(Click each picture to make it larger)

I’m probably one of the only people that gets off a plane and the first things I want to do is go to a grocery store. I know, it’s weird but there are so many different things in Puerto Rican grocery stores that I don’t have access to here in the states.

Like what?!?!?!??!

Oh, I don’t know…..how about different types of peppers for making Sofrito, recao leaf (coriander leaf), pre-marinaded Pernil (slow cooked pork), different varieties of baccalao (dried cod fish), herb and spice stands, and fresh bread next to the check out stands. Did I mention that rum is about $5.99 for a fifth and is sold in the grocery stores?  Did you hear that Washington State, not $19.99 for a fifth………$5.99…..Oh crap, I complained, time for a new tax on liquor!

Which grocery stores should you shop at?

Ponce Cash and Carry and Mr. Special….that’s it. Don’t waste your time anywhere else. If you can’t find what you’re looking for there then go to the street vendors, roadside vendors, and markets. ta-da!

What did I buy there? Spices of course! A big bag of Annatto Seed, some flank steak for the Churrasco I made and a few other necessities.

(Click here for more of my Puerto Rico Travel Guide)

Eric