Por Raul!

Attendees: Javier, Julio, Simon, my favorite Filipino Martin, and Peanut
Cocktail: Frozen watermelon mojitos
Appetizers: Shellfish watermelon ceviche
Main Course: Filete de Cerdo con Adobo
Side Dishes: Javier's plantains with black beans
Dessert: Mango flan on chocolate

So I spent the past week in Puerto Rico for work, and promised Julio that I would make him a Cuban feast upon my return. What can I say? I was inspired by the view from my hotel:



And the watermelon on sale at Whole Foods:



Patrick even outdid himself in setting the table:



The cocktail had to entail some Puerto Rican white Bicardi! Behold the frozen watermelon mojitos:



One of the highlights of my time in Puerto Rico was scouring Old San Juan with Oscar for a ceviche lunch. We challenged each other to make some of our own upon our return. I think I probably beat him to the punch.... and I've gotta get points for presentation! (Oscar: watermelon ceviche is TO DIE FOR)!





Javier told me that he would take full responsibility for making the savory plantains. He gave me a quick lesson:



... I can't believe I allowed him to fry in my kitchen! But they were TOTALLY worth it!



The Filete de Cerdo con Adobo was also wonderful - a pork loin marinated in a delicious citrus-based marinade and cooked on the stove.



I didn't have high hopes for the dessert when I made it this morning, but it was surprisingly tasty! It kind of looks like a hamburger, but it's actually a flan served on top a very thin chocolate brownie.



I really had SUCH a great time tonight. The food was ok, but dinner parties are really all about the friends that you share the night with! Martin brought over his video camera: here's a sneak peak into the night.