You don’t need to be a guest at the posh (and historic) Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in order to dine at 1919, but after indulging in chef Juan José Cuevas’s Michelin-starred cuising, either prix fixe or as a chef’s tasting menu, you wouldn’t be blamed for wanting to have a bed nearby. Cuevas is celebrated for taking familiar Puerto Rican ingredients and flavors and presenting them in innovative ways. Offerings change with the seasons and feature as many locally grown and produced ingredients as possible. Look for the cheese course, which features domestic aged cheeses from the island’s own Quesos Vaca Negra. This elegant restaurant calls for dressing up. Reservations are a must.
