www.CostaRicaTicas.com

My amiga and I awoke from an afternoon nap yesterday and felt like having a late lunch or early dinner. Rather than visiting our favorite seafood havens, Machu Picchu, we decided to try out an unknown spot...Banco de los Mariscos in San Rafael d' Heredia.

The pleasant little restaurant is situated in the tranquil town of San Rafael d'Heredia...about a twenty minute drive from the gulch. There is inside and outside seating. The restaurant is located across from the BCR bank and about three blocks from the large picturesque cathedral in the center of town. It is an ideal spot for an early dinner followed by a walk through town and relaxation in the park in front of the cathedral.

The service in the restaurant was courteous and prompt. The restaurant is clean and cheery...and yes, perhaps even a little romantic. The menu includes a variety of fish, cerviches, sopas, salads, beef and chicken dishes. The cerviche was delicious, but could have been a more generous portion. We both ordered the mariscada which consisted of a grilled seafood mix complemented with flavored rice and salad. I enjoyed the flavor of the grilled pulpo, calamare and mussels...and plan on returning to BDLM very soon. The total tab came to 13,750 C (including service) for 2 cerviches, 2 mariscadas and 4 drinks.

Telephone: 269-9090

Peace,

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

I can vouch for El Banco de Los Mariscos as well - good eats. An easy cheap bus ride and a chance to see another part of the valley, easy walk from the bus stop. I did my usual routine - ride the bus to a new town; have lunch then grab a taxi and ask them to "show me around." San Rafeal is really nice, I considered digs there. Lots of "quintas" - fincitas or little farms that look like about a acre, or a couple acres. I could see myself living there had I not settled on San Tana.

Also another routine of mine: I Try the Ceviche everywhere I go in CR. I love it along with Sopa Mariscos. Hard to find either in my part of the states. I should start a seperate thread for these tasties.