New York City is often said to be the capital of everything; the capital of fashion, money and yes, food. Whatever your desired cuisine, you can find it in the city. But if you ask me, NYC can use a little more Puerto Rican cuisine. By highlighting Puerto Rico’s best chefs, rums, food and travel, Puerto Rico Meets NYC is a series of multi-day, multi-format events that celebrates the bounty and beauty of the Caribbean island’s culinary legacy. This year, the kick-off cocktail party was held at the lush Latin restaurant, Botequim.
Hundreds of guests gathered to taste scrumptious canapés and tasty artisan rum cocktails. Shrimp Coconut Croquetas, Avocado Gazpacho, Longaniza Sausage Lollipops, and Potato-Morcilla Cake were just a few bites served. Known as the spirit of the Caribbean, guests enjoyed rum everything; a spicy rum punch, rum martinis or just rum on the rocks.
Other events in the week-long festivities included lunch and dinner pairings, the resurrection of the beloved Latino-Jewish El Nosh pop-up, and a closing Lechon Asado brunch. New York chefs included JJ Johnson (the Cecil), Camille Becerra (Navy), Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin) and more. Chefs visiting from Puerto Rico included Pedro Alvarez (Alcor Foods), Mario Pagán (Sage Steakhouse Bistro, Laurel, Lemongrass) and Roberto Treviño (Budatai, Casa Lola, El Nosh), among others.
So if you are hankering to get to Puerto Rico but can’t afford the travel, try getting a taste of the island right here in NYC!
Twisted Talk: Have you ever been to Puerto Rico before? What’s your favorite Puerto Rican dish? Discuss below!
