SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC part 4

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic: Authentic Stimuli for all the
Senses Awaits Visitors to the Oldest City in the New World

IF YOU GO:

Hotel Dona Elvira, 207 Padre Bellini, can be reached by phone at 809 221-7415 or online at: www.dona-elvira.com. Rates range from $70 for a loft-style room for one person to $129 for a luxury suite fit for a king at queen. Your stay includes a spectacular tropical breakfast from the B&B’s little restaurant that also is worth checking out for lunch and dinner. Spanish classes can also be arranged through the couple that owns and lovingly operates the Dona Elvira.

El Conuco, 152 Calle Casimiro, 809 686-0129, in the upscale Gazcue neighborhood west of the Zona Colonial. With its countryside décor, buffet, dancing and nightly shows, is one of those restaurants that looks like it exists only for tourists – but the locals far outnumber the visitors every night. The best advice is to go for the buffet and sample typical Dominican takes on fish, beef, chicken, vegetables, salad and more.

Adrian Tropical, Avenida George Washington, 809 221-1764, serves succulent comida criolla at a perfect waterside location. There are multiple levels of seating – indoor and outdoor, to get a good view of el mar. The grilled boneless chicken breast is outstanding.

La Panaderia, 251 Calle Isabel la Catolica, 809 221-7878, creates heavenly confections for earthly prices. The tiny café also has great light sandwiches. Anything with chocolate or dulce de leche is to die for. And remember gringo brethren, don’t just as for directions to “the panaderia.” Every bakery and supermarket with baked goods is a panaderia.

Panteon Nacional, Calle Las Damas, was built as a Jesuit monastery in the early 1700s and restored by the dictator Trujillo in the 1950s. Don’t miss the changing of the guard and look for the chandelier – it was a gift of fellow dictator Franco from Spain. Trujillo dreamed of resting forever in this temple of national heroes, but he as assassinated in 1961 and his family fled in exile to Paris, where he was buried.

Mercado Modelo is NOT on the itinerary, but it is a good landmark to head for on the way to the adjacent open-air produce market stands along and on side streets of Avenida Mella. Go early to drink in the best atmosphere.

The Ministry of Tourism website is Spanish-dominant, but it does have a button for information in English at: www.dominicana.com.do

Dominican Republic one has much more information in English, plus several ongoing chats that cover the most intimate and interesting of topics: www.dr1.com