Towards the end of Puerto Rico Highway 22 (PR-22), there’s a point where a choice must be made.
Drive west to Hatillo or east to Arecibo.
Those are the options because the Atlantic Ocean is right there, King in the North.
Dark blue, majestic, infinito.
Arecibo, the third oldest city in the island, is known for several attractions: the Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park, La Poza del Obispo, Cueva del Indio, Cueva Ventana.
It’s also a city that has suffered as the result of careless governance, especially after Hurricane Maria. It’s sad to see abandoned buildings in the downtown area that, if developed responsibly, could serve as much-needed housing or business opportunities for locals.
I want to go there more often, especially to have brunch at El Júbilo, a coffee shop in Arecibo Pueblo (the neighborhood where the casco urbano is located).
The menu is not long, a small group of creative breakfast or lunch dishes. As a starter, their croquetas de bacalao are money. Imagine codfish fritters topped with spicy mayo over a red pepper and amarillo marmalade. Money.
I also tried the classic ham, egg and cheese sandwich, something you can get at any bakery around PR. The twist is that they serve it on a ciabatta baguette - instead of pan criollo - with the best over-medium eggs I can remember (roasted potatoes on the side).
Fresh juices are fresh, carrot cake is gold, and there’s plenty of coffee, hot and cold served double shot.
It’s easy to see that El Júbilo has a dedicated kitchen with restaurant aspirations. They create lunch specials like filet mignon with corn risotto, burrata ravioli with arrabbiata sauce, or pumpkin soup with ginger and coconut milk. The prospect of tasting any of those dishes can be a good reason to go back.
Hasta la próxima.
Yanira
