DMs Food background
There are many “other” variables that when combined are as important to the mongering action at a place. Food is one such very important component, as it can either make or break a trip. I have a strong affinity for ethnic foods, particularly authentic (can’t rarely find anything outside of China) northern and south-central Chinese cuisine (baozi, jiazo, shui jui rou pian, mo po doufu, qing jaio rou si, huai ge rou, etc, etc). As one who likes spice, I also am quite fond of thai and some Mexican food as well.
Food
I tried to sample as much local food as I could manage in the 4 days while in Sosua, and I can state that I didn’t have one “bad” meal, which was refreshing. Sure some places were better than others, but all in all there was a wide variety of eatery choices within a fairly small area. Many of the restaurants are owned by foreigners (lots of Germans, Italians, Americans, Brits, etc). The owners and workers were all very friendly and outgoing if they could speak English. Folks often speak of service as being terrible, but I received excellent service at all times except when it came time to get my check. I’m not sure why, but I could probably sit there for an hour waiting for my check, which I did in fact do the first restaurant I went to. After that experience I either asked for it several times as I was finishing or just walked up to the cashier and asked for my bill (this still takes 5 or so minutes).
Chicken, Beans, and Rice
The natives eat a lot of chicken, rice, and beans. The chicken is excellent for grilled chicken and has a light, but very tasty seasoning blend. Depending on where you go and order, it could be a breast, quarter, thigh, etc. The traditional chicken and rice dish is a seasoned-grilled thigh/drumstick served with white rice and red beans/juice on the side (scoop over the rice). I sampled the chicken, rice, and beans at PJs, LaRoca (next to PJs), and at various stalls along the beach (playa). I deemed all as tasty and worth the pesos!
Fruit
There is tropical fruit available on the beach, namely green clementines and coconuts. Cost is a couple bucks and they both add to the overall ambiance. There are also several grocery stores along the main strip where you can buy apples, oranges, bananas, etc at a reasonable price.
Tossin the Salad
If you’re a salad person, well don’t hold your breath. The only thing decent in the salad was the cukes. The tomatoes are green with a hint of red at the core and nearly tasteless and the lettuce in invariably iceberg that is on the slightly wilted side. I like a good salad, but didn’t bother indulging here.
Pizza
I tried the pizza at two places; Pizzeria Alfredo (809-571-2069) and Rocky’s. Alfredos was actually a pretty decent pizza, probably the best I had outside the states (typically pizza sucks in 3rd world countries). It was thin crust and cooked just right. On the downside, the sauce could of used a tad more flavor, and the cheese although good for other countries was not a high grade mozzarella. But hey, I’m not in NYC or the North End in Boston, so it was damn good. Price was 200 pesos for the pizza, tax/tip, and an aqua mineral.
Rockies hit the spot as well. It was cheesier, but not quite as tasty. Comment: the night worker at Rocky’s is a bald dude form Canada named Ted. He was a helluva guy and fun to talk with. Pizzeria Alfredo is a little out of the way and not many folks know where it is. You need to tell the motor concho it is next to Isla Bonita (road= Alejo Martinez). Rockies is next to cowgirl car on Dr Rosen off Pedro Clisante NOTE: Pedro Clisante is the main drag where 95% of all action takes place.
Breakfast
I’m a pretty light eater for breakfasts while on the road. The only places I went to here for breakfast was PJs (Located on Pedro Clisante just before you approach the beach area). I ordered water and omelets here, which were tasty although slightly overcooked I didn’t mind tho, I would prefer overcooked to sickness. Nice restaurant, staff, and view to watch the town moving about.
Ribs
Rocky’s is where it’s at. Very tasty ribs—best in town.
Misc. items of note
Food:
• El Toro is supposed to have GREAT steaks. I don’t eat beef, so you’ll need to check it out yourself.
• On the way to Alfredos, I passed by Bologna bar/restaurant on Alejo Martiniz. What caught my eye were a couple of head-turning HOT bartenders, so I made a mental note to stop there to sample the food. Unfortunately I made it back there only for a brief visit (2 Presidentes) to check the place out. The bartenders weren’t as hot from my barstool as there were from the motoconcho, but still very nice n’ sexy. I had already eaten before going, so I didn’t check out the food, but it’s on my to-do list for the next visit. If my very limited Spanish is correct, I believe the bartender told me they are open 24/7.
• When you go out to eat, don’t be in a rush. Food prep and paying your bill can take some time.
Hotels
• I stayed at the Sosua Palace. It is on a side road off Pedro Clisante, and a few blocks from the main action. Rooms were decent, the owner and other mongers were outgoing and friendly, and they had a small outside bar and pool where several very friendly chicas hang out during the afternoons/early evening. The owner, John, is a fellow Bostonian although you never would know/guess. The downside is that it is a bit overpriced, hot water is spotty, and you have girls hanging out there during the day (sometimes makes for awkward situations when your with other barfines).
• Hotel Europa: looked nice and 1-2 blocks closer to the action than the palace. About 10 bucks cheaper per night than the Palace.
• Rockies: same rockies as the restaurant I reviewed. I checked out a room for a minute and I would say that it would be OK for someone on a very tight budget. Good location, rooms doable, price 15 bucks a night.
Transport
• Motoconcho (Aka 125cc endure bikes). This is how you get around town. They are like mosquitoes—everywhere! I paid 20 pesos per ride. The going rate is usually 10p during the day, 20p in the evening.
• Taxis: little costly. The going rate to/from the airport is 500p for about a 10 mile drive. I didn’t check out Puerta Plata this trip, but will hit Blackbeards for a night or two next trip via taxi.
• You can also rent small cc bikes or cars here as well. I never do this as I like to limit potential headaches as much as possible. I don’t know the rates or details.
Cash Matters
• To change US currency into Pesos, try Hotel Europa.
• There are several ATMs located along Pedro Clisante (I mostly used this method).
• Major eateries and hotels often take CC as well.
Internet Cafes
• Alfs near PJs. Decent computers and setup
• Rocky’s (same one as the hotel and restaurant). Your able to hook up your laptop here, which is a nice feature, but it can be smelly as they have cats and dogs living in the large main room (back of restaurant) and they take the occasional dumps.
Mishaps, well I’m glad to report there wasn’t any
