Michael U.
Yelp
Located just off the lobby of Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, 1919 may just be Puerto Rico's most luxurious Restaurant, Chef Juan José Cuevas bringing his Michelin starred resume to a menu that features contemporary continental Cuisine built from locally-sourced Ingredients.
Known for seaside views and posh fabrics, plus the sort of service that calls guests by name or professional title rather than "Sir" or "Ma'am," it was at precisely 6:30pm that a table for two was arranged room's length from windows, a slight apologized for in advance and attributed to every seat otherwise taken by Vanderbilt Hotel guests.
Prone to seasonal change across a four-course Prix Fixe, $89 plus Supplements a fine deal for complex plates and large portions, it was with a $30 glass of Taittinger Rose that dinner got started, an Amuse of cooling Gazpacho quickly followed by complimentary housemade Rolls and creamy bites of fried Baccala that cost about $3.50 each.
Relaxed in terms of pacing, twenty-to-thirty minute intervals between plates filled by conversation, course one consisted of dueling Salads, her Lobster with Pasta and briny Vinaigrette enjoyable but entirely outclassed by Squash, Fruit, Cheese and Pickles brightened by Thai seasonings across a multitude of textures.
Suggesting "Smart casual" dress, though jeans and short sleeves are not out-of-place, course two consisted of lightly cooked Shrimp and "Grits" versus Soup poured tableside, Truffle-scented Cheese and Potatoes forming a velvety Potage that led nicely to meaty Entrees of grilled Pork with Vegetables and pan-seared Duck atop Rice Noodles.
Undoubtedly a meticulous kitchen, plating reliably photogenic from beginning to end, dinner concluded with Mignardises and Dessert, waiter-recommended "Guava and Lemon" akin to Clafoutis with textural Pineapples while Coconut Rice Pudding found brightness in exotic Fruits.