One of the best dinners we had in Costa Rica was at a Chinese-Peruvian restaurant in the mountain town of LaFortuna. Chinese-Peruvian food (aka “chifa”) was fusion cuisine way before “fusion cuisine” was even a phrase, and was enthusiastically described by many folks we met across South America as a culinary highlight. The Peruvian YellowContinue reading “Salsa de Aji Amarillo or Peruvian Yellow Pepper Sauce by Martin at Chifa La Familia Feliz in La Fortuna, Costa Rica”
Category Archives: Phase 1
Mixed seafood ceviche by Bismarck at Black Marlin, Barco Quebrado, Costa Rica
One of our favorite memories from Costa Rica involved beer, dancing and ceviche at Black Marlin, a little open-air restaurant halfway between Playa Garza (where we spent our first 3 weeks with our host family) and Samara (where we spent the subsequent 3 months in a rental apartment). Bismarck, the chef/owner, is known locally forContinue reading “Mixed seafood ceviche by Bismarck at Black Marlin, Barco Quebrado, Costa Rica”
Ceviche by Alice (Playa Garza, Costa Rica)
Alice was our “Mama Tica” when we first arrived in Costa Rica. She took great care of us, cooking us a hearty breakfast every morning and then a delicious dinner. (She also did our laundry!) Playa Garza is the base for the local fisherman, and Alice’s husband of 30+ years, Alexis, is the local fishmongerContinue reading “Ceviche by Alice (Playa Garza, Costa Rica)”
From the Hammock of James 11/13/21
I knew it would happen. I was in charge of planning flights and lodgings. Many of you know that I am not very good at organizing, calendars, etc. We got to Costa Rica without any problems – jumped through all the right hoops like QR health codes, flight tickets out within 90 days, and vaccinationContinue reading “From the Hammock of James 11/13/21”
Fresh corn tortillas by Giselle (Samara, Costa Rica)
Just-cooked corn tortillas hot from the pan are exponentially more delicious than store-bought ones. Giselle is the cook at the local public high school, where she cooks a lunch from scratch for 80-100 students every day. Corbin says that the lunch is always delicious. If he has a free period, he sometimes goes to theContinue reading “Fresh corn tortillas by Giselle (Samara, Costa Rica)”
The Panama Canal: Avenue of the Martyrs
When we visited the Panama Canal, we also learned some interesting and surprising things about the history of the Canal. After construction of the Panama Canal was finished, the land surrounding the Canal was known as the Canal Zone and was owned by America. It was fenced off and separate from the surrounding land ofContinue reading “The Panama Canal: Avenue of the Martyrs”
The Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks
Last week, we had to leave Costa Rica so we wouldn’t overstay the 90 days of our visa. We visited Panama for a couple days. Of course, everyone has heard of the Panama Canal and it is probably what Panama is most famous for. The canal was finished in 1914 and has operated non-stop (24/7,Continue reading “The Panama Canal: Miraflores Locks”
Chasing Chicharrones 