Must Love Platanos: Travel Advice for the Picky Eater

Though I can say that I thoroughly enjoy taking in the history and scenery of new places, I must admit that I am not enthusiastic about sampling new cuisines. On a recent trip to Puerto Rico, I was shocked to find that so much of the food incorporated plantains.  (I am not a fan of bananas, and plantains are very similar.)  I suppose I never considered the fact that it is an island in the Caribbean, and plantains are a main staple in the diets of the people in Puerto Rico. (I was probably thinking more about the beach than the food!) 

With that said...

Traveler's Tip: Research common ingredients and dishes before visiting your destination. (If you are have a more worldly palate, this won't be necessary!) You may want to consider a destination with various types of restaurants, or look for menus online.  Hopefully you will be able to find something on the menu that you'll find appetizing.  For me, it was the trusty "arroz con pollo" or simply, rice and chicken. 

Tostones (made with plantains)

 Back: Empenada  Right: Maduros (made from plantains)  Front: Rice and Beans

 Traveler's Tip: Don't be afraid to ask the waiter questions to clarify exactly what your ordering.  (FYI: If the menu says "Half a Chicken" you're going to get... a half a chicken.)

My HALF chicken at Habana [sic] (now called Texas Embassy) in Austin, Texas.  This was sent back for being undercooked and replaced with ....

Cuban Stir Fry! (Tostones in the center)

Here, I quickly learned the difference between and empanada and and empanadilla.

In Puerto Rico, an empanada (pictured above) is like fried chicken.  An empanadilla is the fried dough stuffed with cheese and chicken or beef.

Traveler's Tip: Share a plate! Ask the waiter how large the portions are.  The meal picture below cost about $12.00 total, including drinks.  (It included three large tacos, a side order of rice and re-fried beans and a bottomless basket of tortillas!)

Traditional dish: Mexican food in San Antonio, Texas.  Chicken Tacos, Rice and Re-fried Beans.  With tortillas con queso y salsa for an appetizer.