Manuel A.
Yelp
A pleasant surprise. In the middle of my road trip driving on coastal roads and towns from La Paguera through Cabo Rojo, Mayagüez, Aguada, Rincón and Aguadilla, I left Crash Boat Beach after considering the local beach fare but decided to pass on it (there is a limit to how many pinchos and tostones one can have in a single week....). Heading east towards Isabela I was looking for something different. Since I was driving I could not check reviews so I went with what appealed my eye and grunting stomach. The Zazones sign was the first clue - "Zazones - Creole Cuisine" - A ballsy eye catcher in an area where the local language rules. Desecheo was also visible but on the wrong side of the road (if you've never driven in PR roads, avoid the left turns until you drive like the locals...). Turns out I got real lucky. Located on the corner of an unassuming mini strip mall, the entry gives you a hint, this is not your run of the mill PR food restaurant. My timing was also good, just after the usual lunch hour (2pm-ish). A modern interior look, dimmed lighting and subdued environment. After enduring the never ending beat of the local reggeaton blasting at Crash Boat Beach, this was a perfect setting for a relaxed lunch. I sit near the bar in the back on tall tables meant for single patrons or intimate couples. A local cold Medalla and a look at a very interesting menu. Immediately you know your are either going to love it or hate it. A mix of food groupings you recognize but the combinations are different. Artsy names, with very upscale, yet simple presentations. I go with the flow. My server, Kristie suggest the soup of the day to start - a potato with bits of churrasco - yeah meat and potatoes but in a soup! I've been eating nothing but fried fish and seafood the previous day so I go for it. Warm bread rolls sprinkled with a tasty seasoning and butter are added. It did not disappoint. A great way to start. The main dish was the "Churrasco Basket". I had to see what they did with it - A yucca based container for sautéed peppers, onions and churrasco strips served inside the yucca basket - crispy on the outside, mashed yucca on the inside. Sure, some will call this a stuffed yucca mofongo, but why do that? This was an excellent choice. A perfect match for my appetite that day. I usually skip dessert during lunch but I still had a couple of hours of back roads driving before heading east towards my mother's house in Bayamón. After experiencing the previous two courses I was curious to see how they handled their desserts. Kristie went through their choices. A coconut and lemon shavings creme brûlée was epic! A shot of black espresso to avoid the food coma while driving to finish. What a fantastic lunch. Will do it again any day, anytime. Too bad I have to get on a plane for this. If you are hanging around any of the nearby beach towns on the northwest of the Island, look for this place. Afterwards, I called friends in the area and they talked great about the place too so hopefully it was not a fluke. A note on price expectations - I've traveled a lot worldwide. This is a good restaurant worth every penny you spend there. I had lunch in my beach short, sandals and a t-shirt so it is not a "fine dining" place where you need to dress up, but the food and service are good enough to earn their asking price. Go and enjoy!