Loving Life in the Caribbean: Salsa in San Juan!
I have just returned from an amazing trip to touch base with our friends in Puerto Rico, St John, St Croix and St Thomas. I am happy to report that the Sokol Blosser wines are very happy and living the good life on these beautiful islands. Thanks to everyone whom has embraced our wines in the islands, you are all terrific. Now, some highlights from my recent visit:
SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO
El San Juan Hotel: Amazing and lively lobby. It blends old world craftsmanship with modern appointments. This was right on the beach with wonderful service and a great place to blend business and pleasure.
Old San Juan Restaurants: Try Marmalade, Dragonfly and Aquaviva. These are the choice restaurants of the locals and are a blend of Asian, Caribbean, Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine. Created by Puerto Rico’s top chef these places are full of life and wonderful flavors. Don’t be surprised if you see Evolution by the glass at these hot spots - this is why we made this blend in the first place. P.S. - If you do not want to look like a tourist, take a nap on the beach and make your reservations after 9 PM, that’s when the locals start to think about dinner.
Il Mulino, Ritz-Carlton San Juan: Located just off the pink, marbled entrance to the Ritz-Carlton, you will find a New York classic. Ask for Steven Vazquez, the Maitre d’ and restaurant manager, then sit back and enjoy. The décor, service and food are just what you would expect of the Ritz and Il Mulino. Your smile will start from the time they bring your plates of Italian meats, roasted vegetables and cheese to when they serve the house made grappa and lemoncello at the end of the evening. We started our evening with a glass of Evolution and enjoyed Sokol Blosser’s Dundee Hills Pinot Noir with pasta and our entrée. It made for a very memorable last evening in San Juan.
Strip House, El Conquistador Golf Resort & Casino: Take the drive out of San Juan and spend as much time as you can at the El Conquistador. Play golf, relax, take the boat to the hotels private island beach and eat with my friend Jerry Martinez at the Strip House. This steak house is unlike any other steak house you have been to and the Strip house in Puerto Rico has the best view of any steak house I have ever been to. Blue ocean and islands as far as you can see from almost every table in the restaurant. Wonderful, informed staff and a steak prepared to perfection. This whole experience should not be missed. Look for Sokol Blosser Evolution, Meditrina and Pinot Noir to play their part in this memorable evening.
Be sure to check this blog in the following days for the next two installments - Sokol Blosser in St. Thomas and St. John!