Tamarindo
By admin at February 20, 2012 | 1:24 pm | 0 Comment
Yesterday just before sitting down to lunch on the beach, I stepped on a ripe tamarind pod. My friend, a longtime resident of Tamarindo and a very competent Indian cook, confessed that he had never seen a tamarind pod – he always buys his tamarind in a brick. The tamarind tree is native to tropical Africa, and is extensively cultivated in tropical areas throughout
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee
By Chris at December 21, 2011 | 4:49 pm | 0 Comment
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the coffee aficionados on your list? Here’re some suggestions from Kelefa Sanneh’s article in a recent issue of The New Yorker (“Sacred Grounds”, November 21, 2011). Gift item Numero 1. Fresh, whole coffee beans. Check out www.ticotimes.com/costa-rica-coffee-retailers for a list of online coffee retailers.
When Life Gives You Lemons…
By Chris at December 19, 2011 | 11:15 am | 0 Comment
I went to the Auto Mercado this morning and saw a plastic container of Limon Acido (Persa), or where I come from, what is commonly known as lemons. What a find! Whenever I see a citrus fruit that resembles a lemon I try it. Sometimes the flavor is beyond bland, but today the lemons were juicy and flavorful. I made some vinaigrette for my salad, and grated some
GO BANANAS!
By Chris at November 13, 2011 | 11:21 am | 0 Comment
What’s more tropical than a banana? Although the banana could be an icon for Central America, it is not native to the Americas. Bananas were introduced by Portuguese sailors who brought the fruits here from West Africa in the 16th century. Wild bananas exist in extraordinary diversity throughout southern Asia, and cultivation has created even more varieties
Thanksgiving
By Chris at November 1, 2011 | 8:45 am | 1 Comments
Food is culture. As the 18th century French gastronome Brillat Savarin famously pointed out, “Tell me what you eat and I´ll tell you what you are” You could say that we taste culture, and one of the most compelling reasons to travel is to experience distinctive cuisines. Although the global market has brought exotic dishes to a restaurant near you, it is very
