Do Galego, a truly Spaniard culinary experience

While driving through the curvy roads of Rincon I noticed a small restaurant with a big silhouette of a "toro bravo" (Spanish fighting bull). I immediately turned around to see what it was all about. It was still early for dinner but just the idea of having an authentic Spaniard meal made me hungry!

We picked a table and the waitress, Mili Lopez, also one of the owners quickly came to bring us the menus. Do Galego has that European touch that made me go back to the days I lived in Spain.

Around us we could see the wine barrels, a small cellar, many pictures mainly of Santiago de Compostela and flamenco on the background.

This small restaurant located on Carretera 115 km 16.3, right across Rincon’s post office is owned by Juan Miguel, a Spaniard who came to the island about two years ago and who is married to Mili, a Puerto Rican.

Do Galego has been opened since September 2012 and has a wine cellar with 90 % of the wines coming from Spain. The whole menu is made of authentic meals from different parts of Spain. There is the typical paella, pulpo a la gallega, boquerones, caldo gallego, patatas bravas, chorizo al vino, chiripones and crema catalana.

For our appetizer we selected the sobrasada (soft, spreadable sausage from the island of Mallorca) with goat cheese, drizzled with honey. It’s been over a year since I last had sobrasada and it tasted exactly like I remembered. For our main course we had seafood paella along with a sangria and Estrella Damm beer.

Sobrasada with goat cheese

We had a great time! We noticed that as the night went on more and more started coming. By the time we left there were not tables available. The food was delicious and I hope to go back soon to try more of the Spaniard cuisine.

For more information call 787-949-8557 or visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rincon-do-Galego/401211423279912

Translated menu:

Paella-mixed seafood paella, Spain's famous rice dish

Pulpo a la gallega-boiled octopus, paprika, sweet pepper, olive oil and sea salt

Boquerones-fresh white anchovies in vinegar and olive oil

Caldo Gallego-Galician style vegetable soup with potatoes, white beans and cured ham

Patatas Bravas-fresh potatoes fried with authentic homemade Spanish spicy tomato and vegetable sauce

Chorizo al vino-Spanish chorizo sautéed with wine sauce

Chiripones-Fried calamari

Crema catalane-custard topped with caramelized sugar

A Caribbean Getaway

I had been planning my Caribbean getaway for over a month. I was ready for a short vacation and the chance to enjoy my free time with some of my family members and old friends.

My flight departed from the Orlando airport and landed in the town of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Aguadilla is a town located in the northwestern tip of Puerto Rico. The airport is very convenient and small. I love getting off the plane and walking from the landing strip to the main gate.

While I waited for my luggage I could see my aunt all excited waiting for me at the exit. Our final destination was about 30 minutes away in the small town of Añasco. This is the town that saw me grow up as a child. Most of my family still lives in this area.

My first stop was a car rental. I wasn't too thrilled when I received a voicemail after getting off the plane to tell me the vehicle I had rented would not be available at the time I had requested. I tried to keep my cool but thankfully they were able to give me a better deal. I had rented an economy car and ended up getting a 4 door Jeep. The best thing that could happen to me!

Later that day after settling at my grandmother's house and talking to some of the family members and decided to drive to the coastal city of Rincón. Rincón is one of my favorites towns on the island.

It's a beautiful scenery! The green mountains and the contrast of the blue coast. No wonder why they call it "El pueblo de los bellos atardeceres" (The town of beautiful sunsets).

At Rincón we stopped at a small restaurant that a friend had recommended a while back. The place is called "La Cambija". The place is known for their turnovers (pinchos) made with fresh fish. My palate was ready indulge is some delicious food.

I had a marlin turnover with a Magna, a beer brewed on the island. It tasted amazing, all the tender meat with a cold beer! I was in food heaven!

I'll share my dinner selection for the night at a Spaniard restaurant in the same town. An amazing culinary experience.