for a reasonable price.

Downtown Cupey Summary

Downtown Cupey is certainly a one-of-a-kind entertainment venue in Puerto Rico. With good food, a variety of beers, entertainment options, events, and the rich history of their antique decorations, we are confident that the possibilities are endless. 

Roam Puerto Rico asked about the likelihood of integrating cryptocurrency payments as part of their digital payments-only option. Virgenesis replied saying they had not thought of that but could be something to consider in the future. 

With only less than 4 months being open, and a young and energetic team to support this entire operation, Downtown Cupey is a must-visit. Make sure to follow them on social media to learn more about the different events to come.

The post Downtown Cupey, the Trendiest Entertainment Venue in San Juan appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.

In just two years, Sweetfire Hub has continued to grow consistently. They’ve added more items to the menu, increased in popularity to the point where people all over Puerto Rico (including travelers) have driven hours just to try their mouth-watering wings, and have even received offers to build a franchise.

For this 2024 review update, we sat down with the renowned owner of Sweetfire Hub, Chef Anaís Rivera to catch up on what she’s been up to lately as well as find out what’s next for the business. 

Read on to learn about what makes Sweetfire Hub the go-to spot for chicken wings, and how you can be part of their #KissTheFire Challenge and own a spot on their “Board of Fame”.

Sweetfire Hub Highlights

• +25 signature sauces to try out (ask for their seasonal sauces, too)
• 3 dry rubs 
• Pet-friendly + dog popsicles 
• Live 80s and 90s rock music
• Outdoor seating
• Casual and family-oriented environment
• Lots of parking 
• Local craft beers (ask the Sweetfire Hub team for pairing recommendations)

What’s New at Sweetfire Hub

We recently visited Chef Anaís Rivera’s to get a sneak peek at what’s to come for her and Sweetfire Hub.

When we arrived, one of the first things we noticed was the expansion of the container-style restaurant starting with the zinc roofing on the second level above the container itself along with new chairs, tables, and hanging lightbulbs to give it that ambient mood.  

The next thing we noticed was the addition of another zinc rooftop above the main dining area, and some wall decorations of inspirational quotes and images of the KissTheFire Challenge winners.

Going Beyond the Kitchen

Running a restaurant, especially in Puerto Rico, is a challenging feat for most entrepreneurs. But despite the constant headwinds these brave business owners push through to accomplish their goals. 

For Chef Anaís Rivera, one of those goals is giving back to the local community.

We were told a story of when Chef Anaís volunteered to be part of a community service event organized by Fundación de Cuido during World Autism Month. This was supposed to be a fun event for those attending, mostly children. Unfortunately, on the event day, the organization sent a letter letting volunteers and attendants know it was to be canceled.

When Chef Anaís got word of the news, being an entrepreneur with a kind heart, she took matters into her own hands. 

She and her team, besides being the only providers who went to the event after it got canceled, drove to local supermarkets, bought large quantities of food, and fed almost 300 children. 

Even teachers who were accompanying the children helped with food preparation and some went as far as to put on dinosaur costumes to play with them.

Last but not least, Chef Anaís is also a volunteer teacher. Her devotion to teaching others about the importance of cooking food is something to admire and serve as inspiration for other professionals in the industry. 

Chef Anaís doesn’t consider teaching a job. She just enjoys it; and even told the Roam Puerto Rico team: “It makes me happy to see others happy”. 

Celebrating Three Years of Chicken Wings

This June 29th marks the third anniversary of Sweetfire Hub, and Chef Anaís has planned something extraordinary to celebrate with her customers.

She’s organizing a Street Food Pop-Up event featuring live music, local vendors, three guest chefs, and four daring participants, including our founder, who will take on the Kiss The Fire Challenge.

The challenge will introduce a new hot sauce called “El Triple X,” boasting an impressive 3,180,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

Don’t miss this fiery celebration! 

Come for the wings, stay for the fun, and experience the unforgettable heat of “El Triple X.” 

Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just looking for a great time, Sweetfire Hub’s anniversary event promises excitement for all.

What to Eat at Sweetfire Hub

Obviously, the first thing you should do when visiting Sweetfire Hub is order some wings. 

There are currently three types of chicken wings customers can choose: traditional, boneless, and cauliflower. 

Additionally, customers can order a minimum of 5-piece orders up to 30 pieces. 

Each order of wings includes one signature sauce and one house dip. The more pieces of wings you order, you can choose up to 3 signature sauces and 2 house dips.

Remember to ask for Sweetfire Hub’s seasonal sauces like the Guavatle, a combination of guava and chipotle — sweet, smoky, and medium spice flavor.

Roam Puerto Rico’s Favorite Signature Sauce: Ron Caña BBQ

Sweetfire Hub Signature Sauces Sorted by Most to Least Spiciest

• Butcher BBQ
• Sweetfire
• Mango Habanero
• Del Pueblo
• NotYourClassicBuffalo
• Guavatle
• Ron Caña BBQ
• Maple Garlic
• Tropicana
• Korean Chili
• Honey BBQ
• Garlic Parm
• Cilantro Lime
• Guaya-Tu-Rindmo

Sweetfire Hub Dry Rubs to try out

• Lemon Pepper
• Garlic Parmesan
• Cilantro Lime

Sweetfire Hub Dips to Try

• Classic Ranch
• Avocado Ranch
• BBQ Ranch
• Buffalo Ranch
• BlueCheese
• Honey Mustard
• Siracha Mayo
• Chipotle Mayo
• Sour Cream
• Mayo Ketchup
• Cheddar Cheese
• Crema de Coco

Those are a lot of options, right? 

That’s why we recommend visiting in groups of four or more so you can have the opportunity to try most of the signature sauces and dips. 

If wings are not your thing, Sweetfire Hub offers additional options. Here are some that we tried.

Chicken Bowls

Sweetfire Hub offers a total of six chicken bowls for customers to choose from. However, the most popular chicken bowl amongst customers (and the Roam Puerto Rico team) is the Chicken Melele.

• Chicken Melele – Six layers in one bowl. Potatoes of your choice, cheese, macaroni, chicken, bacon, pico de gallo, and sour cream

Chicken Sandwiches

Sweetfire Hub offers a total of eight chicken sandwiches. Some of the names are, BBQ Chicken, Mad Mac, El Jefe, and Caribeño. 

But when it comes to chicken sandwiches, our favorite is El Original.  

One thing is for sure, we’re still debating whether we love the chicken sandwiches more than the wings. Tough choice, indeed. 

In the meantime, below is an image of El Original along with a description of its ingredients.

• El Original – Coleslaw bathed in house sauce, fried breaded chicken, pickle, and a signature sauce of your choosing.

Sides

Although Sweetfire Hub’s sides can be ordered along with your chicken wings, we recommend looking at the various sizing options available. 

The reason is the portions are generous enough that anything over medium-sized can be more than enough even when you’re sharing.

• Curly fries
• Battata
• Yuca Fries
• Nacho Chips
• Tostones
• Onion Rings
• Jalapeño Popper

Make it loaded

There are currently four options to choose from:

• Sweetfire — Cheese, bacon, hot Cheetos, sriracha mayo, japaleño, and classic ranch
• Classic — Cheese, bacon, and sour cream
• TexMex — Chipotle mayo, avocado ranch, bacon, pico d’ gallo, jalapeño, and sour cream
• Garlic Parm — fresh chopped garlic, and granulated parmesan cheese

New Menu Items

Remember when we wrote Sweetfire Hub added new items to their menu? 

Some of these include chicken strips, a kids’ meal (three boneless wings or two chicken strips + one side), and frozen yogurt pet treats for dog lovers. 

It’s safe to say there is a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy.

KissTheFire Challenge

Do you have what it takes to beat the KissTheFire Challenge and be forever placed on Sweetfire Hub’s Board of Fame? 

Check out the rules as well as what you will be facing below.

Challenge Rules

1. You must be over 18 years old
2. Have great health — if you have the following conditions, this challenge might not be for you
   • Pregnancy
   • Heart disease
   • Digestive system conditions
   • Had recent surgery
3. You have to sign a disclaimer and service agreement
4. To partake in this challenge, you have to pay ahead of time and make a reservation
5. Your experience will be documented

Challenge Details

To beat this challenge you must eat six chicken wings in six minutes. 

Seems simple enough, right? What’s the catch?

You will come face to face with a locally-made sauce called “Cherry Bomb Reaper”. 

What does this mean, exactly?

It means you will be facing two of the hottest peppers in the world (according to the Guinness Book of World Records), the Carolina Reaper and the Pepper X.

How do we know both the Carolina Reaper and the Pepper X are the hottest peppers in the world? 

The heat of a pepper is measured by the Scoville Scale.

A Jalapeño can reach between 3,000 and 5,000 Scoville heat units or SHU. 

The Carolina Reaper? Reaches an average of 1.642 million SHU, according to Wired; The Pepper X? Reaches an average of 2.693 million SHU, according to NBC News.

As a way to make sure this KissTheFire challenge is the real deal, Chef Anaís buys the Carolina Reaper directly from its creator in North Carolina, Ed Currie. 

Still not afraid? To add more heat to the challenge, Chef Anaís adds in an extra seven chilies — hence the name “Chery Bomb Reaper”.

During our conversation with Chef Anaís, she mentioned around 15 people out of 30 have been able to complete the challenge.

About Sweetfire Hub

When it comes to chicken wings in Puerto Rico, Sweetfire Hub is the place to go. 

With over 20 signature sauces, three dry rubs, various spiciness levels, and the number one hot wings challenge on the island, it’s no wonder this place is known as “The House of Wings”.

Sweetfire Hub is located just beside the Estadio Mario Ramírez in Yauco, a small town in the island’s southwest region. The small container-style restaurant is owned and managed by Chef Anaís Rivera, who is a force of nature when it comes to putting the right ingredients together to create the best-tasting wings and sauces. 

Every restaurant owner on top of their game has an amazing story to tell. Sweetfire Hub’s creator and owner, Chef Anaís Rivera is no different.

Chef Anaís was born in the United States but raised in Yauco, Puerto Rico. She started working in the restaurant industry at just 16 years old.  After graduating high school in Yauco, Chef Anaís went abroad and worked at 8 restaurants, which helped her attain experience in Korean, Japanese, American, Creole, Mediterranean, and Italian, among other cuisines. 

Her proudest achievement has been opening Sweetfire Hub where she can put all the experiences and skills she acquired abroad to the test. 

An expert in her craft, Chef Anaís values quality over quantity any day. To the point that if customers have to wait a bit longer for their food, then so be it. It’s better to have them wait a couple of more minutes than to give them something that they might not enjoy as it should be. 

Now at 29 years old, Chef Anaís is proud of the work she has done with Sweetfire Hub. However, Chef Anaís knows there is a lot more to be done with her business and community.

Sweetfire Hub Summary

Whether you are a fan of chicken wings or love to take on tough challenges such as the KissTheFire challenge, one thing is certain: Chef Anaís will always be on top of her game with Sweetfire Hub and do her best to continue creating one-of-a-kind experiences through her unique artisan sauces.

Could we say Chef Anaís can be considered the Queen of Chicken Wings in Puerto Rico?

That’s for us to know and for you, the reader, to find out.

The post Sweetfire Hub, The Best Chicken Wings Joint in Puerto Rico appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.

Not only are dog parks great for dogs but humans as well.

In collaboration with Pet Friendly, Puerto Rico’s pioneer movement that fosters a culture of pet acceptance on the island, we created a list of 10 dog parks where our furry friends can have a good time.

Here are the 10 Best Dog Parks in Puerto Rico

• Luis Muñoz Marín Park
• Hatillo Pet Park
• Arterial Hostos Dog Park
• Barceloneta Pet Park
• Condado Pet Park
• Arecibo Animal Lover’s Park (Temporarily Closed)
• Centro de Varona
• Pachamama Nature Park
• Metro Plaza Pet Park
• University Villa Park – Grassroots Dog Park

Luis Muñoz Marín Park

Jesús T. Piñero Ave., San Juan

$2 per person; $1 per dog

Water fountain available inside the park

Hatillo Pet Park

Complejo Deportivo Francisco Pancho Deida Mendez, Hatillo

Free Parking & Entrance

Bring freshwater

Arterial Hostos Dog Park

Avenida Arterial de Hostos, San Juan

Free Parking & Entrance

Bring freshwater

Barceloneta Pet Park

PR-681 Km 21.8, Barceloneta

Free Parking & Entrance

Bring freshwater

Condado Pet Park

1207 Luchetti St. #1211, San Juan

Free Parking & Entrance

Water fountain available

Arecibo Animal Lover’s Park (Temporarily Closed)

460 Av. Rafael Rivera Aulet, Arecibo

Free Parking & Entrance

Bring freshwater

Centro de Varona

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16 C. de Varona, Guaynabo

Free Parking & Entrance

Water available around the area

Pachamama Nature Park

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Carr 119, Cam Los Méndez km 73.1, San Germán

Free Parking & Entrance

Bring freshwater

Reservations required

Metro Plaza Pet Park

Metro Plaza Towers, #303, San Juan

Free Parking & Entrance

Bring freshwater

University Villa Park – Grassroots Dog Park

215 Cll Fordham, San Juan

Free Parking & Entrance

Bring freshwater

Dog Park Checklist

To ensure your dog has a great time, Pet Friendly recommends owners bring the following items when visiting dog parks.

• Freshwater
• Collar
• Leash
• Waste bags
• Dog ID
• Toys
• Treats

Future of Dog Parks in Puerto Rico

According to Ayuda Legal Puerto Rico, “two out of three homes have pets”. It took us by surprise to find only 10 dog parks in Puerto Rico considering the number of people who own pets.

However, there is hope for dogs on the island. “Pet Friendly is currently collaborating with senators for budget approval to build parks for pets in every municipality”, said Sylvia Bedrosian, founder, and owner of Pet Friendly.

The post Best Dog Parks in Puerto Rico appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.

The team at Roam Puerto Rico booked the “Early Morning Kayak Tour” offered by Night Kayak in the well-known Condado Lagoon. 

Read on to learn more about Night Kayak and what makes them one of the best-rated kayak tour operators in Puerto Rico.

Why Book a Tour With Night Kayak?

Night Kayak revolutionized the kayaking industry when they integrated LED lights into their equipment. Combined with see-through technology, Night Kayak’s tours assure guests have an unforgettable experience. 

Inspired by a night tour in Mexico, father and son duo, Scott and Mark brought the concept to their business, which brought a whole new experience of kayaking in Puerto Rico and the rest of the world. 

Not being limited by daylight, Night Kayak’s night tours have proven to be a great success with tourists and locals. 

Thanks to neon face paint, glowsticks, and LED lights, which can shine red, purple, turquoise, green and party mode, guests will have the opportunity to spot marine life while also having a great time. The guides will also snap FREE photos along the way and share them at the end of

the tour — don’t forget to tip the instructors for their great services! 

As of this writing, Night Kayak offers five different tours. Some are done using stand-up paddleboards (SUP) while others use kayaks. 

Night Kayak Tours

All tours are guided by Night Kayak instructors and have a duration of around 45 minutes. Additionally, the instructors provide guests with a kayak 101 lesson before starting the tour.

Complimentary storage is also provided to guests but Night Kayak states they are not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items. In other words, only take with you important items like your phone and/or waterproof cameras and leave the rest of your belongings safely hidden in your car or hotel room. 

Night Kayak is located at the bottom of the parking lot right across from the Condado Ocean Club, a recently opened boutique hotel. 

Besides serving as guides, instructors also take on the role of educators. During the tour, they will inform guests on the marine life that lives in the Condado lagoon, raise consciousness about global warming, and the occasional history lesson specific to the lagoon area. 

Furthermore, tour instructors will always be on the lookout for any signs of marine life during your tour. If you’re in luck, you might see the locally famous manatees and snap some Instagram-worthy images. If you do, remember “paddles up” so as not to scare or harass them in

their natural habitat.

Below is information on each of Night Kayak’s tours along with a brief description of what you should expect for each one.  

Puerto Rico Night Kayak Tour 

Who is this tour for? All ages and skills levels

Equipment: two-seater Kayaks

Day or night: Night

Price: $49/person

This unique night kayak tour will most certainly have you coming around for a second time. Guest can enjoy paddling through the lagoon under the beautiful Condado night sky. 

Puerto Rico Night SUP Tour 

Who is this tour for? Experienced paddleboarders only

Equipment: stand-up paddleboard

Day or night: Night

Price: $59/person

Similar to the Night Kayak Tour, this one is done using a SUP with LED lights that will allow you to see underneath the surface. 

Puerto Rico Early Morning Kayak Tour 

Who is this tour for? All ages and skills levels

Equipment: two-seater Kayaks

Day or night: Day

Price: $49/person

Start the day right by taking a relaxing morning kayak tour in the Condado Lagoon. If you’re lucky, you might spot marine wildlife like the popular manatees.   

Clear Kayak – Morning Tour 

Who is this tour for? All ages and skills levels

Equipment: two-seater clear kayak

Day or night: Day

Price: $49/person

For a more immersive experience, you need to check out the Clear Kayak Morning Tour. Just as the tour name implies, guests will use a 100% clear kayak that facilitates your view of what’s underneath the water.  

Clear SUP – Morning Tour 

Who is this tour for? Experienced paddleboarders only

Equipment: Clear stand-up paddleboard

Day or night: Day

Price: $49/person

This tour uses a 100% clear stand-up paddleboard, which can seem as if you are walking on water. 

Night Kayak Summary  

Whenever you find yourself in the Condado area looking for something fun to do, be sure to book a unique tour with Night Kayak.

Whether day or night, the fact that you will have the opportunity to move around the lagoon and potentially spot marine life in their natural habitat all while learning the rich history of the area and catching a tan along the way, makes this entire experience worth it. 

We’re certain you will tell your friends and family members about the great adventure that is kayaking in Puerto Rico. 

The post Night Kayak: A One-Of-A-Kind Kayaking Experience in Condado appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.

Besides having the opportunity to taste a variety of cocktails made with the King of Rums, you’ll also learn about the brand’s history, rum-making process, and how it became the most awarded rum brand in the world. 

Casa BACARDÍ invited Roam Puerto Rico to partake in their Legacy Tour, available in English and Spanish. This review will focus on the Spanish version.

Read on to learn why this is a must-do island activity for tourists and locals.

Legacy Tour Details

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Ideal for: Rum fans, groups, couples, and even solo travelers

Minors: Those under 18 won’t be allowed to take the tour but can access Casa BACARDÍ’s gift shop, food kiosk, or pavilion area and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Legacy Tour in Spanish Hours: Friday through Sunday at 12:15 pm

Parking: Free

Price: $40 + tax

How to Get to Casa BACARDÍ?

Casa BACARDÍ is located in the town of Cataño, which is only a 20-25 minute drive from San Juan. 

Traveling to Casa BACARDÍ is pretty straightforward. As a Puerto Rico local, the typical transportation method is to drive your car. 

However, if you are visiting Puerto Rico for a few days, we recommend taking private transportation, a taxi, renting a car, using a ride-sharing app like Uber, or even Casa BACARDÍ’s free shuttle service.

The shuttle departs from Old San Juan’s Ferry and takes you directly to Casa BACARDÍ.

Things to do before starting your BACARDÍ Legacy Tour

After parking at Casa BACARDÍ and walking to the Pavilion area, you will be happily greeted by a smiling and enthusiastic staff who will provide you with information regarding your tour’s starting time, duration, and a BACARDÍ Token redeemable for a free cocktail. 

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your tour’s start time. This way you can enjoy your free welcome cocktail and play games like Cornhole, Tic-tac-toe, or Giant Jenga.

If playing games or tasting a refreshing Mojito is not your thing, you can always relax in the Pavilion’s comfy chairs and enjoy the cool Caribbean breeze. Be careful not to fall asleep and miss the tour.

Roam Puerto Rico Local Tip
All welcome cocktails are served in compostable cups, which you can take with you during the tour

What to Expect from Casa BACARDÍ’s Legacy Tour

When it’s time for your tour to start, Casa BACARDÍ’s staff will let you know through the Pavilion’s speakers. All tours start on time, so be sure to pay attention.

The Legacy Tour starts with a short five to ten-minute shuttle ride around the BACARDÍ facilities. During the ride, there will be a guide providing you with rich information about the brand’s beginnings, its founder, Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, and the purpose of each building.

The most striking structure for visitors is a tall building named, ‘The Cathedral of Rum’. This is one of the most important buildings in Casa BACARDÍ. 

The reason is, on the 4th floor behind three security doors is the same original yeast Don Facundo Bacardí Massó used since 1862.

Casa BACARDÍ Fun Fact
Did you know only 5 people in the entire world can access the BACARDÍ Cathedral?
Also, the iconic name was given by the former Governor of Puerto Rico, Luis Muñoz Marín in 1958

After the shuttle ride, you will arrive at Casa BACARDÍ’s visitor center where you will learn the story of an external wall art titled “El Festejo” made by local artist David Zayas.

This work of art does a great job of showcasing the culture and spirit of Puerto Rico and its people through two of its most important autochthonous rhythms, ‘Bomba’ and ‘Plena’.

Additionally, the mural also portrays one of the most well-known characteristics of Puerto Ricans amongst tourists: the ability to look for any excuse to party; mostly likely at the beach.

Shortly after, the tour takes place inside the visitor center where your guide will tell you the story behind BACARDÍ’s iconic bat logo, and the importance of sugar cane. 

Next on your journey will be a short historical movie about the Bacardí family history from its beginnings in 1862 to the present day where the brand has become the most awarded spirit of all time.

Once the movie ends, the tour will move to an area resembling BACARDÍ’s original distillery setup. On this part of the tour, your guide will explain the rum-making process along with a fun interactive activity. 

Roam Puerto Rico Local Tip
Don’t forget to check out the small room right next to this area. You will find family photos, letters, original BACARDÍ bottles, and many more historical gems

Here you will notice big oak barrels and immense metal containers but we won’t spoil any of the information on the purpose of each of these elements played in the rum-making process. For that, we recommend to book their Legacy Tour and find out.  

After this part of the tour, you will be taken to a great area to take pictures in. Below are our Legacy Tour giveaway winners, Louis Jr. and his dad Louis, who were ecstatic throughout the entire tour. 

Finally, you will head to the final part of the tour: A final presentation of six types of BACARDÍ spirits, including their exclusive Special Reserve bottle, only available here at Casa BACARDÍ.

The remaining five BACARDÍ spirits are:

• BACARDÍ Superior
• BACARDÍ Gold
• BACARDÍ Añejo Cuatro
• BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho
• BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Diez

Your tour guide will talk about the history of these spirits, how to best enjoy each one, and what to mix them with.

For example, a Cuba Libre is made with BACARDÍ Gold, not BACARDÍ Superior as it is commonly made in a lot of bars and restaurants.  
The tour ends with a tasting sample of BACARDÍ Special Reserve, a rum aged 8 to 12 years.

After this delicious activity, the tour will officially end with a visit to Casa BACARDÍ’s gift shop. 

Here you can find all sorts of cool souvenirs to take back home and show off to your friends. But if you’re the type of person who enjoys acquiring unique items, Casa BACARDÍ’s gift shop allows visitors to bottle their own BACARDÍ rum.

We’d love to give more details on why this is a must-do tour for anyone visiting Puerto Rico, but hopefully, our brief review took care of that.

Don’t forget to book your Legacy Tour directly at Casa BACARDÍ’s website.

The post BACARDÍ Legacy Tour in Spanish Review appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.

The Vintfresh Market is a free and exclusive thrift shop event celebrated every last Sunday of every month. The market offers vintage and second-hand items such as clothes, jewelry, shoes, glassware, and more. 

You can find more than 20 local thrift shops in the same space, making it ideal for finding the perfect gift. 

The purpose of The Vintfresh Market is to create awareness of the pieces of clothing that are no longer used and to avoid having them end up in a landfill or oceans. 

The Vintfresh Market will be back this upcoming Sunday, February 26, at Pública Espacio Cultural at the Ponce de León Avenue in San Juan, where their 2-year anniversary will be celebrated.  

You can find tickets to Sunday’s event by clicking here.

Below you will find a list of all the local thrift shops that will be present during Sunday’s event.

Vintfresh Market Thrift Shops list

Gypsy Trailer

VARV

Berry Thrifts

BP’s Online Thriftshop

Earth+Fire

Curvy & Plus Thrift Shop

Groovibes Thrift Shop

Guarda Ropa

Lucky Vintage

Opposites Thrift Shop

Joralys Thrift Shop

Otra Shop

Private Agenda

Sachomija

Thrift or Die

Vinilo Eterno | Tienda de Discos

Calle Marquesina

Island Exchange

Pêche d’Été

REV3RSE

Segun Damanito

Isla en Marte Thrift Shop

The post The Vintfresh Market, a New Way to Help the Local Economy and the Environment appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.

Now, a brewery from Caguas called FOK Brewing Co. has taken up the task to create a unique event with aims to become the go-to spot in Puerto Rico to celebrate their own version of the worldwide recognized tradition FOKtoberfest.

Roam Puerto Rico spoke with Maria del Mar Ortiz, FOKtoberfest’s coordinator and FOK’s marketing director, to learn about how the event came to life, FOK’s new signature beers and future events that will take place at the brewery.

How did the idea for FOKtoberfest come to life?

The first event of a similar style occurred three years ago at the Four Points by Sheraton in Caguas using the same name. There were various food stations, live music, and of course, FOK beer — the event was a total success back then.

As of May 2021, FOK Brewing separated its beer production process from the entertainment, food, and experience component of the brewery, which will now be left in charge of Angel Serrano, Emanuel Ocasio, and Maria del Mar. 

Angel Serrano, a previous executive chef at the Four Points, reminisced about FOK’s first event of a similar style that occurred three years ago under the same name. In that event there were various food stations, live music, and of course, FOK beer — the event was a total success back then.

That memory led Angel to suggest doing FOKtoberfest once again this fall.

Since we’re still in a pandemic, how was the decision made to move forward with the event?

“After opening at 50% capacity, we came to the conclusion that the facilities at FOK Brewing will allow us to have a successful event — basically we want to make a statement given this is the first gastronomic event in Puerto Rico post-pandemic.”, Maria del Mar told Roam Puerto Rico.  

Being an open air space, allows us to give our customers a much more intimate, and safer experience. 

We will be requiring guests to show their vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 test result. Plus, the use of masks will always be enforced whether that is going to the bathroom, ordering a beer, or leaving and entering the brewery. 

FOKtoberfest will feature over 10 locally recognized chefs, could you let us know about the selection process along with the type of food that will be present at the event?

They were chosen based on their talent, friendship, and culinary trajectory within the industry, which demonstrates the caliber of each one. 

“The idea was to have all these industry friends come together who for years have seen each other, attended the same events, and bring them to our home, make them part of our home, which is the brewery.”, Maria del Mar added.  

In terms of food, we will be offering ‘asopao’ around 11 to 11:30pm made directly in our kitchen. We don’t want our guests to leave with an empty stomach. 

Besides that, we didn’t tell the chefs what food to cook. They personally chose what they will be making. But, all of the chefs will use FOK beer for their sauces and recipes. 

Even though I don’t fully remember all the details of the food that we will have at the event, I do remember a few such as dumplings stuffed with pork and longaniza and ‘mampostea’o’ croquettes with skirt steak made by Chef Yashira Salicrup. 

In addition, there will be two ice cream creations, one of them made by Chef Miguel Campis which is a coconut flavor with beer caramel; the other ice cream will have bacon bites and a beer sauce poured over. 

Furthermore, we will also be providing vegetarian, and flexi-vegan dishes. There will be food for every kind of diet, except gluten-free.

 I think it is also important to mention that FOK Brewing facilities are accessible to anyone with a physical disability and/or requires a wheelchair for mobility.

Given the family environment, will kids and pets be allowed to go?

Yes, we will allow pets to go. As for kids, only those ages 12 and up will be able to attend.

FOK Brewing will launch three new beers on the day of the event: Kölsh, IPA, and Blonde. Were these beers supposed to launch on the same day of the event?

“It was the perfect timing to be honest. We wanted to have a beer for the brewery. I’ve been 8 years with FOK Brewing and after knowing what our customers’ palettes were like, we realized the need for more fruity beer. So I spoke with Angel and Emanuel about having a signature beer. The perfect excuse was to launch one during FOKtoberfest. Initially, it was supposed to be one beer, but we ended up with three”, Maria del Mar remembered. 

The names of the beers are: ‘Guayabinga’, ‘Acerolita’, ‘Mangonera’

After asking about the name selection process, Maria del Mar responded: “Being in marketing, I always look for the ‘why’, the roots, history, colors, among other factors. This time, that did not happen. Both Angel and Emanuel came up with the names and I just went with it.”

Is FOKtoberfest going to happen every year or is it just a one-time thing?

“Yes, FOKtoberfest is here to stay”, said Maria del Mar enthusiastically.

Will FOK Brewing be having additional events later this year?

Yes, we will have another event which will mark the beginning of Christmas called “Se Prendió El Fogón”. 

This one, we actually gave it a bit more thought. It will be a bit different than FOKtoberfest.

FOKtoberfest Details

FOKtoberfest will be taking place this Saturday, October 16 at FOK Brewing Co. in Caguas, Puerto Rico from 4pm to 11pm. 

Tickets include the following:

• Unlimited drinks (beer & mojitos)
• Unlimited bite-size food from locally recognized chefs
• Live performances by local artists
• Free parking

Live performances by:

• Kalinell
• Juan Velez
• Richard Silva
• Los Pleneros de la Cresta

Chefs who will be present at this year’s FOKtoberfest:

• Miguel Campis
• Emmanuel Horta 
• Jose Maisonet and Jason González of Areyto 
• Edwin Ramos of Flavor Fusion 
• José Ramos of Tortillas Doña Lola 
• Héctor González and Christian Meléndez of Piñango 
• Gabriel Santiago of Cocina 727 
• José Sánchez of Pera Paladar Bohemio 
• Yashira Salicrup of Skilett and Grill

Don’t miss Puerto Rico’s best beer event.

The post ‘FOKtoberfest’ — Puerto Rico’s First Post-Pandemic Gastronomic Event of 2021 appeared first on Roam Puerto Rico.