Art Collector Jacky Aizenman’s Guide to San Juan
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Puerto Rico and New York-based real estate mogul Jacky Aizenman might not be one of the world’s most high profile art collectors. His fantastic Instagram feed (@aizenmanj), however, suggests that perhaps he should be. Listing himself as simply a “contempo
Art Collector Jacky Aizenman’s Guide to San Juan
Puerto Rico and New York-based real estate mogul Jacky Aizenman might not be one of the world’s most high profile art collectors. His fantastic Instagram feed (@aizenmanj), however, suggests that perhaps he should be. Listing himself as simply a “contemporary art collector,” the CEO of the Puerto Rico-based commercial and residential real estate investment company, ASG Investment Corporation, is a bit of an enigma when it comes to his art collecting activities. But a quick look at his Instagram posts soon reveals the scope and extent of his collection. Artists featured on his Instagram profile include the likes of Ugo Rondinone, Erica Baum, Nadin Ospina, Kaws, Jonas Wood, Joe Bradley, Kaws, Aaron Curry, Aaron Garber-Maikovska, Latifa Echakhch, Evan Holloway, and Oscar Murillo, to name but a few. As one of Puerto Rico’s most successful entrepreneurs and one of the region’s most active and dedicated art collectors, Aizenman has his finger on the pulse of his home country’s cultural and tourism scene. So BLOUIN ARTINFO got in touch with the man himself and asked him to reveal some of his tips for the best places to eat, stay, visit, and discover in the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan.What are your recommendations for must-visit places in San Juan and why?Puerto Rico is a beautiful place full of amazing places to discover, not only in San Juan but across the island. Must see places include, of course, Old San Juan – it’s the old city built in the 1500’s. In San Juan itself you must visit el Morro and the old fortress with its beautiful views to the Caribbean ocean. Also in Old San Juan you have great shopping and Restaurants all around the city. You can walk from Old San Juan to the Caribe Hilton Hotel via the “Paseo Lineal” – a new beautiful boardwalk along the ocean. It’s a good 30 minute walk!!! Once you get to the Hilton Hotel you can have a great lunch next door at the El Mercado gourmet food court where there a lot of different restaurants to choose from.A must visit destination just 30 minutes away from San Juan is Dorado Beach which is a beautiful resort with one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. A couple of years ago a new Ritz-Carlton reserve opened at the property, which was originally purchased by the Rockefeller in the 1950s and made into a luxury resort. After that there was a Hyatt there for many years before it was completely redeveloped by Ritz-Carlton a few years back. It’s definitely a must see!What restaurants, bars, and cafes would you recommend in San Juan and why?Restaurants: The best local restaurant is Jose Enrique which is located at the La Placita de Santurce located in a small house near the Plaza del Mercado. It has great food but they do not take reservations which means that you need to arrive by 6pm if you don’t want to wait two hours for a table. Other great restaurants, with great atmospheres and amazing food, are the new Mario Pagan restaurant and Pikayo, both of which are in Condado. Another one of my favorites is BLT Steak at the Ritz Carlton in Isla Verde. For a more local atmosphere, Bottles in San Patricio is the place to go. It is 10 minutes away from the Condado Area. For the best fish in town you must go to El Pez Dorado – a local eatery which is not very fancy but serves amazing food!Bars: A lot of bars have recently opened around Calle Loiza Street walk. Just walk around that area. Also in Santurce you have Gallo Negro, while in Old San Suan there is the La Factoría craft cocktail bar which is a must visit for great drinks, music, and good vibes!. On Saturday night a must visit destination is the completely remodeled El San Juan Hotel. Its bar is legendary and if you are up for it you can dance the Salsa all night long!! Where would you recommend people stay (hotels etc.) when they visit San Juan?If you want a resort atmosphere then the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Dorado Beach is definitely the place to go. If you prefer being in the San Juan area, there’s The Vanderbilt hotel, the recently remodeled El San Juan hotel. The new AC Hotel by Marriot, which just open in the Condado, is a great property with good prices. In Old San Juan there is a nice boutique hotel called the Decanter Hotel. It’s a nice option if you like to stay at the old city.Where would you head to in San Juan for the best shopping and what would you buy?The Plaza Las Americas is definitely the place to go!!! Also, there is a new shopping centre just opened called The Mall of San Juan which has more upmarket brands.What are the best places to see and buy art in San Juan?To see art in San Juan, you just need to walk around Santurce, while in Old San Juan there is plenty of amazing street art and graffiti all over the city! For museums you have the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico which often have great shows! To buy contemporary art you have some local galleries like Roberto Paradise and Galería Agustina Ferreyra LLC. You could also stop by some of the local artist studios: there are plenty of good artist in Puerto Rico like Radamés “Juni” Figueroa, Nathan Budoff, Jesús “Bubu” Negrón, and Michael Linares, to name a few.What are some of San Juan’s best secret places that everyone should discover?A not-so-secret but must-do activity is walking around Isla Verde Beach. It’s a good 45 minute walk. You should also go to El Yunque National Forest which is 45 minutes away from San Juan and is definitely a must visit. I’d also highly recommend that you stop for breakfast at Kasalta!!! Read more
