May 13, 2019

Las Tortugas

Jerry and I are always on the lookout for places where we can take Isabella, she can enjoy and adults can have a great time as well. Las Tortugas Restaurant is one of these places. It is located in my hometown, Utuado and it’s on the way to the house I grew up in. This place is surrounded by nature and the magic of the mountains, without a doubt is one of my favorites in Utuado, Puerto Rico.

Las Tortugas, was originally known as “El Bohio de Don Sergio”. Growing up I remembered stopping there with my parents often, I loved to see the turtles they kept in their natural tank. At that time this place was a place to eat Puerto Rican fritters, like bacalaitos, rellenos, alcapurrias among others and have a drink. One of my favorites things to eat there were the “bacalaitos”, which can be translated to salted cod fritters. I often asked for a Grape Old Colony Soda or a Malta India to have with my bacalaitos. “El Bohio de Don Sergio” and all these flavors are things that automatically transport me to my childhood.

On our recent visit to Puerto Rico, one of my best friends suggested for us to go to Las Tortugas, and we had a great time. Isabella loved the place and she felt comfortable and free. I was very excited to be there with Isabella and see her enjoying a place I enjoyed so much when I was her age. She immediately started playing with rocks, went to see the turtles tank and enjoyed a fresh squeezed orange juice. And this is the great thing about Las Tortugas, it is kids friendly, has great food, amazing ambience and in my case brings back childhood memories.

With my friend Ledys! We’ve been friends since 7th grade. Despite the distance we always managed to be connected. And when I go visit we always get together.

You see what I’m telling you about the rocks. And yes, she is barefoot, she loves to be barefoot, I think she gets it from me!

“El Bohío de Don Sergio” has evolved to “Las Tortugas” (In english the turtles) and the new owner is Don Sergio’s granddaughter. She has revamped the concept, making it more restaurant like. But she kept some of the original characteristics like the natural turtle tank and the bohío shape.

She loves to explore that’s why she enjoyed this place so much.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch and drinks. I ordered “Trifongo”, which is a mix of mashed green plantains, sweet plantain, and yuca. I also ordered octopus salad. The trifongo was spectacular with the perfect mix of salty, sweet and crunchy and the octopus was tender and seasoned to perfection. I’m writing this and my mouth waters. My mom had the trifongo and “camarones al ajillo and she said it was very delicious as well. Ledys had the octopus and Isabella had the “Tortu Pizza”, she ate it all and said it was yummy! Las Tortugas have a good variety of food on their menu, that includes some of the favorite dishes of Puerto Ricans like, chuletas Kan Kan, mofongos, arroz con tocino among others.

This was my plate. Can you see the little turtle on top of the mofongo? Usually you will find this on all the plates.

When we were done with our lunch we took a walk to the back of the property. They have walkways and areas where you can enjoy the nature and fresh air. Isabella particularly loved this part. We all had a good time at this very special place for me.

Definitely a must go if you visit Utuado or are around the nearby towns. You wont regret it!