Abierto!

The lights are on and we are home! The first few months were intense, but Mario and I are proud to say: “Banana Dang is officially OPEN” (first day of business was Monday, Nov. 19).

Already we’ve had a steady flow of curious onlookers—mostly internationals (from Germany, Italy, France), New Yorkers and local American ex-pats—enjoying some espressos and Dang-styled coffees and smoothies. The most exciting part was a few ordered straight shots...and you know how much Mario loves dialing in our La Marzocco! I had Vietnamese Coffee requests already and served it both hot and iced. The smoothies that seems to be getting the most attention are the "Green Tea Dang" and the "Nutty Dang." Our organic teas have also peaked the interest of a few locals, especially the appropriately titled “Chocolate Monkey."

The initial big draw seems to be our Internet offerings (not just WiFi—but actual PC computers for people to get on and check their Email).

Living on the island has also enabled us to offer the best Puerto Rican coffees—mostly mild in taste with chocolate undertones and caramel like flavor. Don’t be fooled with coffee beans grown in third world countries! We proudly carry our house coffee Encantos de Puerto Rico along with Hacienda San Pedro, Yauco Selecto and Cafe Rico Seleccion Especial.

Following the “Espresso Vivace” method—our goal with each cup is to reach the ideal 18-25 second-timed double-shots. But aside from our obsession with espresso, we do have a soft spot for our favorite brewing method—the French Press. We feel it offers a better coffee experience than an over-the-counter brewer (we don't own a Bunn Brewer—how "Third Wave" of us). For iced coffees, we soak fresh grounds overnight, pour it through a filter in the AM and then swirl it with condensed milk. Our customers say it’s beautifully sweet!

Our online and guerilla marketing will launch in a few weeks. Your advice and ideas are gratefully accepted. Please keep them coming and visit us soon...

Con Amor, Mario y T2

Rincon is #1

We just got exciting news from the Puerto Rico Tourism Association that in the December 2007 issue of TransWorld SURF magazine, Rincon, PR was named the #1 "Surf Mecca" in the world!

December edition highlights "10 Surf Meccas"—the top ten places that every surfer would love to "live and shred." Rincon beat out exotic locales like Kuta Beach, Bali, Costa Rica, San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua and Santa Cruz, California.

Each dream surf town is rated on everything from cost of living to wave consistency and nightlife. Check out today's 8-10 ft swell...Obviously, too small for us! :) Now...back to work!

Banana Dang, Inc.

FINALLY. We planned our business for 3 years before making the move so we knew this had to happen and there’s no turning back. It has not been easy but the PR gov't ARPE finally gave us our Permiso de Uso (permission to do business)! We are completely exhausted getting all the paperwork and permits together but ARPE gave us the green light after denying us twice for limited parking (they require 9 spaces—we have 4).

Thanks to the good folks at Lazy Parrot (a beautiful hotel 2 doors from us)—we can now open. Our 5 extra parking spaces are on loan from them so we’ll have to offer the official “Lazy Parrot” drink in honor of our neighbors. On top of that, we’ve heard it could take up to 3 years to get an ARPE permit—Getting ours in 2 months is “record time” for PR (say the locals).

What you need to open a food biz in PR (besides tons of patience):

Certificado de Salud (Health certificate)
Cuerpo De Bomberos (Fire certificate)
Endoso de Municipio (Municipality permit)
Permiso de Uso (ARPE government permit)
Patente (patent)
Certificado de Registro de Comerciante (merchant license)
Certificado de Exencion (merchant tax exemption)

…And before each application, you have to pay for a voucher.

Also, there is finally SURF in Rincon after several months. It picked up to 2-4 ft. (“fun size”). For those unfamiliar with PR terrain– some advice:

- It’s a reef bottom, beware of rocks, coral + sea urchins
- Beware of “sea lice" (they bite like mosquitoes)
- Like all oceans, there’s jelly fish
- Surf has push on the inside, but there’s a channel
- Water is as warm as the air: 75-80 degrees
- Locals are nice but feel it out before dropping in

Life here is rewarding. Fingers crossed as we plan to open in 2-3 weeks! Working 10-15 hour days never felt sooo good…

Con Amor, Mario y T2