Category Archives: IxaRiveraCooks

IxaRiveraCooks: Restaurant Bodega, Puerto Rico

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Ole!

Two weeks ago we went to the town of Guanica, PR.  They have a place called La Bodega de Andreu Sole.  It is nicely located by the water and the atmosphere is awesome.

The place is located in his house and he has prepared his house patio to received guest from Friday to Sundays.  He makes his own wine and also makes artisan liquors (yum).

He doesn’t have any signs outside announcing his place, it is just word of mouth.  They serve tapas, his own wine and beer and drinks made out his artisan liquors.

They have very relaxing music and it is a night to just forget about everything and just enjoy what you have.  Love the place and Andreu is great.  Oh, the grape vines are everywhere in the yard.  Love it!


LYA,

Mom

IxaRiveraCooks: Hacienda Luz de Luna (Puerto Rico)

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Tonight our friend Janet (my friend from childhood) invited us to dinner at Hacienda Luz de Luna.  Wow, what an excellent place.  The Hacienda is located in the town of Adjuntas and the owners live in the place.

About a year and a half ago the mom, which she is the hostess and a very lovely lady, came up with the idea to open her house for dinner and special occasions in the Hacienda Luz de Luna and her son Chef Ventura Vivoni Rivera run the place.  They only open twice a month on Saturdays and Sundays and you have to reserve well in advance.

The minute you drive into the hacienda you know that the food is going to be good and that you are going to relax and enjoy your surroundings.  The menu changes all the time, so you don’t know what you are going to get.  If you have allergies or you don’t eat certain kinds of food they will accommodate you, and the surprises are excellent and worth not knowing.

They welcome you with sangria and then the chef’s mother comes and starts talking to you telling you about the place, the food, and makes you feel part of the family; she is very charming and elegant.

Then, she brings the menu and the show starts.  One important thing is that since this is in the mountains you can’t get cell phones signals in there.  It doesn’t matter what cell phone company you have; NO CELL PHONES :) I just love it.  The service consist of 10 plates of food with dessert and of course coffee or tea.  They have wine, no beer or sodas.  They have fresh juice.  The ambiance is amazing, the food is amazing and Chef Vivoni, his family, and his staff are amazing.

When Chef Vivoni comes out with the plates he takes the time to explain  how he put together the plate and were he got his ingredients from.   He has spices from all over the world and also fruits and herbs that they grow in the Hacienda.  After the meal you get a tour of the Hacienda including the house.

We came home all happy and ready to make reservations again very soon.  We loved how warm and personable they were and how excellent the food was.  When you come to PR we will definitely take you over there.  Oh, the mom has a book where you can write your thoughts about the place.  I read some of the comments in the book and all of them were excellent.  We were in there three hours and every minute was enjoyable.

LYA,

Mom

Ixa

IxaRiveraCooks: Lunch, Gazebo, and The Scary Dog

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Hello kids!

Here are some pictures of our lunch today.  Our menu consisted of very traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, white rice, bistec, green beans (sorry they are not fresh), green bananas tostones, quenepas (fruit) and macarrons from the local bakery.  The tostones are fresh from my garden to the dinner table.  In the bistec I added some fresh green peppers and aji dulce from my garden.  The fruit quenepas were given to us from a friend.

I made the hot pique a while ago, but everything is from my garden except the garlic.  The macarrons are fresh from the local bakery.  Sorry you were not here for lunch, but Dad and our friend Lourdesita enjoyed the lunch.  What’s for dinner, nothing!

The other pictures as you can see is the final product of the gazebo.  I should call it Dad’s place.  He enjoys spending time listening to music and drinking wine.

Martita as you can see discovered all the glass closet mirrors.  She loves to look at herself in the mirror and also likes to watch television.  What can I say, she is beautiful.

Enjoy the pictures!

LYA,

Mom
Ixa

IxaRiveraCooks: Barceloneta, Camuy, and Hatillo in Puerto Rico.

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Hello kids!

Yesterday we went with our good friends to the factory outlets in Barceloneta which is located in the north part of the island.  We had a great time eventhough it was pouring down rain.  A small storm is hanging over the island, but that didn’t stop the four of us for having a great time.

We stayed overnight in Hatillo which is a small and cute town on the north side of the island. Hatillo is the town were they have the mascaras festival.

The next morning after breakfast we headed to the next town over, Camuy.  Camuy is where they have the beautiful caverns.  Our friends took us to a place to eat empanadillas, fish skewers and fresh fish.

The name of the place is Villa Pesquera.  It is located by the beach and you can also buy fresh fish, and other types of seafood.  We had Marlin skewers with tostones and also sweet plantains, empanadillas de chapin, a good sampler of octupus salad and I had fried fish.

I picked the fish that I wanted and they fixed it for me.  I saw a lot of people in there coming and buying fresh fish and while waiting they had an empanadilla with beer or a refreshment.

The place is very clean and the owners are very friendly.  I will take you guys when you come next time. In the mean time, just look at the pictures……….they last longer.

Oh, I forgot the flamingo lives there by himself.  He has been there for years and people just enjoy visiting him, but not disturbing him at all.  Flamingoes are not from Puerto Rico. Wow!


LYA,

Mom

Ixa

IxaRiveraCooks: Field Trip wth Grandma

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My grandma likes pirates….I do to…..so my parents took her on a little field trip.   Take it away mom!

Hello kids;

Here are some pictures of Grandma’s field trip to La Guarida del Pirata in Aguadilla, PR.  It was a beautiful day and the place was gorgeous.

You can see grandma smiling, Dad having fun and of course me always having fun.  Oh, I forgot, Martita Chin came with us. In these place they had a replica of when Columbus discovered Puerto Rico and also about the place the piratas of the Caribbean hid and guarded their treasures (jewels :) , oh by the way I bought a new boat as you can see and it comes with Christopher Columbus.

Also I took a picture of the iguana that was roaming around. No me gustan las iguanas.

Eric the picture of the super bacalaitos are for you to enjoy, so as the picture of the piraguas (Angelie that one is for you).  As you all can see from the picture of the super bacalaito a family of five can eat from one.  With the economy being so bad, we puertorricans are very intelligent by buying one super bacalaito to share with the family.  You learn two lessons, share and economy.

Also you can see how beautiful my orchids in La Parguera are.  They are small orchids, but I make them big, not with fertilizer, just with the zoom in my camera.

Enjoy!  LYA,

Mom

Ixa

IxaRiveraCooks: Churrasco Salad and the always scary Martita Chin

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Yes, I know…..you think the dog is cute….I think it’s scary.  Take it away mom!

Hello boy!
How was your day?  Here are some pictures of what I cooked today Sunday.  All the herbs of course are from my garden.  I made churrascos yesterday and from the lefovers I made this pasta dish.  It was delicious.  Dad like always loves everytime I cook for him, so that’s very easy because he loves anything you set him on the plate.  I added a vinagrette to the dish when I was stirring it.

Hera are also some pictures of Martita Chin takin an inventory of some of my jewels.  She is the sole heiress of my jewels (sorry).

You can also see Dad taking Martita Chin in a tour through the indegenous park in Ponce.

That’s the same park abuelito took you and Angelie one time.  Oh, look at the achiote tree. Also there is a picture of how the gazebo in our backyard is coming along.  Wait until it is completely done, it is going to look beautiful.


My love to you and Mindy.
Ixa

IxaRiveraCooks: The Martita Chin Chronicles

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Hello readers of ericriveracooks.com,

My name is Martita Chin. Yes, I know, I am beautiful….no need to stare.  Don’t be fooled by my good looks, I will destroy you….yes, you, your family and all that is good, bad, happy, sad, well everything.

I have hacked Eric’s blog to show his dog Blue that I am not afraid of the water like he is. They say that Border Collie’s are the smartest dogs in the world but I bet you he never thought about an inflatable raft.  Where is your critical thinking now Mr. Blue????  Yes, laugh at the pink lei around my neck but I’ll be laughing harder when you’re on shore and I’m going to hang out in Puerto Rico with Ixa in the ocean.

Are you laughing now Mr. Blue????  I didn’t think so…. How is the weather in Washington? Stormy you say??? Interesting…..

Martita Chin

IxaRiveraCooks: Less words, more eating

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I would eat all of the food on the palm tree plate by myself.  Mom, where did you get a palm tree plate? Pier Juan? hahahahahahahahahaahaahah

Take it away mom!

Hello my boy!

Here is the little plate I made of appetizers we had the other day.  The cheese is Manchego cheese. All of it goes well with Medalla beer, wine or whatever you feel like drinking.  I don’t feel like writing any more.  Just enjoy the view.

LYA,

Mom

IxaRiveraCooks: Take pictures of the food but none of me without make-up

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My mom’s posts are the best.  She has ripped on the United States Postal Service, the country of Egypt, and people with no respect for food.  Other things that she doesn’t like?  Pictures of her without her make-up or hair being perfect.  My mom is awesome. She has been on fire lately and I think I might have to build her a blog…..she’s the Puerto Rican Martha Stewart….Marta E-Stewart….or something like that (comedian I am not). My mom is a food blogger…..f’ing awesome.

Take it away mom!

Well, the apron you and Mindy sent me inspired me to cook something so Dad would be happy.  My friend gave me a green bread fruit and Dad bought some ravioli’s, so I decided to make some Ravioli Italian Sausage Spinach Cheese Lasagna.  Long name and delicious.  With the bread fruit I made tostones and crushed garlic olive dip for them and here are the results.  Sorry, no pictures of me without make-up.  Dad was very happy because he used the rooster sauce and also was happy with the food.  It was a good simple meal and I used the apron to pretend I was an important chef.

LYA,

Mom

IxaRiveraCooks: My Mom Has Her Own Merchandise

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My mom is becoming famous so I decided to make a few calls and get her merchandise up and running. I ordered 10,000 of these aprons so I hope they sell soon…..I’m totally lying!  If you ever wonder where my anger comes from then wonder no further.  Take it away mom!

Wow, we finally got the box of surprises you and Mindy sent us.  I really don’t know what the Postal Service is doing, but if they go bankrupt they very well deserve it.  How in the world you send a package on the 21st of January to Puerto Rico a, U.S. territory and you get it six weeks after.  I don’t get it.  Where do they think Puerto Rico is, in China, Russia? Or do they even know where Puerto Rico is? Do they even know the difference between Washington State and Washington DC?  I don’t think they even know that.  Shame on them.  Now, I feel better.  Thanks goodness that they didn’t lose my precious apron, Mr. Post Master , or I would’ve had to tell  your big boss President Obama about it.  You don’t mess with Mom’s stuff.  They are fired in my book and we need an apology (yeah right).

We love our presents and you can tell by the pictures.  Thank you so much Eric and Mindy.

Ixa

My mom is hilarious.

Eric

IxaRiveraCooks: Pasta and Shrimp Day

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I f’ing love pasta and shrimp day. I need to go to Puerto Rico…..  Take it away mom!

“Hello boy!

Today was one of those busy days. All I wanted was to hurry up,  get home and fix something quick, fresh and yummy.  Well, while I was driving I said to myself, “it is pasta and shrimp day”.  Here is the finished product. All the herbs are fresh from my garden and of course the aji dulce. “

LYA,

Ixa

IxaRiveraCooks: Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

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I think my parents are trying to drive me crazy.  You don’t send people pictures of you wearing shorts and hanging out in beautiful places in the middle of winter…..not cool.   Can’t wait to go visit!.  Anyway, here is my mom.

“Today Dad and decided to take a short trip to the next town over to La Parguera.  The name of the town is Cabo Rojo.  Beautiful little town on the southwest of the island.  Cabo Rojo is well know for the beautiful beaches, lighthouse, seafood, etc., etc., etc.


We first stopped at the lighthouse.  What a beautiful place and what a view of the ocean.  The lighthouse is beautiful inside and it is very well kept.

Then we headed down town to have something to eat and drink. We had some delicious lobster empanadillas, shark skewers and some medallas.  What at nice day.

It was the first trip for Martita Chin in the open public and she was very good.  She went with us every place in her carrier and she didn’t complain not even once.  She loved the smell of the food and was enjoying it.  No table food for Martita Chin.  We had a great day enjoying our island treasures and now we are all tired and watching super bowl.  Oh, I forgot, yesterday I went on my first lesson of standup boarding.  I LOVE IT.  Few falls, but overall I was good.  The best part is that the lessons are free for me.  I won’t tell you the secret.  Wonderful weekend.


Eric I took some pictures of the food and also the stand where you can buy a dozen of fresh raw oysters for $5.50.  The guy will provide lemons, ketchup and hot sauce.  Cabo Rojo is well know for that.  One good thing is that the guy will open the oysters for you and you just have to enjoy the rest.  Yum!!!  Oh, I forgot.  Look at the chupa cabra drinking medalla.

LYA,

Mom

Ixa

IxaRiveraCooks: Pork Loin and Pasta Salad

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My mom is starting to become a food blogger. How do I know? She’s becoming self-conscious about her food photos…hahaha. I think this dish looks great and I would eat the hell out of it. I love the way she sauced it and frankly, I’m a little jealous that my sauces don’t look like that sometimes.  If only she would send me a recipe for this!

Take it away mom:

Hello Boy!

I tried to imitate you creations and I have to say the flavor was excellent, but the picture was not good at all.  I made the mayonnaise like you told me and believe me, I WILL NEVER BUY MAYONNAISE unless I am in a hurry.  It is amazing the flavor and what I like the best is that you can play with the flavor and the consistency.  In this case, I made the mayonnaise to be used as a dressing (more runny) and we all liked it.  I put your Dad and our neighbors to the test.  They love it.  The pork loin came out excellent also, juicy and lots of flavor and the pasta salad with the mayonnaise was yummy.  Don’t look too much at the picture, its terrible.  For me it’s all about flavor.  Thank you for teaching Mom.

LYA,

Mom
Ixa

I can tell where my dad was sitting. Next to the bottle of “Rooster”!!!

Eric

IxaRiveraCooks: Seafood Paella

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My mom is on location for this one.  A family friend made a beautiful seafood paella and invited her and my dad over. Take it away mom!

“Hello Eric;

Here is a paella that Dr. San Antonio and Mama Chula made for all of us on Sunday.  Believe me, it was delicious and he enjoyed cooking it too and receiving all the compliments.  Dr. San Antonio enjoys cooking as much as you do and enjoys entertaining his family.  We had a great time and these are the results.  I told him that you might show his paella on your blog and he gave me a big smile.

LYA,

Mom

Ixa

IxaRiveraCooks: Three Kings Day Meal

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Three Kings day is celebrated by a lot of people in Latin-America and the rest of the world if you’re Catholic.  I was reading a post today on another blog that said it was only celebrated in Mexico.  That’s bullshit and untrue. I hate when people think Mexico speaks for every other Hispanic race.

Anyway, when you’re a little kid this holiday is awesome. On January 5th you put a shoebox filled with rice, water, and grass for the Three Kings. When you wake up there are a bunch of presents under your bed.  It’s awesome and makes much more sense than some fat dude in a red suit going down your chimney and putting presents next to a tree in exchange for some cookies and milk….what if Santa is lactose intolerant or has an allergy to gluten?  I bet you didn’t think about that one…… :)   Three Kings brought presents to baby Jesus.  Santa  breaks into your house and enslaves midgets little people……  I report….you decide. I am hilarious today.

Anyway, here is my mom.

“Ok, I couldn’t fix Dad dinner for the Three Kings, but today I did it and he was very happy.  It was just a small dinner without all the trimmings, but it was good.  The pork came out delicious, as well as the rice with green pigeon peas.  I bought the pastelles, because it involves a lot of work and I don’t like all the work that goes into it.  I bought them from a very good source and a person that I trust a lot.  When I say I trust a lot, I mean that she is a very clean cook and also makes sure all the ingredients are fresh and top of the line.  When it comes to pork I only trust the best.

Anyway, food was good and Dad was very happy.

I hope you are feeling a little bit better.  I’ve seen everything you are doing every day, so it tells me that Eric is a tough guy and not a whiner.  Good for you boy.

LYA,

Mom
Ixa”

Side note: the day after my mom had me she was out shopping for baby clothes.    The day after I f’ed up my hand I was cooking. It’s a Rivera thing….you wouldn’t understand.