Illustration /Ramos
Restaurants & Clubs April-2007, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Salsa Spice
Early 1970s Latin magazines in New York City coined the word salsa. But the music itself originated long ago and far away, in the Afro-Caribbean rhythms of the Spanish islands. Puerto Rico has a complex musical tradition that goes back centuries. The European music of the Spaniards evolved into the waltzlike danza, popular in dance salons of the 1800s. Africans arriving as slaves established the most powerful musical legacy. Among African-inspired folkloric music are the bomba, a highly rhythmic “contest” of dancers, drummers and chanters, and the plena, a sung story set to rhythm. The melodies of the danzas and the percussion of the bomba and plena came together to produce the origins of salsa music.
In the 1940s, big bands made up of Cuban and Puerto Rican musicians played at the Palladium and other venues in New York. After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, the New York music scene came to be dominated more by Puerto Ricans than Cubans. Some of the biggest names in the early age of salsa include Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, El Gran
Combo and the Fania All-Stars with Héctor Lavoe.
Most people think of salsa as a catchword for any number of Latin, particularly Cuban, styles of dance music, from cha cha chá to mambo to merengue. But it is actually a very specific music with origins in the New York City Latin music scene of the 1970s. The modest clave, a pair of flat wood sticklike instruments that marks the beat, takes center stage. In addition, any salsa band worth its spice has bongos, conga drums, timbales, güiros, maracas and cowbells. A generous sprinkling of horns adds a brash touch to the driving rhythms of authentic salsa. Top it all off with a velvety-voiced crooner, throw in a piano and you have the makings of great salsa music.
In recent decades, salsa has shown a more romantic side and a greater universal appeal as it incorporates Latin jazz and other sounds. Salsa congresses and workshops are held as far away as Israel and Japan. San Juan has been dubbed the reigning capital of salsa. Elaborate salsa competitions take place on the Island; most major hotels host regular salsa evenings; and several venues feature instruction in the arts of salsa dancing. As the music continues to evolve, it will please aficionados for decades to come.
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Restaurants & Clubs Article Archive
2007-04 Kiosk Cooking
2007-04 Salsa Spice
2007-02 Puerto Rico’s distinctive drinks
2006-12 SOFO: Old San Juan Culinary Fest
2006-08 La Placita
2006-06 Jazz
2006-04 Salsa
2005-06 Salsa
2004-08 Hunnngry? You've got the Mesones!
2004-06 Salsa En La Noche
2004-06 Local Libations
2004-04 Trucutru pra...
2004-04 Jazz it up!
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 Restaurants & Clubs
Sponsors
 Casa Grande Café 787-894-3939
Utuado. Jungle Jane's is located at Casa Grande Mountain Retreat. Dine on the veranda in a stunning mountain setting. Comidas criolla and more contemporary dishes are on the menu. Try homemade pasta and shrimp or grilled salmon in a mango-papaya sauce.
 Grille Room, The 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Enjoy traditional fine dining in a warm and inviting club atmosphere with sensational views of our golf courses and the Ocean. Our steakhouse style menu features succulent steaks, chicken and fresh grilled seafood and an extensive wine list.
 Liquid Bar at Tangerine 888-265-6699
Carolina: Isla Verde. "Liquid" is the Water Club's main bar and sizable lounge. Instantly discovered by the trend setters, "Liquid" is the fashionable "in" spot in a city famed for vibrant lifestyle and nightlife. There is a late night DJ to keep things going.
Marbella 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Enjoy spectacular buffets and traditional table service in a relaxed ocean-view setting. Sample a diverse menu, featuring everything from salads, soups, and sandwiches to fresh seafood and prime steaks.
Palio 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Our AAA Four Diamond award-winning restaurant incorporates authentic Tuscan flavors, rich spices, homemade pastas and the freshest meats, poultry and seafood into its Northern Italian menu. Reservations required.
SeaBreeze 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Dine al-fresco at this casual poolside restaurant, serving a full luncheon menu, snacks and tropical drinks. Casual dress or beachwear suggested.
Shimas 800-4-RIOMAR
Río Grande. Delight your taste for the Orient at our Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar, serving authentic Japanese sushi, plus a wide array of tantalizing dishes from the Far East. Reservations required.
Tangerine 888-265-6699
Carolina: Isla Verde. "Tangerine" serves American Asian cuisine overlooking the Atlantic and is the creation of well known Chef Nelson Rosado. "Tangerine" recently made the Conde Nast Traveler "Hot Tables" list of 75 of the most intriguing new restaurants in the world.
Wet Lounge and Sushi Bar 888-265-6699
Carolina: Isla Verde. Day and night, the rooftop exotic bar and lounge aptly named "Wet", with the best sushi bar on the island, offering a panorama of San Juan's most dazzling views, the vast expanse of the Atlantic and the buildings of the capital city.
Marketplace
Platos Restaurant & Bar 787-791-6868
Carolina: Isla Verde.
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