A Taste of the Caribbean: Puerto Rican Latin Bar and Grill

By admin February 4, 2014 22:17

By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

On the corner of 27th Avenue and Thomas waves a dignified flag. From afar, one may think it is the American flag because of the red, white and blue colors. Yet, with a closer look, the flag belongs to a rustic restaurant known to locals as the Puerto Rican Latin Bar and Grill.

The flavorful spot is owned by Jayuya native Wesley Andujar. Knowing there was a high demand for authentic Puerto Rican food, Andujar created a traditional Latino environment that all could enjoy.

He continues to improve the popular eatery daily by listening to what customers want; a tactic that has yet to fail him.

The Puerto Rican Latin Bar and Grill’s interior is only a small part of the restaurant’s uniqueness. Every wall is painted with a variety of pastel colors, portraits and decorations representing the owner’s beloved country.

You can say the restaurant is more than a tasteful treat for the mouth and stomach, but also for the eyes.

The restaurant continuously serves delicious and authentic Puerto Rican food to Arizona locals, so it is no surprise that even Hollywood wants a taste. The Puerto Rican Latin Bar and Grill has welcomed well-known Latino celebrities, such as ‘That 70’s Show’ star Wilmer Valderrama and ‘Gimmie Shelter’ actress Rosario Dawson.

As the number of customers continues to grow, the eatery continues to improve. For the first time, the restaurant will offer a special menu on Valentine’s Day accompanied by live music.

“We want to prepare something different like lobster tails and steak,” Andujar said.

However, if you can’t wait until February 14th to experience the food, then selecting dishes from the customized menu is equally satisfying. One dish that has brought customers back for seconds is the ‘Arroz con Gandules’ (yellow rice with pigeon peas and roasted pork on the side).

“If we sell 10 plates, seven of them would be that (one),” he said.

‘Carne Frita with Mofongo’ (mashed plantains) is also a big hit for the eatery because of its similarity to American mashed potatoes, however, the Mofongo has the Caribbean flavor added to each bite.

In a few short months, customers will be able to smell and see their meat being made before they are even seated. The restaurant will be showcasing the pork being roasted on a large grill outside of the restaurant.

What makes Puerto Rican meat special is the way it’s marinated.

“All of the herbs, oreganos and the leaves that we use makes us different from other Latin food,”Andujar said.

But their secret truly lies in combining Sofrito with all of the Caribbean seasonings.

Puerto Rico Latin Bar and Grill is a lively atmosphere with music streamed throughout the entire room. In fact, there is a television that is set to play music videos such as the famous Celia Cruz along with clips of Puerto Rico.

While weekdays at the restaurant are relatively calm and a family-oriented dining experience, once the weekend comes a whole new side of the Puerto Rican Latin Bar and Grill emerges. Every Friday at 8 p.m., the Puerto Rican Latin Bar and Grill offers Merengue and Bachata dancing classes for all levels. For the time being, these classes are free, but soon there will be a cost.

And if you are not interested in dancing, sit back and enjoy the live music that plays every Friday from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

For those who hope to travel to Puerto Rico soon but can’t wait any longer to experience the delight of this Caribbean food, then Puerto Rican Latin Bar and Grill is the place to go.

Puerto Rican Latin Bar and Grill

2714 W. Thomas Rd.

Phoenix, Az 85017

PRflag