The Real Puerto Rico

Mofongo is a native dish to Puerto Rico. Bourdain explains in his "anti-conquest" form of travel writing that Mofongo is a dish that describes the "real" Puerto Rico, while the natives prefer simpler tastes like rice and beans.

By Clint Sloan

Anthony Bourdain was searching for the “real” Puerto Rico down the streets of San Juan. He started his search at Barrachina, the home of the Piña Colada. This would give him a glance at the traditional Puerto Rican culture. He soon became skeptical of how traditional it was after the drink was made from canned pineapple juice and delivered through a fountain station.

So Bourdain bragged about how he was destined to find this traditional Puerto Rico. He hires a guide to take him to various sites, because Bourdain cannot speak Spanish. He finally finds the perfect drink at a old beaten food stand next to a beautiful beach. “This is it,” Bourdain stated.

Even though Bourdain said he was going to present the real Puerto Rico to his viewers, he was actually presenting a view of the aristocratic tourist; he was not presenting a view of a middle-class curious individual wanting to explore the real Puerto Rico.

For example, in order to communicate with the local residents, Bourdain had to acquire a translator. Everyday people could not afford to hire a translator, especially in these hard economic times. It also leaves one without the experience of having to personally contact local people for essentials like food or lodging. An individual must go in there without a translator. Preferably, one should learn some basic Spanish phrases like ¿Comó Estás? and Buenos Dias. This would give one that communication experience needed to appreciate one’s stay in Puerto Rico.

Also, Bourdain seems to think Mofongo is the main dish in Puerto Rico. But actually it is not what most Puerto Ricans prefer. Traditional Puerto Rican food usually just consists of a meat such as pork or chicken mixed with rice and beans. Tourists are the main ones who like Mofongo; so, if one wants to enhance their experience, try some of the food Puerto Ricans themselves enjoy.

In the end, Bourdain’s portrayal of Puerto Rico is good for entertainment, but should not be misconstrued to be an accurate portrayal of the “real” Puerto Rico. This can be experienced by talking to locals, and one would see what makes this beautiful island so great.