need help with epic dining recommendations in Puerto Rico

[corvette johnny]

Hola fellow chow hounders,

I am heading to PR in a few weeks for 5 nights (from NJ.) I am looking for some great places to eat and I know the chow hound folks are a little more discriminating than your average yelp/Trip advisor people.

Anyway, I am looking for some really epic places to eat and price isn't an issue. I will have a car and will drive anywhere. Unique places are a big plus and I want to get as much island charisma as I can pack into this trip.

I'd like to get my hands on a HUGE spiny lobster, some great pork dishes, and churrasco. I am not sure if they do any american BBQ style down there with actual wood smoking, but I am a huge bbq fan and love smoke flavor. I know they cook with charcoal and yes, I will be hitting the pig highway for lunches in guavate.

One night I will be at Niche since I am staying at Acacia. Thank you very much in advance!

PS, I am looking for everything from world class restaurants to "hole in the wall" local places. The food just has incredible....I do it all ; )

Johnny

[DagnyTaggart]

Marmalade for a world-class resto.

[erica]

For island charisma I can't imagine that you could do better than taking a drive to Guavate on a weekend and feasting on lechon:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/858140

[corvette johnny]

yes I am well aware of the pig highway and will be visiting there at least once, probably more. I love roast pig!

[Mike R.]

No question, Guavate is a particular thrill. Made a stop at BRUNY's on the main road thru town and was delighted when we arrived - the 60-lb-er of the day had nothing left but the head and shoulders. Of course, they hacked up and scooped out both exceptionally tender and gamey cheeks - leftovers even made it thru USDA screener and back to JFK/NYC!

Go for variety...blood sausage, chicken sausage, turkey meat, platanos maduros, it's all good!

Have a cup of coffee and some tembleque anywhere in rainbow-colored Yauco and make a quick stop at KING'S Ice Cream in Ponce's central square.

If you drive thru Rincon, there's a pinchos stand just north of the fork in the road leading to the surfing beach. Grouper, shark, rabbit, you name it.

[corvette johnny]

Cool thanks Mike, i will try to make it to Rincon and try some pinchos! I am heading out tomorrow so wish me luck (will have phone with me so I can check back on this board if anyone has any recommendations.) Thanks again.