"Puerto Rico" news and stories

No one wakes up early on Christmas Day in Puerto Rico. It might have something to do with the hangover and lingering food coma from Nochebuena, the Christmas Eve celebration more important than Christmas Day. Who wants socks and underwear when you can have pork?

Pork, that most Puerto Rican of meats, is paramount to Nochebuena. The most ideal cut -- a roasted pork shoulder or pernil -- is traditionally cooked on a spit over charcoal in the backyard. At least one family member gets up around 4 a.m. to prepare the charcoal and sit while turning the spit so the pork cooks evenly. It's critical to taste as you go, especially when some parts of the pig cook faster than others.

"You have to check the doneness of the pork by pulling off the ears and tail. It's some of the best meat," explained this blogger's father -- and native Puerto Rican -- Jose Ralat Torres. As an alternative to this all-day process, he noted, "Now, some bakeries will roast the pork for you and it would only take half the time. It almost tastes the same" -- but loses the endearing tradition.

Spoilers!

It's been a long 14 episodes, and last night we finally learned who has been crowned the new Top Chef. Lisa, Richard and Stephanie duked it out for the title in Puerto Rico, creating what was supposed to be the "the most important meal of their lives." I don't know what caused me to salivate more -- the food or the drama. Read on!

Beware of spoilers!

On last night's episode of Top Chef, contestants traveled to Puerto Rico for an Elimination Challenge that determined which chefs are this season's final three.

If you watched it, you know what went down, so let's get angry.