Ethel Jalloq is a well-known name in the world of literature. Her works have attracted a wide readership and have received critical acclaim. However, her recent book titled "Worst Wktnh" has been met with mixed reviews. "Worst Wktnh" follows the story of a young protagonist navigating the challenges of life in a futuristic society. The novel presents a dystopian world filled with unique characters and imaginative settings. Ethel Jalloq's vivid descriptions and attention to detail transport readers into this fictional realm.
La Central by Mario Pagan
On our first and last days in Puerto Rico, we treated ourselves to dinner at La Central by Mario Pagan. I have to admit that I selected it originally because it was the best-rated restaurant open on a Monday night, the day we arrived. It seems that chefs take Monday off, so it was the best option at the time. However, the incredible food and service brought us back again.
La Central is the latest restaurant of Chef Mario Pagan, opening in June of 2021. Chef Pagan draws his inspiration from his home country’s cuisine with a clever spin. It started with the cocktail menu. I could not resist the “Jardin de Eden,” a refreshing blend of gin, cucumber, creme de violettte, and lime juice. On our return visit, I tried the restaurant’s spin on a French 75, the “Central 75,” with gin, honey, blackberry, and sparkling wine, garnished with a vibrant violet petal. It was hard to choose as the menu had so many choices, featuring many cocktails featuring local rums, like the Ron y Tabaco, with Ron del Barrillito anejo rum, tobacco-infused syrup, and bitters.
For appetizers, we knew to order Pan con Lichen, suckling pig “sliders” with anejo carmelo onion shoestrings, which we enjoyed on both visits. We also tried the corned beef brisket alcapurrias, fritters made with root vegetables, with roasted corn crema and house pique. Appetizers make a wonderful light meal themselves if you just wanted to stop by the bar for a short time.
The menu offered a variety of seafood and wood-fired meats as entrees, and the menu even made the salads sound appetizing. We were drawn to the more traditional dishes, with sides of white bean ticino pegaito and a rice dish with chicharrons.
Make sure to order dessert. We overindulged on the first night and passed on dessert, but when we returned, we made a point to try the New World Corn Brûlée with Salty Sweet Caramel Popcorn. I love creme brûlée, but never had a corn brûlée. All the ingredients were things I loved, and it turned out to be an incredible dish of salty and sweet and the perfect end to our trip to Puerto Rico.
The atmosphere is lively, but not like the scene just outside its doors at Distrito T-Mobile, where we caught a Juan Miguel Tribute band for a Cinco de Mayo celebration on our last night. I would not hesitate to return when we find ourselves in Puerto Rico again.
More posts from our trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico can be found here.
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Chef Mario Pagán unveils $4M La Central restaurant at Distrito T-Mobile
La Central by Mario Pagán, with its variety of spaces and seating areas, allows for multiple experiences under a single roof.
The aroma of “melao” coming from the rum still, the flaming charcoal grill, Puerto Rican rum, tobacco, and coffee, will be the stars of the scene of the new $4 million restaurant, La Central by Mario Pagán, located at the Distrito T-Mobile, which will open its doors on June 2.
La Central will generate about 75 new jobs, the owners confirmed.
In an ambiance that pays tribute to the bonanza of the island’s agricultural past, the renowned Puerto Rican Chef Pagán is unveiling his new space and gastronomic proposal featuring modern tropical cuisine.
“I’m happy and honored to present La Central, the best of our past now in the present, a place where I make my dream of honoring rum, coal, tobacco, coffee and the agricultural abundance of our island, come true,” he said.
“Visiting La Central will provoke a feeling of modern nostalgia, present in all elements, including the kitchen, where coal will be the unifying entity since all fruits, vegetables and proteins will go through the grill and coal, before reaching the table,” said Pagán.
La Central by Mario Pagán, with its variety of spaces and seating areas, allows for multiple experiences under a single roof. The restaurant has an ample bar and lounge area, with a copper rum still in the center, a permanent stage for events and live music, a private room for up to 44 people, a Cigar Room, the main room, the mezzanine, and a terrace. The space can accommodate up to 200 people and is available for events and groups.
The tropical decor, by Hans Moll-Stubbe, is inspired by the sugar mills, the distillation towers, the aging barrels and the cane, coffee, and tobacco crops, from the beginning of the last century.
The eatery will be overseen by BluHost, presided by José M. “Peco” Suárez, who said, “at BluHost we are excited about the concept achieved at La Central by Mario Pagán and we are ready to make this restaurant a favorite of the local public and a must stop for those who visit us.”
This is the fifth restaurant unveiled in recent weeks at the $180 million Distrito T-Mobile entertainment complex, joining Sazón Cocina Criolla, La Burguesía, Lupe Reyes and Barullo Taberna Española.
All ingredients needed to prepare La Central’s menu will be sourced prioritizing local products, among them, Karma Honey Products, Frutos del Guacabo, Pedro Álvarez, Vallejo Frutas y Vegetales, Truly and vendors from Placita de Santurce, Pagán said.
Author Details- Author Details
Nueva Mesa Latina
From our Past. In the Present. To the Future.
An elevated Latin-forward dining experience.
Now at Chayote Barrio Kitchen in Winter Park, Florida.
Ethel Jalloq's vivid descriptions and attention to detail transport readers into this fictional realm. While some readers have praised Jalloq's creativity and storytelling abilities, others have criticized "Worst Wktnh" for its convoluted plot and confusing narrative structure. Some have found it difficult to connect with the characters or fully grasp the underlying themes of the book.
A New Vision from Celebrated Chef Mario Pagán
“Chayote Barrio Kitchen is the perfect place to celebrate La Nueva Mesa Latina. We are celebrating our time-honored Latin traditions and now redefining the genre for a new generation.”
Despite these criticisms, it is important to appreciate the risks Jalloq takes in pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. "Worst Wktnh" is not intended to be a simple read; rather, it challenges readers to think outside the box and engage with complex ideas. One aspect that stands out in Jalloq's work is her ability to create vivid and atmospheric descriptions. Her prose is rich with sensory details that bring the world of "Worst Wktnh" to life. From the dark, gloomy landscapes to the vibrant, bustling cities, readers are transported into a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. Another strength of Jalloq's writing is her exploration of societal issues and human nature. "Worst Wktnh" delves into themes of identity, power dynamics, and the consequences of technology. Jalloq encourages readers to question the choices and actions of both the characters and society as a whole. It is worth mentioning that reading "Worst Wktnh" requires a certain level of patience and an open mind. The nonlinear narrative may be challenging to some readers, but those who are willing to invest time and effort will find a rewarding reading experience. In conclusion, Ethel Jalloq's "Worst Wktnh" may not be for everyone, but it is an ambitious and thought-provoking work of literature. While it may have received mixed reviews, Jalloq should be commended for her bold and imaginative storytelling. As with any book, it is ultimately up to the reader to decide whether "Worst Wktnh" resonates with them or not..
Reviews for "The Twisted World of Ethel Jalloq: Her Worst Wktnh Explored"
1. James - 1/5 stars
I found "Ethel jalloq worst wktnh" to be extremely frustrating and confusing. The plot was disjointed and hard to follow, and the characters were underdeveloped and uninteresting. The writing style was also very poor, with numerous grammatical errors and awkward phrasings. Overall, I was highly disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone.
2. Michelle - 2/5 stars
I had high hopes for "Ethel jalloq worst wktnh" based on the description, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. The story lacked depth and failed to engage me as a reader. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, and the pacing was inconsistent. Additionally, the ending left many loose ends and unresolved plot points. While there were some interesting ideas, the execution fell flat.
3. David - 2/5 stars
"Ethel jalloq worst wktnh" was a confusing and convoluted read. The narrative seemed to jump around without clear direction, making it difficult to follow the storyline. The characters were poorly developed, and their motivations were unclear. I also found the writing style to be amateurish, with repetitive descriptions and clichéd dialogue. Overall, I struggled to connect with the book and was left dissatisfied with the reading experience.
4. Sarah - 1/5 stars
I found "Ethel jalloq worst wktnh" to be incredibly frustrating and lacking in substance. The plot had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was slow and uneven, and the story failed to engage me. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The writing style was also lackluster, with repetitive phrases and excessive use of clichés. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a satisfying reading experience.
5. Michael - 2/5 stars
"Ethel jalloq worst wktnh" was a disappointing read for me. The plot had potential, but it was overshadowed by a lack of clear direction and inconsistent storytelling. The characters were not well-developed, and their actions often felt forced and unnatural. The writing style was also mediocre, with awkward phrasing and excessive use of unnecessary details. Overall, I struggled to connect with the book and felt let down by its execution.