russo and steele is an american collector and classic car auction company that is headquartered in phoenix , arizona .

the company specializes in the sale of european sports cars , american muscle cars , hot rods and customs .

the company was founded in 2001 by drew and josephine alcazar .

the company held its first events in scottsdale , arizona and in monterey , california .

the company has since added auctions in newport beach , california .

typical auctions are held in outdoor locations where prospective bidders can inspect and bid on cars directly in an " auctions in the round " format .

at a 2010 event an 800-foot-long auction tent fell over due to strong winds , striking several cars and causing an estimated $ 1.5 million in damages .

a reality show on espn aired following the storm documenting the companies recovery .

russo and steele

drew alcazar , owner of russo and steele , said , “both scottsdale and monterey have matured to what we feel exemplifies the russo and steele experience .
view all the lots that ' ll be offered at russo and steele here .
guests may also call into reservations and ask to book using the promo code russo and steele .
russo and steele features the best group of cars we have ever seen .
russo and steele does a great job of getting the buyer and the seller to meet .
the collector car frenzy is alive and well at russo and steele’s collector automobile auction events .
no one at a russo and steele auction ever lacks for excitement or opportunity .
russo and steele goes out of its way to throw a big party , and an auction inevitably breaks out , so there ' s never a dull moment at a russo and steele sale .
russo and steele’s events have risen to become one of the premier vintage car auctions .
russo and steele has a customer service mentality that sets them apart from all other auctions .
russo and steele uses a more intimate , auction - in - the - round concept that places collector vehicles and their bidders on the same level . russo and steele is conducting its first auction in newport beach this weekend . this 1958 mercedes - benz 300 sl sold at a russo and steele auction in scottsdale , ariz . , for $ 727 , 100 .
russo and steele collector automobile auctions is indeed one of the most respected collector automobile auctions held in the united states .
russo and steele will effectively double their auction schedule in 2013 with the addition of new events in newport beach , california and las vegas , nevada .
now , the co - founder of the esteemed russo and steele collector auto auction is bringing the fruits of that obsession to orange county . this weekend marks the kickoff to 10 years of russo and steele auctions that will take place at the newport dunes waterfront resort .
russo and steele is an essential experience . there is nothing else like it : theater in the round with cars and emotions at center stage .
the selection at russo & steele auctions is so great , you never know what might surprise you . however diverse the selection is , you can count on all of russo & steele’s offerings to be top - quality .
russo and steele | welcome to the most exciting collector automobile auction company in the world ! - russo and steele is the most exciting collector automobile auction company in the world . a worldwide industry leader in the sale of european sports , american muscle , hotrods , customs and competition cars , russo and steele is “for enthusiasts by enthusiasts” . register to buy or consign your classic car , collector car , antique car , vintage car , exotic car , or specialty car now !
one of the more notable items at this year’s sale was the announcement that russo and steele were starting two new auctions in 2013 : newport beach , california and las vegas , nevada .
russo and steele has skillfully distinguished itself from competing auctions . it offers a unique auction block presentation , concentrates on its bidders and has adjusted its terms and presentation over time to give consignors and bidders things they can’t get elsewhere .
while scottsdale remains the flagship russo and steele event , with 750 cars available for auction over five days and 48 , 000 visitors , the newport beach version will be more similar to the russo and steele auction in monterey , with an ocean view , a more curated lineup and an overall shorter event with fewer attendees . alcazar expects about 10 , 000 visitors to the newport dunes .
russo and steele’s annual collector automobile auction in beautiful monterey , ca is among an elite list of events that contribute to monterey’s historic car week . concurrent with the prestigious pebble beach concours d’elegance weekend russo and steele’s monterey auction is conveniently located in the heart of downtown monterey , ca . the three evening event will auction over 250 automobiles in its highly interactive , visceral ground level auction arena that provides cars with no separation from the buyers . this level of excitement can only found at russo and steele .
russo and steele’s annual monterey collector automobile auction in august is concurrent with the prestigious pebble beach concours d’elegance and monterey historic race weekend and is the hottest ticket to the weekend festivities billed as the “mecca of collector automobiles . ”
the newport beach auction is the first russo and steele event to take place in southern california – and the first to take place since fellow collector car auction house barrett jackson exited the o . c . fairgrounds last year . alcazar and his wife , josephine , co - founded russo and steele with annual events in scottsdale , ariz . , and in monterey , as part of the pebble beach concours d’elegance , in 2001 .
russo and steele continues to offer a more intimate setting on auction weekend - - - it’s the event to visit when you’re serious about seeing cars go over the block up close and personal .
the russo and steele scottsdale auction 2013 was held january 16 - 20 in scottsdale , arizona , resulting in more than $ 17 . 5 million in total sales and a 68 % sell - through rate .
russo and steele’s annual collector automobile auction in beautiful monterey , ca is among an elite list of events that contribute to monterey’s historic car week , and holds the hottest ticket to monterey’s race weekend , billed as the “mecca of collector automobiles” . russo and steele continues to offer a collection of the highest quality , most luxurious and collectable european sports , american muscle , hot rods and custom automobiles suitable to satisfy any automotive desires with both reserve and no reserve automobiles . concurrent with the prestigious pebble beach concours d’elegance weekend russo and steele’s monterey auction is conveniently located in the heart of downtown monterey , ca . the three evening event will auction over 250 automobiles in its highly interactive , visceral ground level auction arena that provides cars with no separation from the buyers ; known as the auction - in - the - round format and only found at russo and steele auction events .
during this weekend’s event , cars will be wheeled into a preview area at the rate of 20 or 30 per hour before they are paraded up to the auction block between platforms for vip bidders and those partaking in something new for russo and steele – a catered area called club russo .
the winning russo and steele formula is the same—painstakingly careful jurying of entrants , catered hospitality and an intimate auction - in - the - round venue , where everyone is in the midst of the excitement .
courtyard by marriott scottsdale salt river 5201 north pima road scottsdale , az 85250 phone : 480 - 745 - 8200 special russo and steele group rate : rsrrsra $ 199 . 00 plus tax
even though russo and steele may appear to be all about muscle cars , there are plenty of trucks and foreign cars to see at their annual sale in scottsdale that stretches from jan . 15 to jan . 19 .
russo and steele’s “auction in the round” format offers bidders and spectators the chance to get up close and personal with cars as they are crossing the block . it’s thrilling to be right in the midst of such a theatrical , high - energy production .
the inaugural russo and steele newport beach auction will be held in the early summer of 2013 , while the las vegas sale will be staged over three days in the fall . information on the specific locations and dates will be announced later .
this year ' s lineup of lots is sure to produce even more impressive results with russo and steele ' s sale under way during the next three days . the selection is quite varied , as usual , and there are classic cars for every taste and in just about every price category .
the 13th annual russo and steele “sports and muscle” scottsdale auction saw more than 700 automobiles cross the auction block over five days , with the top result going to a numbers - matching 1958 mercedes - benz 300 sl roadster that sold for $ 727 , 100 .
russo and steele auctions are intentionally situated at “destination locales , ” alcazar said . “in newport , people can wrap their summer vacation into it . the kids can go to disneyland , and the crazy car guys can be over - indulging themselves at the auction with us . ”
like all russo and steele auctions , each car will be driven through the crowd and displayed in the round , with the vehicles , and their potential bidders , located at the same level or in stadium seating making for a better view of the glistening paint , the elaborate grilles , the exotic shapes of bygone eras .
southern california epitomizes the classic car lifestyle with its casual , yet exclusive appeal . the sheer variety of classic cars and the strength of its collector car community is astounding . the newport dunes waterfront resort is newport beach , california’s premier oceanside retreat and is the perfect location for russo and steele’s astute , sophisticated clientele to come enjoy the auction action in our laid back , enthusiast atmosphere . russo and steele brings outstanding , highly collectable european sports , american muscle , hot rods and customs to the pristine pacific coastline of newport beach , california where we will continue to provide the intensely passionate , high energy auction in the round experience enthusiasts have come to expect .
past auction results don ' t go unnoticed , and this is perhaps why there ' s a 1969 chevrolet yenko camaro coupe being offered at russo and steele this year . yenko camaro coupes trade very reliably at the top auctions , with one example exactly one year ago hammering for $ 253 , 000 . this year , russo and steele will be offering a daytona yellow four - speed example that had been fully restored in the 1990s , one that is said to retain
most of its original sheetmetal ,
a statement you ' re welcome to interpret however you like .
talking stick resort 9800 east talking stick way scottsdale , az 85256 phone : 866 - 877 - 9897 use promo code : russo steele id # 14529 $ 239 + tax + $ 25 . 00 resort fee ( space is limited )
drew alcazar , ceo of russo and steele , commented that he was , “pleased with scottsdale’s results and the tremendous response that the announcement about our two new auctions has produced . typically , at this time we have the phones ringing off the hook asking about results from scottsdale – this year we fielded double the number of calls , but it was from enthusiasts and clients alike asking about the new events and how they can start planning to attend them . ”
salt river fields at talking stick’s beautifully manicured fields will provide a premium concours style experience that will showcase the high quality , incredibly diverse range of offerings that russo and steele has forged its reputation on . additionally , salt river fields at talking stick’s highly centralized and easily accessible location , right off the loop 101 and indian bend will put them directly at the epicentre of all the action during arizona car week .
last year ' s russo and steele monterey auction exceeded $ 10 million in sales , a figure which has more or less become the benchmark for monterey week sales for the major auction houses . more than 250 cars were offered last year , with the top sale being a 1965 shelby cobra 289 csx2538 that went for $ 781 , 000 . needless to say , most auction houses all had top 10 sales hammering north of $ 100 , 000 , and russo and steele was no exception . though it wasn ' t just the supercars and vintage ferraris that were bringing in the big bucks - - the tenth highest sale was a 2009 bentley arnage t saloon that realized $ 145 , 200 ; a bit of a bargain actually .
scottsdale , az is the premier auction location that provides all of the fundamental essentials which attract buyers and sellers from around the world . russo and steele’s scottsdale auction is the primary destination for automobile enthusiasts to buy and / or sell the very best in european sports , american muscle , hot rods , and customs . following with tradition , we are continuing with our signature “auction in the round” format , and will offer 5 days of auction excitement and over 800 + classic cars . the scottsdale auction event has a reputation for wild , action - filled , auction block excitement .
russo and steele has added two new sales to its 2013 calendar . the first new auction is scheduled for jun . 20 - 21 , 2013 , in newport beach , calif . a las vegas , nev . , sale is also slated for sept . 27 - 28 , 2013 , alongside barrett - jackson’s annual event .
event parking is available in public parking garages located on del monte avenue between alvarado street and tyler street , and del monte avenue between tyler street and fisherman’s wharf .
the most exciting collector automobile auction in the world is coming to the east coast ! concurrent with the prestigious amelia island concours d”elegance , russo and steele joins an exclusive and elite cast of automotive lifestyle destination events and becomes one of the only auction houses in the world , with a presence at all three major collector car weeks in the united states . the 2 - evening event will feature over 250 ultra - premium collector automobiles crossing its exciting , high energy , “auction in the round” style auction block
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not every high - profile auction has a ferrari from the 1940s , but at russo and steele at pebble beach you ' re almost guaranteed to see one every year . and here ' s a wonderful 1949 ferrari 166 inter berlinetta coupe by stabilimenti farina . this is the 16th example produced , and is the seventh of 10 stabilimenti farina - bodied cars . this example came to the u . s . in 1954 , and despite passing through several notable ferrari collections , it could be said that this is a no - stories car , one that ' s been well maintained and one that ' s taken part in many classic tours .
scottsdale , az is the premier auction location that provides all of the fundamental essentials which attract buyers and sellers from around the world . russo and steele’s scottsdale auction is the primary destination for automobile enthusiasts to buy and / or sell the very best in european sports , american muscle , hot rods , and customs . following with tradition , we are continuing with our signature “auction in the round” format , and will offer 5 days of auction excitement and over 800 + classic cars . the scottsdale auction event has a reputation for wild , action - filled , auction block excitement earning the honor of being “one of the major players in the scottsdale scene . rapidly upping their game to become a one - stop shopping venue for lovers of all manner of post - war vintage machinery , both domestic and imported” according to hemmings sports and exotic magazine .
- jay ramey is an associate editor with autoweek , and has been with the magazine since 2013 . jay also likes to kayak and bike .
last year , the auction house achieved $ 17 . 5 million in sales , along with a 68 percent sell - through rate . the latter number may not seem especially high , given the fact that more than 700 cars were on offer in relatively modest price categories , but remember that russo and steele and a couple other auction houses are favored by consignors trying to ride various waves in the collector - car market . combined with a solid presence of cars that have just been restored makes for a consignor audience that is perfectly willing to ship their cars back and wait a few more months to get a 10 percent better offer elsewhere .
“car collectors in so cal are pretty savvy folks . they’re not just casual hey - i’m - going - to - buy - some - car - because - it - looks - cool sort of people . they’re knowledgeable , ” said alcazar , who is a so cal car collector himself . he and his wife own 30 collector cars , including the ferrari 250 cabriolet they displayed at pebble beach in 2012 . they live in newport beach half the year . the other half they spend in scottsdale , where they launched the original russo and steele auction to stage a more unique , personalized and premium bidding experience for enthusiasts , by enthusiasts .
a bit of an unusual offering at russo and steele this year is this 1957 mercedes - benz 220s convertible . these were the first mercedes - benz cars to feature the
ponton
styling , and this large cabriolet was one of the first luxurious post - war cars that mercedes - benz offered . this is a u . s . - spec model sold new in california and is said to recently have received a full body - off restoration . powered by a six - cylinder engine with twin solex carburetors making 120 hp , this example should make a comfortable summertime cruiser , and the new owner is unlikely to see another car like it on a classic rally . this lot is scheduled to run saturday between 5 : 55 p . m . and 6 : 15 p . m . ( pt ) .
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ranked among the “top 10 resort towns in the u . s . , ” newport beach is also dubbed one of the country’s “top 10 best family beaches . ” its mild climate , beautiful coastlines , inspiring sunsets , superb golfing , world - class shopping and picturesque backdrops offer the perfect appeal to the classic car community . the russo and steele newport beach auction event will not only provide the electric atmosphere of auction in the round auction block , but also provide enthusiasts an outstanding destination to bring the whole family to experience their passion of classic cars , but also the amazing community of newport beach .
russo and steele held its 13th annual scottsdale auction on jan . 17 - 20 , 2013 . the local company sent 710 lots across the block , selling 451 for a 64 % sales rate . total sales for the auction amounted to $ 17 . 7m , which was the lowest amount since 2010’s storm - struck sale . of course , the auction’s average sale price of $ 37 , 975 was more than 20 % improved over 2011’s figure of $ 31 , 259 , indicating that car quality was at a higher level .
while the russo and steele sale will have plenty of rare ferraris on offer , one of which we are going to take a look at below , here ' s an italian car that ' ll be a little harder to spot in the auction tent since everyone will be blinded by the color red . this lancia aurelia from 1958 is an example of the sixth and final series aurelia b20 gt , which first entered production in 1950 . featuring bodywork by boano , with pininfarina participating in the assembly , the aurelia of this type is perhaps best known for finishing second at the 1951 mille miglia . this example has resided in italy almost from new , and counts just four owners to its name .
monterey car week is packed with car shows , vintage racing and auctions . autoweek will be there providing streaming photo galleries and live coverage of the pebble beach concours d ' elegance , historic racing at laguna seca , the monterey car auctions and plenty more . go to autoweek ' s pebble beach home page for complete coverage and live updates .
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the presence of a lot of muscle cars also makes for careful buyers and sellers - - their values are tracked and examined by many different valuation tools and price guides . and even though the annual selection leans heavily toward rare muscle , the top sale last year was actually a 1958 mercedes - benz 300 sl roadster that achieved $ 727 , 100 .
yenko camaros have become the darlings of the muscle - car world now that copo is not only a household word , but something that is now an actual decal applied to modern cars ( arguably degrading its mystique a bit ) . despite the fact that only 198 were built for one model year equipped with 427 engines from the factory , they trade hands pretty regularly , mostly on live television . this is said to be an example with bulletproof history - - and one that ' s kept its original engine throughout its lifetime . russo and steele doesn ' t provide pre - auction estimates , but given the publicity this example has received over the years , appearing in calendars and magazines , it should sell well . this lot is scheduled to run on saturday between 8 : 26 p . m . and 8 : 46 p . m . ( pt ) .
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russo and steele may seem to be mostly about muscle cars , but every year there are a few high - end foreign classics . this year , the spotlight seems to be on this 1966 lamborghini 350gt , ferruccio lamborghini ' s 3 . 5 - liter v12 answer to ferrari cars of the day . very few of these were built , and this example , chassis 148 , has received a comprehensive restoration at some point , receiving several best in class awards . it ' s tough to pin down production documentation for these , as they were built out of sequence and no two cars were alike , but this one is believed to be an early production example judging by a number of details like the steering wheel and dash surround . just a couple examples of this car come up for auction every year - - they tend to trade hands privately , so it will be interesting to see what kind of money this example can command . this lot is scheduled to run on saturday between 8 p . m . and 8 : 20 p . m . ( pt ) .
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“unlike other auctions , where you have a stage far off in the distance and a sea of audience chairs trying to watch this postage - stamp spectacle a quarter - mile away , i believed early on that collector cars are supposed to be visceral and emotional . that’s why they’re collectable . otherwise , we’d be selling hyundais and toyotas , ” alcazar said . “that’s why collector cars are so vibrant and why ebay hasn’t put us out of business . ”
this 1962 volkswagen double cab pickup is a rare machine , and this one has been treated to a complete restoration .
the quality of consignments are superb and their high energy show makes you feel like part of the action .
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premier collector automobile auction offering the finest in european sports , american muscle , hot rods , customs and late model exotics .
about 400 cars will be on the block at an auction that specializes in european sports cars and american muscle cars , as well as hot rods and customs . highlights of the show include the first ferrari quiet enough to enjoy a stereo ( the 1967 330 gtc coupe with pininfarina - designed bodywork ) and an original first - ever - model - year chevrolet corvette roadster from 1953 .
here ' s something you don ' t see every day : a base - spec 1957 chevrolet 150 coupe that hasn ' t been
improved
in any way aside from a faithful restoration . this example received a frame - off restoration a couple years ago but retained all of its original equipment , including the six - cylinder 235 - cid engine and three - speed manual transmission , and black - and - white base / clear paint over black - and - silver cloth interior . the consigning owner gets bonus points for keeping the original dog - dish hubcaps and the radio delete
option
intact , presumably to one day fulfill someone ' s fantasy of rendering speechless other car owners at the weekend cruise - in . this car has a bright future in period films and will be offered without reserve today , scheduled to run between 2 : 57 p . m . and 3 : 17 p . m . ( pt ) .
“people keep asking , ‘why did it take you 13 years ? ' ” alcazar said of his decision to expand his franchise to newport beach this summer and to the new tropicana in las vegas later this fall . “i’m a big believer in making sure that things are nice and tidy in your own yard before you venture out somewhere else . it’s important to maintain the continuity and synergy of our events . ”
one of the most unique things to do in newport beach is enjoy a dinner cruise , or what we like to call it , dock and dine . nearly a dozen newport beach restaurants have docks welcoming the marine community , allowing boaters to pull up and enjoy a great dining experience .
here ' s a nice pony car crowd - pleaser , a 1968 shelby gt500kr convertible in highland green , one of 1 , 571 gt500krs built that year and one of 518 convertibles . this one was optioned with a four - speed toploader manual transmission and a 3 . 50 : 1 traction - lok rear end . this three - owner example appears to have had the option book thrown at it , and it has just received a comprehensive restoration that included the reproduction of small details like component and product labels . this car has the elite marti report to back up its authenticity , and it certainly looks like it was given a cost - no - object restoration . having said that , gt500krs keep going up , and whatever condition this car existed in prior to the restoration , the consignor will be looking to get his money back . this lot is scheduled to run on saturday between 8 : 42 p . m . and 9 : 02 p . m . ( pt ) , with a reserve , of course .
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campaigned by stan antlocer in the 1963 nhra season , this car later received a borg - warner three - speed manual transmission and a full - size pontiac rear end , earning it the title of the
world ' s fastest tempest .
this car has an interesting back story , too : it was discovered just a few years ago by a landlord who was selling off a tenant ' s possessions to recoup the back rent owed and posted this very car in unrestored condition on ebay without realizing what it was . it took very little time for pretty much the whole internet to notice and point out to him just what it was ; to his credit , he let the online auction run and was rewarded with more than $ 226 , 000 . this example has now been restored and presents as new . this lot is scheduled to run on saturday between 8 : 10 p . m . and 8 : 30 p . m . ( pt ) .
here ' s a car we don ' t see at auction too often , and a great example of virgil exner ' s forward look design theme - - a 1956 desoto fireflite sportsman coupe . fireflite was desoto ' s luxury line , and as such it offered spectacular interiors coupled with dramatic styling on the outside . this particular example is finished in iridescent grey and shell pink , and boasts options such as a pushbutton am radio , power brakes , power steering , power operated driver ' s seat , as well as power windows . what ' s under the hood ? for those concerned about its performance figures , the desoto of course featured a 330 cubic inch v8 making 255 hp . this car was treated to a comprehensive restoration some time ago , and is said to be in superb condition .
the auction is now in progress , and will run through aug . 17 . let ' s take a look at some of the lots that caught our eye .
the three - day inaugural event kicked off thursday with a cocktail party preview for the hundreds of vehicles that run the gamut from a modern mclaren 12c and a vintage 1973 ferrari dino 246 gtc to an original kenny bernstein top fuel dragster and a brand new srt viper at a range of price points for serious , as well as beginning , collectors .
nine - passenger capacity is now associated more with stretched mpvs and shuttle vans , but there was a time long ago when you could get a wagon that could seat that many people , and still have some room left over . this 1959 ford country squire wagon galaxie is one lot we ' re going to be keeping an eye on . as if the rear styling wasn ' t amazing enough , this wagon has faux - wood panels and a very very red interior . needless to say , only cars from the 1950s could pull this off without looking gaudy , and this one is sure to get appreciative looks wherever it goes . a car kept in california all of its life , this galaxie will be offered without reserve .
here ' s one ford fairlane you ' re unlikely to see at your local concours event , one of just two semi - hand - built ford fairlanes prepared by depaolo engineering and used at bonneville to set endurance and performance records in the late 1950s . just how many records ? 458 of them . this particular example , car number two , set the world unlimited speed record , the international “class b” speed record ( 106 . 55 mph over 14 days and 35 , 800 . 30 miles ) in addition to many others over the course of 20 days at bonneville , covering over 51 , 000 miles during that time . this car spent some time in bill harrah ' s collection , perhaps unsurprisingly , and comes with massive amounts of documentation , including photos from life magazine .
here are the lots we ' ll be watching over the next four days , a mix of likely top sales and some overlooked lots that may be indicative of trends in the collector - car market .
if you ' ve discovered that you need a 1958 chevrolet cameo pickup truck in your life after the lambrecht chevrolet auction and don ' t want to go for one of those franklin mint scale models , here ' s a nice example ( better than new , perhaps ) that has received a frame - off nut - and - bolt restoration and been kept in its original spec . a v8 with an automatic , this one is red enough to be seen from miles away and to cause all but the most high - end digital cameras to blow the red highlights ( it ' s complicated ) . this example is perhaps a bit overrestored , but in the auction tent it ' ll seem just about right . with just over a thousand miles on the truck since its restoration , someone obviously did it for the purpose of selling it , so they ' re unlikely to let it go till they can make their money back and then some . these were fancy trucks when they were new , and due to their cuteness they ' re now receiving no - expense - spared restorations . if you want a rugged driver that you won ' t feel bad about splashing through a puddle occasionally , this probably isn ' t it , but who knows - - this one may end up being used as is . this lot is scheduled to run on saturday between 3 : 24 p . m . and 3 : 41 p . m . ( pt ) .
an interesting piece of john wayne memorabilia , this 1966 international travelall was converted for the actor to be used on his ranch in arizona and gained the name warwagon . the roof had been raised to allow the actor to wear his cowboy hat while driving ( lest someone spot him without his signature cowboy hat ) and a hatch had been built into the roof to allow a passenger to shoot at wild game while the truck was on the move . this travelall also has a roll cage for the front compartment , an electric rear window and air conditioning , in addition to a whole host of smaller details oriented for manly activities . a larger - than - life vehicle that will be a unique purchase for someone . this lot is scheduled to run today on thursday between 7 : 27 p . m . and 7 : 47 p . m . ( pt ) .
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other headline sales included the 1969 chevrolet camaro zl1 coupe that made $ 605 , 000 , the $ 242 , 000 paid for the 1940 packard darrin convertible custom and the 1969 ford mustang boss 429 that brought $ 233 , 750 .
a barn find from texas that received a complete restoration , the volkswagen double cab pickup is not a van / truck often seen at auctions , or anywhere else for that matter . this 1962 was purchased from the grandson of the original owner after sitting someplace for 10 years , and after an intensive restoration it now presents better than new . it would be interesting to find out where in texas this vw lived - - the humid part or the dry part - - but the auction description states that original equipment was cleaned and reused where possible . the end result , painted in ruby red and white , undeniably has great auction appeal , and since it ' ll be offered at no reserve , we have a feeling we ' re going to find out just how high the market can take this one . the doka trucks from the 1980s are starting to gain more interest too , so they ' re not as niche a collector vehicle as you might think . whatever sum this one achieves this week might seem cheap in a few years . this lot will run on saturday between 3 : 45 p . m . and 4 : 05 p . m . ( pt ) .
“enthusiasts want to have that emotional , passionate connection with a car . they want to see it , feel it , look at it , ” alcazar said . “if we could pick it up and put it in our mouths , we would . ”
here ' s a real muscle - car legend , one of six 1963 pontiac lemans super duty factory lightweight coupes built , cars designed to test the limits of weight shedding . just one of two remaining today , these were handbuilt by pontiac engineering and featured the 421 super duty high - compression dual - quad engines connected to special rear - mounted four - speed automatics . these cars had aluminum sheetmetal up front to cut down on engine weight and improve front - rear balance , in addition to lightweight windshield glass .
a somewhat forgotten 1950s station wagon , the plymouth sport suburban can almost fit a modern station wagon inside its cargo area . these were working cars when new , and with automotive styling evolving quickly in the late 1950s , these were not on sale long . this 1959 example is said to be a rust - free california car that has been in the same ownership for the last 21 years and comes factory - equipped with the plymouth 350 golden commando dual - quad engine mated to a push - button torqueflite automatic . this nine - passenger wagon ( that ' s right , nine ) has options like power steering , power windows , tinted glass , power brakes and bumper wings - - this was seemingly the yukon denali of the day . the exterior color is arctic turquoise iridescent , with contrasting iceberg - white top , with white vinyl with black jacquard fabric on the inside . a bit of a niche buy , but well kept post - war wagons are starting to gain appreciation from collectors who are tired of seeing the same tri - power chevys parade across the auction block . it will be interesting to see what this restored example goes for when it crosses the block on friday between 5 : 51 p . m . and 6 : 11 p . m . ( pt ) .
“the majority of our cars are in the $ 50 , 000 to $ 500 , 000 sweet spot , ” alcazar said , though the auction also features vehicles that cost significantly less , such as a $ 12 , 000 restored mgb convertible and a $ 15 , 000 vw thing , to help “little fish grow to be big fish . ”
adding these two new auction events to our mix is a natural progression in our evolution . ”
© copyright off camber group , inc . - 2008 - 2018 . all rights reserved .
a rare 1949 ferrari 166 inter berlinetta coupe by stabilimenti farina will cross the block this weekend in monterey .
1 . 1958 mercedes - benz 300 sl roadster – $ 727 , 100 2 . 1969 chevrolet camaro zl1 coupe – $ 605 , 000 3 . 1969 chevrolet douglass yenko camaro coupe – $ 253 , 000 4 . 1940 packard darrin convertible custom – $ 242 , 000 5 . 1969 ford mustang boss 429 – $ 233 , 750 6 . 2006 ford gt – $ 206 , 250 7 . 1966 chevrolet corvette coupe – $ 176 , 000 8 . 1968 shelby gt500kr convertible – $ 170 , 500 9 . 2007 ferrari f430 spyder – $ 150 , 700 10 . 1940 willys deluxe coupe – $ 148 , 500
this daytona yellow yenko camaro is said to be a genuine example in showroom condition .
one of two surviving 1963 pontiac lemans super duty factory lightweight coupes , this car has a fascinating story .
jaguar land rover warns ' bad brexit ' could put its u . k . future in doubt
drew alcazar is such a dedicated auto enthusiast that he will “crawl over broken glass in a snowstorm to look at a car with weeds growing through it , ” he said .
“what’s most important about the inaugural event is the experience people have , ” he said . “it’s a not a flash in the pan . we’re in it for the long haul . ”
top sale for the event was a 1958 mercedes - benz 300sl roadster that sold for $ 727 , 100 . a documented 1969 chevrolet camaro zl1 coupe also topped the half - million mark , selling for a strong $ 605 , 000 . another sale of note was the well - traveled 1967 chevrolet corvette 427 / 435 convertible that was previously owned by astronaut gus grissom . the car was sold post - block for $ 159 , 500 .
the collector car epicenter for those who come to buy or sell the very best .
if you’ve never been , you’re missing out on the greatest vintage car event in the country .
check in hours 9 : 00 a . m . – 5 : 00 p . m .
check out hours 9 : 00 a . m . – 5 : 00 p . m .
gates open at 9 : 00 a . m . – 5 : 00 p . m .
offices open 9 : 00 a . m . – 5 : 00 p . m .
offices open 9 : 00 a . m . – 12 : 00 p . m .
gates open 9 : 00 a . m . – 5 : 00 p . m .
auction runs from 11 : 00 a . m . – 7 : 30 p . m .
gates open at 9 : 00 a . m . – 5 : 00 p . m . close
public preview 9 : 00 a . m . – 3 : 00 p . m .
check in hours 10 : 00 a . m . – 4 : 00 p . m .
monday – wednesday check out hours 10 : 00 a . m . – 4 : 00 p . m .
balboa bay resort is conveniently situated in the heart of town , just off pacific coast highway , sprawling across 15 waterfront acres of pristine southern california coastline .
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nothing beats the excitement of the block ! we’re known for bringing the highest energy , most fun atmosphere to our auctions . find out for yourself at monterey 2018 ! visit
heading to monterey in august for our next auction ? today is the last day to save $ 200 on your consignments ! head to our website for more details . urltoken
it’s a bouquet of yellow cars for mother’s day ! we brought this 1962 meyers manx out to scottsdale motorsports gathering this past weekend . # forenthusiastsbyenthusiests # russoandsteele urltoken
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los chinos de ponce ( english : " the chinesemen of ponce " ) , formally king 's [ ice ] cream , is an ice cream store located at calle marina 9322 in the city of ponce , puerto rico , in front of the town square , plaza degetau , opposite the historic parque de bombas .

critics have called the store " a puerto rican institution " and its ice cream " the caribbean 's best . "

it has also been called " puerto rico 's most famous ice cream stand . "

another critic called it " [ the reason ] for which i 'll always remember ponce . "

los chinos de ponce

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si se te resisten los palillos chinos esta es tu guía . # yatekomo urltoken
yatekomo on twitter :
si se te resisten los palillos chinos esta es tu guía . # yatekomo urltoken
one of the oldest ice cream shops in ponce , is the king cream aka helados los chinos . if you don ' t buy from here . . . . you simply have not passed through ponce .
barrio sabanetas , plaza las delicias , parque de bombas and helados chinos . 2 august 2009 . retrieved 25 june 2012 .
jose lee - borges . los chinos en puerto rico . san juan , puerto rico : ediciones callejon . 2015 . pages 23 and 24 .
dont know why they call this place
los chinos
but its a great place to grab an ice cream and then take a stroll around the plaza .
lee - borges , josé . los chinos en puerto rico . ( in spanish ) second edition . ediciones callejón . 2015 . 437 pages . isbn 978 - 1615051700 .
simple . because it has so much to offer . . . the city of ponce puerto rico , hospitality capital of the world , was founded in 1692 and named after juan ponce de león y loayza , the grandson of spanish conquistador juan ponce de león ( 1474 - 1521 ) .
puerto rico ' s second city becomes a hot ticket : ponce , anchored by a whimsical firehouse , is turning itself into an architectural tour de force .
several archaeological sites within the ponce city limits preserve remains of the indigenous taíno who once flourished here on puerto rico’s caribbean coast . after the arrival of spanish conquistador juan ponce de léon in 1508 , san juan on the north coast became the main centre of colonial power . it was ponce’s grandson juan ponce de león y loayza who led the spanish settlement of the region around rio portugués , which flows just east of the city’s modern centre .
ponce isn’t just the city of museums — its several nicknames capture various other aspects of its history and geography : from la perla del sur ( “the pearl of the south” ) to ciudad de las quenepas ( “city of genips” ) , thanks to its many trees bearing the small green fruit , and even ciudad de los leones ( “city of lions” ) , from the name of its founder .
puerto rico ' s second city becomes a hot ticket : ponce , anchored by a whimsical firehouse , is turning itself into an architectural tour de force . - latimes
the pearl of the south ,
ponce was named after loíza ponce de león , great - grandson of juan ponce de león . founded in 1692 , ponce is today puerto rico ' s principal shipping port on the caribbean . the city is well kept and attractive , with an air of being stuck in the past , like a provincial mediterranean town . on weekday afternoons , men dressed in starched guayaberas and hats play dominoes while uniformed school girls run along the large walkways .
the heart of ponce is plaza de las delicias , a large , shady square containing elaborate fountains ; the catedral de nuestra señora de guadalupe , a french neo - classical sanctuary featuring twin bell towers and 20 crystal chandeliers ; and the striking black - and - red striped pavilion , parque de bombas . originally an exhibit space for the town’s much - ballyhooed 1882 exposition - fair , it later served as a fire station and now a museum devoted to the city’s firefighters .
main square in ponce with nice buildings surrounding it and the cathedral in the middle which is nothing spectacular . parque de bombas is right there too which you should check out .
ponce ' s plaza de las delicias , a town square with gardens , fountains and the historic cathedral of our lady guadeloupe , is the hub of puerto rico ' s second - largest city .
ponce isn’t called “the city of museums” for nothing . its dozens of historical and cultural institutions rival the riches of san juan and make ponce a magnet for arts lovers . heading the list is the museo de arte de ponce , the largest art museum in the caribbean , housed in a landmark building designed by the american modernist architect edward durrell stone . its treasures include everything from european old master paintings to one of the best pre - raphaelite collections in the world , to works by contemporary latin american artists .
ice cream is as popular in ponce as in any tropical city , and the lines are longest at the unassuming - looking king cream parlour ( also known as los chinos ) , a longtime mainstay serving gelato - style treats — the best in puerto rico , locals claim . fans recommend the flavours derived from locally grown fruits like parcha ( passionfruit ) and guanabana ( soursop ) , and the coconut ice cream is a must - try .
puerto rico ' s second city becomes a hot ticket : ponce , anchored by a whimsical firehouse , is turning itself into an architectural tour de force . mike clary . la times . 13 december 1993 . retrieved 25 june 2012 .
owner description : ponces main square has enough to keep you busy , from historical sites to boutiques .
we say that if you came to ponce and didn ' t visit the firehouse , you didn ' t come to ponce ,
guide lucy hernandez said .
it ' s hard to miss .
desfilan en masa para honrar a ponce . sandra torres guzmán . la perla del sur . ponce , puerto rico . year 31 . issue 1556 . 25 september 2013 . page 24 . retrieved 25 september 2013 .
their owners / founders were alfredo louk , originally from canton , china , and his wife violeta chang de louk , a cuban woman of chinese immigrant parents . the couple had fled the fidel castro government and established themselves in ponce in 1963 . [ 6 ]
done ? now you are ready to explore the ponce experience . check these $ 2pp ! guided ponce tours or just follow your travelponce guide . . . we ' ll take you
by the hand
to the points of interest & top attractions , the best gastronomy and accommodations to make your ponce puerto rico visit a memorable and uplifting experience .
let ' s go to ponce . archived 2012 - 07 - 16 at the wayback machine . retrieved 25 june 2012 .
much is still left to be written about the history of immigration to puerto rico , and lee borges’ extensive study of chinese immigration to the island amounts to a fundamental work of local history . challenging exotifying popular narratives about chinese settlement on the island , lee borges digs all the way back to the construction of the san juan - ponce highway in the mid - 19th century , which brought droves of forced migrants from the chinese mainland and cuba . bringing us all the way to the present day , los chinos en puerto rico adds new shades of complexity and cultural diversity to the narrative of puerto rican national identity .
with his fifth novel , hiram lozada pérez brings a uniquely puerto rican flavor to the classic detective novel . set in one of the islands notorious housing projects , or caseríos , los muertos se visten de blanco is structured around a police investigation into the mysterious murder of five young men , and explores themes of police corruption , extrajudicial killing , and the vicious cycle of street life that plagues puerto rico’s caseríos along the way .
people enjoy visiting
plaza de las delicias
, specially because they appreciate the stunning cathedral , where a lot of beautiful weddings take place , others enjoy taking pictures of the painted lions that are all over the place ( being that the lion is representative of ponce ) , while others enjoy the old fire station , which serves as a location to hop on the trolley . but if you ever visit plaza las delicias , don ' t ever leave without eating at king
s ice cream , best known by the locals as
los chinos
. they sell the most delicious ice cream in all the flavors you can wish for and best of all , at very cheap prices . just so you ' re aware , during your visit there , you will most likely see homeless people , being that many organizations and churches go to plaza las delicias to give them food and clothing at different dates and times . at night , the plaza is filled with night life and most tourist stay at one of the most famous hotels in ponce ; the meliá hotel , located right in the center of downtown ponce .
the municipality of ponce sprawls from the southern coastal plain of puerto rico up to the heights of the cordillera central , but the city’s historic centre , two and a half miles inland from the caribbean sea , is the plaza de las delicias , with its shady trees and gushing lions fountain . surrounding the plaza are ponce’s city hall , its wedding - cake cathedral , the art deco teatro fox delicias , and other buildings showing off the diverse styles that make ponce an architecture lover’s delight : from neoclassical to art nouveau to the distinctive vernacular ponce creole . the city’s protected historic zone falls within the six numbered central barrios : primero to sexto . the best views of ponce are from the sky bridge of the cruceta del vigía , a cross - shaped monument , a hundred feet tall , on a hill just north of the city centre , once used as a defensive lookout .
ponce also hosted the just - concluded central american and caribbean games , during which more than 40 cuban athletes and other delegation members defected .
the ponce museum of art ( 25 las americas ave . , 787 - 848 - 0511 ) is open daily ; admission $ 3 .
located on puerto rico’s picturesque south coast , overlooking historic ponce ' s crystal caribbean waters and rugged , majestic mountains is costa caribe resort .
ponce , like new orleans , is known for elaborate pre - lenten celebrations , and handmade papier - mache masks are a specialty . outside the historic district is the ponce museum of art , which emphasizes european works and is known for its pre - raphaelite and italian baroque paintings .
location : 675 ponce de leon ave . ne , fourth ward projected opening : summer 2015 vendors : minero , juice box , bellina , ton ton , farm to ladle , jia , dub ' s fish camp , h & f burger , h & f bread co . , simply seoul kitchen , unnamed indian street food concept , honeysuckle gelato , dancing goats coffee bar
ponce recalls 19th century colonialism in puerto rico . suzanne van atten . the atlanta journal - constitution . oct . 20 , 2012 . retrieved 9 january 2013 .
“casting traitors and villains : the historiographical memory of the 1605 depopulations of hispaniola” in marina llorente , marcella salvi , and aida diaz de león , eds . sites of memory in spain and latin america . lexington press , 2015 .
the southern city of ponce , puerto rico is blessed with distinguished architecture . named for the grandson of puerto rico’s first governor , ponce is a delightful surprise for the visitor and has few equals among cities in the americas . the fact that conquering americans were responsible for the preservation of the city’s historic district is equally surprising .
the city has a well - respected art museum , along with an archeological site and museum dedicated to the island ' s long - lost indigenous people . in the last year , ponce has also opened a museum of history , begun offering free trolley rides through the downtown area and welcomed the 156 - room ponce hilton hotel & casino .
a testament to ponce’s rich history and deep cultural roots are the city’s many museums , devoted to music , history and art . but the 800 - pound gorilla in town is museo de arte de ponce . recently renovated and expanded to the tune of $ 30 million , the institution boasts an astonishing collection of 3 , 000 - plus pieces of european and north american artwork spanning from the 14th century to the present . the museum specializes in italian baroque , british pre - raphaelite and puerto rican artworks . its signature piece , which is plastered on t - shirts , coffee cups and mouse pads in the gift shop , is the 1895 classicism painting “flaming june” by briton lord fredric leighton . but its spotlight was recently usurped a bit by the new acquisition of “brush strokes in flight , ” a 28 - foot sculpture by roy lichtenstein .
ponce , puerto rico — in this 300 - year - old city , steeped in history and rich with architectural treasures , the most famous landmark is also the most unlikely .
colaboraciones fronterizas , diplomacia y guerra en la española , 1660 - 1690
in boletín del archivo general de la nación , año lxxvii , vol . xl ( mayo - agosto 2015 ) , núm . 142 , pp . 255 - 283 .
ponce , puerto rico — there was a time not that long ago when visitors to puerto rico’s second largest city were cautioned not to stray from the central plaza after dark . many of ponce’s ornate 19th century buildings were vacant and falling to pieces , and the poorly lit streets were made even shadier by some of the characters who roamed them looking for handouts or worse .
ponce press officer jesus vassallo called the fire station - - parque de bombas in spanish - -
probably the second most - photographed place in puerto rico , next to el morro ( fort ) in san juan .
built in 1883 as an exhibition hall for an agricultural fair , the fire station is a whimsical arabesque confection , brilliantly striped in red and black , that until three years ago was home to the city ' s legendary fire department .
on the strength of a plan to spend about $ 440 million improving roads and bridges and restoring ponce ' s 66 - block historic zone , tourism rose 32 % last year over 1991 .
in many ways , ponce is the antithesis of san juan , the island’s more popular destination . san juan is a cosmopolitan city with flashy nightclubs , pricey restaurants and a fast - paced , “americanized” vibe . ponce’s charms unfold more slowly , recalling another era when elegance and civility were prized traits , and strolling along the promenade of the central plaza was the perfect way to end the day .
longing for some sea air ? the la guancha boardwalk in the playa barrio offers numerous food and drink vendors , an observation tower , a marina , and ponce’s main beach is close at hand .
but the 1898 invasion by the united states began a long period of decline , as the new colonial authorities centred administration and commerce in san juan , and the spanish american war cut ponce’s traders off from their markets in spain and cuba . ponce continued to be an important political base , and in recent decades its economy has improved , while the city’s historic and architectural heritage have attracted a growing number of tourists .
recognised as a parish in 1692 , ponce grew slowly until the nineteenth century , when the revolutions in haiti and spanish south america triggered a wave of immigration . this new class of farmers and merchants set up agricultural estates , rum distilleries , banks and factories , and by the end of the nineteenth century ponce was puerto rico’s leading city and economic capital , with a ruling class willing to lavish their money on monuments and mansions .
throughout the 19th century , ponce was a thriving port town , attracting european and latin american plantation owners , rum makers and merchants . their wealth helped create a colonial cityscape of shady plazas and stunning architectural confections , combining rococo , neoclassical and spanish revival styles . by the time the u . s . gained control of puerto rico in 1898 , ponce was the island’s largest city and financial center . all that changed soon after when the island’s shipping operations were centralized in san juan . a downturn in the local sugar and coffee industries followed ; then came hurricanes and strife between the u . s . and the local nationalist party . thus began ponce’s long , slow slump .
prior to defeat in the spanish - american war , ponce’s status as an important industrial city in the spanish americas was secure . built on sugar , coffee , rum and banking , and populated by a rash of european immigration , the victorian era saw the city’s burghers erect their ostentatious modernist - influenced palaces that now adorn ponce’s plazas and boulevards like so many gingerbread mansions . however , following the american conquest of the island , trade and investment was diverted through san juan , while ponce slowly diminished into the comparative poverty of a regional backwater . happily , this allowed the city to avoid much of the ugly concrete blight of the island’s capital , retaining its charming air of former opulence .
since 1935 , the instituto de literatura puertorriqueña has done the important work of uplifting local authors with its annual literary prize , which – together with a modest check – brings a prestigious pedigree to contemporary literary works , placing them on a long list of honorees that includes seminal boricua authors like luis llorens torres and palés matos .
what a difference a few years make . ponce has undergone a dramatic recovery that has restored its status as la perla del sur ( the pearl of the south ) and made it a destination that rivals san juan in culture and history .
travel : discovering ponce , puerto rico : a culinary highlight was ' mamposteao , ' a simple rice and bean side dish . jonny and amy seponara - sills . 22 may 2012 . the christian science monitor . retrieved 25 june 2012 .
the city’s history , meanwhile , is documented in the museo castillo serrallés , the former mansion of a sugar baron , and the hacienda buena vista , a historic coffee estate on ponce’s outskirts . and the most immediately recognisable landmark is the parque de bombas , a former fire station , its ornate façade painted in red and black stripes . now a fire - fighting museum , it is home to a collection of nineteenth - century artifacts as well as displays paying tribute to the brave firemen who saved the city from devastation in an 1899 conflagration that started in the gunpowder - laden city armoury .
if the dining scene is more limited than in the heavily touristed parts of puerto rico , plenty of good food is still to be found in ponce , and it feels distinctly more authentic because of the restaurateur’s imperative to cater to the palettes and wallets of the locals . from the delicious helados at king ice cream ( go for the maiz / yellow corn topped with powdered cinnamon ) to the traditional homemade dishes synonymous with la casa de las tias to the variety of frituras available at the myriad snack bars lining la plaza del mercado , there is as much to delight the taste buds as there is for those with an appetite for culture .
the temptation is to recommend the version with the most ingredients , but , in some respects , the watchword for success with this dish is not unlike what has kept ponce so untarnished : leave well enough alone and let it become somehow greater than the sum of its parts .
on one corner of plaza de las delicias , a colonial structure built in 1882 has been transformed into a full - service hotel by ramada international . on another corner is the entrance to paseo atocha , a pedestrian street mall chockablock with shops selling clothing , housewares , electronics , jewelry and shoes . the sidewalk is lined with street vendors beneath brightly colored umbrellas selling fresh flowers , lottery tickets and sundry tchotchkes . at the end of the walk , just a few blocks from the plaza , is nueva plaza de mercado isabel ii , a recently restored indoor marketplace built in 1863 . here , vendors sell fresh produce , meats and seafood . there are also several very good food stalls serving fresh fruit frappes , empanadas ( fried meat or cheese turnovers ) and heaping plates of savory rice and beans .
seaside lookouts , prison , and cannon rooms - a stark contrast to the kite - flying family hangout its lawns are today . in the evening , faced with a diverse nightlife , we chose the nuyorican cafe ( calle san francisco 312 , entrance on callejon de la capilla , 787 - 977 - 1276 ) for its $ 3 medalla light beers , seven - piece salsa band , and teeming dance floor .
one of puerto rico’s greatest living poets – and a sort of “cultural ambassador” between the dominican republic ( where he was born , ) and puerto rico ( where he was “reborn” at the age of six ) – gómez berras brings an autobiographical touch to his latest book of poems . errata de fe is divided into four sections that explore themes like love , solitude , and language with an masterful lyrical touch .
indeed , ponce is not on most tourists ' itinerary ; visitors who come here have made an effort to do so . the drive from san juan usually takes no more than 90 minutes , however , and the lush vegetation and unexpected vistas in the central mountain range are their own reward .
the architecture of ponce , whose prosperous heyday ran from the late 19th century to the 1930s , is a mix of classical , art deco and creole , resulting in a downtown area that is vaguely reminiscent of new orleans . but the real reasons to make the trip have more to do with dining .
ponce , puerto rico ' s second - largest city , with 200 , 000 residents , is situated on the island ' s south coast about 60 highway miles and a mountain range across the island from san juan . because it does not have spectacular beaches or 15th - century forts as tourist lures , the city has launched a campaign to promote its architectural heritage . surrounding plaza las delicias , where both the fire station and our lady of guadalupe cathedral are located , are graceful , shady neighborhoods that feature a melange of architectural styles , ranging from art deco and spanish revival to a hybrid called ponce creole .
ponce ' s majestic town center is rich in history . fall in love with the well preserved , unique neoclassical style of its old quarter . certainly one of the most romantic travel destinations in the island , . . . such a living gallery of picturesque facades and street corners modeled on barcelona ' s architecture .
mario batali and joe bastianich blazed the trail for american food halls back in 2010 , when they opened the first american location of the wildly popular , high - end italian food hall eataly in new york city . a chicago outpost opened in 2013 and a los angeles location is slated for 2017 , while future locations in d . c . , boston , and philadelphia — and beyond — are said to be in the works . like its european counterparts , the american outposts of eataly offer a convenient , stylish way to both shop and eat - in by combining a multitude of restaurants , artisan products , and communal dining spaces under one roof .
ponce itself , after 300 years in san juan ' s shadow , seems poised to raise its profile . along with a surge in tourism , mayor rafael cordero santiago reported in his recent state - of - the - city address that , in the last two years , private industry had invested $ 140 million and created more than 8 , 000 local jobs .
sitting in its sun - bleached plaza on a sunny afternoon , visitors may be struck by ponce ' s heat , and the nearly always - dry weather conditions . threats of rain are most often held at bay by the central mountains ; you can see the potential humidity condensing into a violet haze over them in the distance as the late afternoon finally begins to fade .
then on the next two consecutive days we enjoyed it as a side dish to what may be the world’s finest spit - roasted suckling pig in the mountain town of guavate , and again with some frankly amazing rotisserie chicken and longaniza sausage at viktor pollo , el maestro del pollo asado , a giant trailer off the main highway near the coastal town of santa isabel just east of ponce .
ponce is on the southern coast , a 90 - minute drive from san juan via the luis ferre expressway and an hour from the west coast . mark ' s at the melia ( 75 calle cristina ) is open for lunch and dinner wednesday through saturday , and lunch only on sunday . entrees : $ 16 to $ 25 . king ' s cream is on 9223 calle marina .
once we turned south onto route 10 and curvy highway 144 , verdant peaks and valleys provided a much lovelier landscape . the winding roads through puerto rico ' s craggy heart are not for the faint of stomach , but the turnoff for jayuya isn ' t far off , and the mountain vistas through the open windows of restaurant el buren ( unmarked number on carretera 527 ; ask a local to point you toward it ) are worth a little discomfort . we sampled the curious - sounding mofongos , mashed plantains filled with meat or seafood , which were excellent , as was the asopoa de camarones , a hearty gumbo - like soup with shrimp .
today , with the fire department moved to new quarters down the street , the old fire station is a museum housing two retired fire trucks - - one from 1928 , the other from 1942 - - a few tools and photographs , and a wealth of tradition . so esteemed are ponce firefighters , whose heroism dates to a famous ammunition dump fire in 1899 , that the city has provided free homes to some firefighters ' families , and the fire station itself has become a mecca for firefighters from around the world .
its historic district underwent a $ 440 - million restoration for 1992 ' s 500th anniversary celebration of christopher columbus ' s voyage to the new world , and improvements have continued . the streets are lit with gas lamps and lined with neoclassical buildings , just as they were a century ago . horse - drawn carriages roll by , and strollers walk along sidewalks edged with pink marble . contemporary ponce has been restored to its former splendor , the city as it was at the turn of the 20th century , when it rivaled san juan as a wealthy business and cultural center .
we found accommodation for the night further east along scenic route 901 , which hugs the southeast coast , at the parador palmas de lucia ( intersection rte . 901 & amp ; rte . 9911 , 787 - 893 - 4423 , www . palmasdelucia . com ; doubles $ 90 - $ 100 ) . the hotel ' s large pool , restaurant , basketball and volleyball courts , and proximity to playa lucia offer plenty to do for a one - night stay , and after sufficient pool time the next day , we left for nearby restaurant villas del mar ( km 2 . 0 , rte 901 , 787 - 861 - 0899 ) . their huge terrace overlooking the atlantic offers the spectacular views this area is known for , and is well enjoyed over a snack of $ 2 turnover - like pastelillos and pina coladas .
we continued southwest toward the bosque estatal de guanica ( guanica state forest ) , a gorgeous dry forest region combining caribbean beaches , two islands , hiking trails , puerto rico ' s largest variety of bird species , and nearly 10 , 000 acres of cacti and dry scrub . i had reserved a large studio at mary lee ' s by the sea ( calle san jacinto 25 , 787 - 821 - 3600 , urltoken ; studios $ 80 - $ 100 ) , a unique complex of furnished units ranging from studios to three - bedroom houses that were , as the name suggests , steps from the sea . the heart of the bosque is miles from civilization , and mary lee alvarez , an american expat for 44 years , informed me over the phone that only a few restaurants exist nearby . however , each of her units comes equipped with a kitchen and bbq access , so we stopped in nearby yauco on the way for groceries .
we awoke to a brilliantly sunny , hot morning - typical winter weather in this region and perfect conditions for a short kayaking expedition ( single kayaks from mary lee ' s $ 10 / hour , doubles $ 15 / hour , $ 35 full day ) to tiny guilligan ' s island , which is also reachable by ferry . the kayaks are precariously lightweight , but i wouldn ' t have minded if mine had tipped me into the warm , crystal - clear seawater below . idyllic and isolated , the mangrove - covered guilligan ' s and the nearby isla ballena easily warrant a full day ' s visit , but we were due to head east on highway 2 to ponce , the start of our loop back to san juan .
in the heady days of ponce’s prime , as many as 50 plantations operated in the area . recently , some of them have been brought back to life as farms serving the island’s growing artisan coffee industry . but a reminder of the area’s 19th century agrarian roots can be found 15 miles north in the foothills of the cordillera central mountain region . tucked into the lush tropical forest , thick with lizards and birds , is hacienda buena vista , a restored coffee plantation established in 1833 . after the industry crashed in 1897 , the operation declined and the land was expropriated by the government , which divvied much of it up into smaller lots and sold it to local farmers . the buildings and machinery remained abandoned until 1984 when the conservation trust of puerto rico took it over and began the painstaking process of restoring the plantation house , millworks , drying tables and machinery to their 19th century glory . today the trust gives guided tours of the property , as well as guided hikes and bird - watching expeditions on the grounds .
dear amy , i ' m manager of the king ' s cream in the plaza of ponce ( below hotel melia ) , if that is the king ' s cream you were at . - lots of king ' s cream in pr , but all different ( generally ) chinese owners . our products are
sorbets
and not the creamy solid baskin robbins type of ice cream , that you might be used to . sorry you didn ' t like the coconut . we do crack fresh coconuts , and process the product every day . . . no coconut comes out of any canned or prepared product . maybe it just wasn ' t the taste for you , but the coconut is why people come to the store in the plaza . glad you didn ' t try the strawberry . . i like that one the least and am trying to get the powers that be , to change the recipe . next time . . . if you ever come back , try the parcha , tamarindo or mango . . that is pretty much just the fruit , sugar and water that is frozen into a sorbet . . . mardie
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urltoken
in the middle of the stately central plaza , fast by a cathedral first built in 1670 , a garishly painted wooden fire station looks only slightly more improbable amid the neoclassical and spanish - style buildings nearby than the burger king and church ' s fried chicken outlets across the street .
but each year , visitors by the tens of thousands come here just to see it .
we come over when the youngest child is old enough to appreciate it ,
said evelyn velez , holding her 3 - year - old daughter , guatibiri , on a recent sunday afternoon after driving in from mayaguez . velez ' s two teen - age sons , wearing looks of restrained impatience , stood nearby .
we just drive over , walk through , have an ice cream , and then go home ,
velez said .
my husband , he doesn ' t even get out of the car . but i want to children to see a piece of puerto rican history .
thus , after a tour of the fire station , visitors can walk through a stucco - front mcdonald ' s across the street and then , within a few blocks of the plaza , stroll past houses reminiscent of the french quarter in new orleans , antebellum georgia or even miami beach .
we are attracting the cultural tourist , interested in our museums , architecture and history , rather than beaches ,
said magda bardina , a city architect who directs the historic - zone restoration project and makes sure that the fast - food franchise storefronts look as 19th century as possible .
i think that now poncenos are recognizing the value of their city , and rediscovering it ,
bardina said .
there is a lot of pride here .
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a culinary highlight was ' mamposteao , ' a simple rice and bean side dish .
' mamposteao ' consists of bright yellow rice and pink beans with varying ratios of onions , peppers , garlic , tomatoes , and , in some cases , ham and chorizo .
one such dish we had not come across previously is mamposteao . a rice and bean side , similar to , but distinct from , arroz con gandules , we took advantage of mamposteao ’s presence on several ponceno menus to conduct some research into this exciting concoction . at el rincon argentino – exactly the kind of fusion restaurant we can get behind with its combination of argentine focus on beef and the puerto rican passion for the fantastic starches – we ate a great pile of it to accompany an even larger skirt steak while cool breezes off the caribbean sea gently ruffled our hair .
each time it was very slightly different . bright yellow rice and pink beans were constants , but with varying ratios of onions , peppers , garlic , tomatoes , and , in some cases , ham and chorizo . even the spelling of it was inconsistent , gaining or dropping a penultimate “d” from place to place . what makes mamposteao / mamposteado unique is the cooking technique of being an assembly of ingredients combined shortly before service into a delicious , nuanced result .
in a large saucepan , over medium heat , saute the sausage in olive oil , cook until fat is rendered . remove sausage to a plate .
add annatto seeds to oil , allow oil to take color from seeds for up to three minutes . do not allow seeds to burn . drain seeds , return oil to pan .
add onions and pepper to pan , saute until soft . 4 - 5 minutes .
add beans and juice to pan . stir well to combine everything . cook for another minute
add cooked rice to mixture . stir really well to combine everything together . rice should end up being bright yellow . mixture should be moist but not wet .
serve as an accompaniment to roast chicken , roast pork , grilled pork chops or steaks .
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san juan , the capital of the commonwealth , is a big city with a bustling business district , glitzy resorts and casinos , as well as one of the most stunning examples of colonial life in the western world .
old san juan is a 465 - year - old neighborhood that originally served as a military stronghold . within a space of seven square blocks , you ' ll find over 400 16th and 17th century buildings that have been carefully restored for commercial and residential use .
noted for its biodiversity , the forest is home to more than 400 different plant species . with sites and activities such as hiking , picnic pavilions , stone towers , rivers , waterfalls , and a visitors ' center , it ' s a beautiful adventure for everyone .
visitors can enjoy an interactive tour through history , observe the production process , and experience the party spirit of the bacardi brand .
indulge in the gastronomical experience of preparing your own native dish : mofongo . freshen up your thirst with a delicious mojito cocktail , become a chef for a day and find out how this incredible puerto rican meal is made .
kick back and relax on san juan ' s sandy beaches while a friendly attendant brings you rum punch or other island favorites .
enjoy one of puerto rico ' s tropical forest reserves while on an exhilarating zip - line adventure .
a san juan horseback riding excursion takes traveler ' s beachside for a scenic ride in the sand . this horseback riding trip will make you feel like you ' re in a scene from your favorite movie or romance novel .
venture off the beaten path into san juan ' s lush environment . great for all levels of experience !
enjoy a kayak adventure to laguna grande , one of the only five year round bioluminescent lagoons in the world .
known as
the walled city
, san juan is the oldest city currently inhabited under the american flag . here , segway tours are an increasingly popular way to explore . the segway pt is easy to learn , fun to ride and an experience you will want to relive again and again .
hike through el yunque national forest along the caimitillo trail with stops at the yohaku observation tower and coca waterfall .
when in san juan , snorkeling makes for a full day of fun in the caribbean sun . typically , lunch and drinks are included making this snorkeling excursion an easy way to enjoy some time off the ship .
indulge in a display of puerto rico ' s heritage with a flamenco show . dancers perform to the tunes of the spanish guitar .
surf ' s up in san juan ! whether it ' s your first surf with an instructor or you ' re a well seasoned surfer , you ' ll enjoy the refreshing waters while getting in some rigorous activity .
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if youre like me , you ' ve had enough of the icy sidewalks and slushy subway stairwells that comprise a new york winter . what better way to escape the grim weather than to chase the perpetual summer of our caribbean neighbors - even if just for the weekend ? enter puerto rico , where the ideal getaway mix of sun and sand , adventure and culture presents itself quickly and easily for those seeking a brief respite from chilly everyday life . many visitors to puerto rico base themselves near san juan and don ' t venture much past that area , which offers a lot but doesn ' t do the island full justice . guilty of this in the past , i vowed to see more than just resorts and beaches when i returned over a recent holiday weekend . i was pleasantly surprised to learn that in puerto rico , i could drive through mountains and along coasts , kayak the caribbean sea and body - surf the atlantic , witness the american and boriquen sides of the island - all in four days .
san juan is where the journey usually begins , and at least one day and evening should be spent exploring the capital city . accommodation options abound in the city ' s distinct neighborhoods , although many are expensive . my group of four found an affordable option on the beach at the aleli by the sea guest house in condado ( calle sea view 1125 , 787 - 725 - 5313 ; doubles $ 55 - $ 100 ) , a 15 - minute ( $ 15 ) taxi ride from old san juan , the historic tourist center of the city .
don ' t be discouraged by the cruise ships and the english overheard in old san juan ' s myriad restaurants , shops , and museums : the city ' s rich history as a military base and more recent architectural restoration are sources of cultural pride for puerto ricans , and it shows . the blue cobblestone streets brim with the delightful balconies and flowerpots of colonial buildings ; we spent an afternoon wandering them to absorb the city ' s unique mix of european and latin charm . el morro , the island ' s oldest fort , whisked us back to the time of pirates with its 71 1751 222 1763
we left town our second morning with a budget rental car ( $ 186 for three days ) and drove west on highway 22 . the dizzying array of strip malls and fast food chains along main highways is a conspicuous reminder of puerto rico ' s u . s . commonwealth status ; however , i learned that they were merely the tradeoff for traveling quickly around the island - more scenic , meandering routes between any two points often exist as well . from san juan , we reached the city of arecibo in under 90 minutes via the uninspiring freeway , but if we had time to spend three or four hours , we might have taken the more southerly route through dramatic karst country .
our spacious studio was homey and perfectly accommodating . we barbecued and played cards with the door ajar to catch the breeze , now and then chasing mary lee ' s friendly dog , mia , out of the apartment . the quiet , dark night begged to be seen , and the dock at the property ' s base provided a perfect stargazing opportunity . i felt so far removed from the previous night ' s outing in lively old san juan , as if days had passed . my second night , and already i ' d escaped .
back in the northeast en route to the luis munoz marin international airport , we stopped for a final swim in luquillo at playa monserrate , a popular public beach . before leaving , i lingered for a last look at the exotic surroundings : the towering palm trees and perched pelicans , the warm atlantic that was so much more attractive than the one i knew at home . a lot of distance had been covered , but still i felt completely rested and invigorated . was i prepared to return to snow ? not really . but summer seemed one step closer .
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