We pulled up to a strip mall in La Fortuna, and saw this tiny, unassuming restaurant. We walked in and our group of 4 occupied half the seating. It’s that tiny. New York Grill & Pizza owners, John and Priscilla, treat each customer as a guest in their home and only give the best service possible. Coming from Sicilian family, John decided to learn how to make his childhood favorites, along with some American classics. Now he’s serving them up at a bargain price.
As we sat at the counter looking over the menu, every item kept bringing up the same thought “No way, they have that? I haven’t had that in forever!” However, I had heard a lot about Read more
Miss Starbucks? Now you don’t have to. Starbucks has announced their plans to expand further into Central America by opening a Starbucks coffee shop in Costa Rica. There are already six other shops in Central America and over 500 in Latin America.
Apparently this new store will be opened in downtown San Jose. It’s hard to imagine that this novelty will be anything but warmly welcomed by Costa Ricans and those of us who miss our Venti White Chocolate Latte or Peppermint Mocha Latte. Starbucks already buys coffee from Costa Rica so it’s only natural that they would open a store here eventually.
When is the much awaited date? May 2012. Starbucks has close to 11, 000 stores in Read more
Great ice cream is hard to find in Costa Rica and great cheese is even harder to find. Monteverde is the answer to our cheese and ice cream deficiency problem.
Established by Quakers in the early 50’s, the Monteverde factory is where all the creamy lactose goodness comes from. In 1954, Monteverde factory was the first to produce pasteurized cheese in Costa Rica thus setting the tone for the quality and originality that continue to characterize Monteverde products.
If you plan a visit to Monteverde, a tour of the cheese factory is a must. We watched from the other side of a large glass window as the cream and milk were churned and slowly turned into wonderful cheese. After Read more
As the holidays approach everyone is planning their winter holiday vacations. What’ll it be this year? Arenal, Jaco, Witch’s Rock, Puerto Viejo? Sure you could try to enjoy the overcrowded beaches and packed tourist spots or you could go where the locals go.
Although Playa Samara in Nicoya, Guanacaste is mostly frequented by locals, it does get its fair share of foreign visitors itching to ride the waves. Only 10 minutes away, neighboring beach Carrillo is a totally different story.
Clean, Lonely beach.
Carrillo is actually in the neighboring county of Hojancha so the beach itself is much cleaner. There are trash cans and signs everywhere reminding you and everyone else to keep Carrillo clean. The waves are great Read more
It’s going around and you’re sure to catch it. Soccer Fever. In Costa Rica this is pretty much a permanent condition; soccer is more of a passion than a sport. Participating in the Gold Cup and the Copa America, this fever has only intensified.
Costa Rica’s participation in the Gold Cup was in one word, dissapointing. With a new coach and a new team, there were high hopes for the “selecccion”(national team). A prideful 4-0 win against Cuba was followed by a satisfying tie with El salvador and then a crushing 4-1 loss against the all-time rival Mexico. After a demoralizing blow, the Costa Rican team dusted itself off as it prepared to move on to the quarterfinals and Read more
What is it that draws so many visitors to Costa Rica? Typically, a culinary experience hasn’t been on most people’s list, until now. Two Eco-lodges have tapped into an unexplored yet highly successful venture, Culinary tours. Although Costa Rican food is not classified as fine dinning, most who have tasted it have fallen in love with it. Now you can take those delicious typical dishes home with you and have them as often as you want.
Inn at Coyote Mountain is a four room eco-lodge located in San Ramon. The grounds of the lodge are beautifully adorned by the many fruit trees and organic fruit and vegetable plantations. You may decide to enjoy the orchid garden or a tour Read more
This post comes to us via guest blogger Andrew Kolasinski:
Costa Rica’s largely unspoiled Caribbean coast has little development. But that means there are fewer services than on the Pacific side. Along the south Caribbean coast there is, as yet, no marina. The few fishing guides who operate must improvise their boat moorage, usually anchoring in sheltered bays.
While staying in Puerto Viejo I connected with a group of fishing-crazy American ex-pats who agreed to take me out on their boat.
Don, Lazlo and Sean had all permanently moved to Costa Rica’s Caribbean. Lazlo brought his 21 foot fishing boat from the U.S., and he’s happy just to have company on the water willing to share in the cost Read more
Green lush forests, colorful exotic animals, towering volcanoes and a variety of other landscapes have made Costa Rica a top destination for nature retreats and eco-tourism. Also growing in popularity are Nature and Wellness Spas. These havens perfectly combine rest, indulgence and adventure. Pamper yourself in a truly healthy environment, surrounded by pristine forests and wildlife.
Samasati is a nature retreat spa located just outside the Cahuita National Park, about an hour from the Panama border. Bungalows and guest houses are located deep in the tropical forest. A variety of scrubs, wraps, exfoliation, reflexology and massages are available at the full service Samasati Spa. One-hour treatments at the spa cost $85USD. Yoga packages include yoga classes, a spa treatment, Read more
Located in Manuel Antonio, Gaia Hotel and Reserve has been awarded the World Travel Award for Mexico and Central America’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2 years in a row(2009 and 2010) and is currently nominated for the 2011 awards in that same category. In 2007 and 2008 this Hotel was also named Costa Rica’s Leading Boutique Hotel.
Evidently Gaia Hotel and Reserve has achieved an unmatched level of excellence on the Manuel Antonio coastline. The beach at Manuel Antonio is a blue flag beach. Blue Flag is a Costa Rican program by which the water and sewer institute monitors the water yearly to make sure the water is clean and safe. This 5-star hotel specializes in creating delicate balance between Read more
As you savor the rich sweetness and layers of flavor, it’s obvious this is a Spoon torta chilena. There is none other like it. Whether it’s pastries, coffee or their specialty dishes everything at Spoon is of the best quality.
Spoon was born in the heart of San Jose. It started as a small family business which later evolved into the great chain that it is now. There are now 22 different locations spread throughout the Central Valley. Though now a large chain, Spoon has not lost their connections to their humble roots. They have taken Costa Rican classics and added their own flair. Using only the freshest and best ingredients, the chefs at Spoon are creative and the Read more
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