How cold is it outside right now, especially anywhere USA? It's a three dog night. No, not the music group - I'm referring to how cowboys in the yee-old outback would describe how cold it was by how many dogs you would bunk with for warmth. A two dog night, nippy. A three dog night, especially cold.
So, back to thinking warm thoughts, which brings me to a no dog night location and dining with spiced up Latino cuisine. Join me today at one of my favorite sun escapes, Old San Juan, PR.
I also want to give a big shout out to my ABC TV station in Puerto Rico; George Hirsch Living it UP! airs 11AM on Sunday. Hello WPRU!
It’s 83 degrees there, right now. Find an oasis. Have lunch or dinner at The Parrot Club located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Relax and sip good refreshing Mojitos, or Sangria. Nibble on empanadillas while looking over the menu and breath in tropic air whipping through the restaurant while listening to Latin Jazz. Choose any of the especialidades (house specialties) such as, Pan Seared Camarones con Arroz Chifa, Plantain Crusted Dorado (my favorite) and Grilled Churrasco Steak. Leave room for sides; mofongo, crispy tostones and traditional rice and beans.
Parrot Club, 363 Fortalezza St. Old San Juan, PR.
Melon Mojito Recipe
by George Hirsch | Makes two servings
6 fresh mint sprigs, tear with fingers
1/4 cup watermelon puree
2 teaspoons turbinado, aka sugar in the raw
Juice of one lime
3 ounces light rum
Chilled club soda
ice
2 lime wedges
2 small sprigs of mint
optional: for garnish, use sugar cane sticks for stirrers
Into two glasses divide the mint and sugar.
Crush mint with a muddler or the back of a spoon. Top with ice. Add the watermelon puree, lime-juice and rum. Stir well. Top-off the glass with club soda.