www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Esquina is OK; it has the advantage of being w/in walking distance of much of the gulch - its near "Puchos" (and Don Wang and that other "famous" Asian res't that I'm drawing a blank now - also close to Idem, and Relax which I'm sure many know

While this can be debated endlessly, and everyone has their own tastes, likes and dislikes, 2 better places (IMO) are Donde Carlos, in Los Yoses, and La Cascada - I honestly don't know the section, but others will.

Neither particularly inexpensive (a trait it seems all steak houses have in comon ), but I've found them to be better than La Esquina.

Another great steak restaurant that hasn't been mentioned in a while is El Chicote next to parque Sabana.

This is one of San José's most venerable and popular steakhouses. The large room is divided by half-walls planted with tropical flora and a bevy of hanging ferns, and heavy wooden beams and plenty of varnished-wood accents are used throughout. True meat aficionados should order the imported rib-eye or pound-and-a-half T-bone. There's an extensive selection of fish and poultry dishes as well. Everything comes with a choice of baked or mashed potatoes, black beans, and fresh tortillas. The wine list features a broad range of Italian, Spanish, French, and Californian wines. Waiters wear black jackets, white shirts, and black bow ties -- typical of the unusually formal (for Costa Rica) service.

I haven't been there in a while but for many years I would make it a must do every trip. I just have been trying different places lately. And El Chicote hasn't been beat. About a 2000-2500 colones taxi fare from the Gulch.

What are typical prices at El Chicote? More or less than 20K colones for two if you don't get wine?

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Man I'm living life like a great white shark swimming with minnows! It's all about panocha, great scotch, fine cigars, loud-ass rock music and speed, speed, speed - plus spending as much time as possible in paradise on earth, Costa Rica!

Just about right if you skip alcohol before, wine with and liqueur after your meal. Note of caution I have not been there recently and prices may have increased.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

My review is about 3 1/2 years old. The C 56,000 price tag included dinner, a little wine and dessert.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=21177

ID - How would you compare it quality/taste wise w/ the others mentioned - La Esquina, la Cascada, Donde Carlos - which one - as a CR resident - is your personal favorite? Any others on your personal list?

On El Chicote--Here's what Frommer's says (with contact info):
http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides ... etail.html

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

I like La Esquina and El Chicote equally. Tipping point for me is El Chiote is close to my casa and saves the drive into town which means I can have a cocktail and wine with our much worry of being stopped by a transito and having the hassle of being accused of DUI.

Have only been to La Cascada once and enjoyed the food. El Novilla Alegre and the Don Fernando restaurant next to the meat shop both in Escazu are good.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Is it possible Planenutz69 writes Costa Rica restaurant reviews for Frommers

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

[/quote]



Have only been to La Cascada once and enjoyed the food. El Novilla Alegre and the Don Fernando restaurant next to the meat shop both in Escazu are good.[/quote]


Thanks! Have to give them a try

Planetnutz,
Are you on the payroll
Regards, 911 Driver

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The happy hour is a device either for getting rid of social obligations hurriedly en masse or for making overtures toward more serious social relationships, as in the etiquette of whoring.- Brooks Atkinson

totally disagree.

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“Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” And we are the guys that keep them in Eggs & Grits

Truly. Fogo Brasil is the Bose of CR beef places--outstanding breadth of advertising and promotion; quality of product not so much. There are just too many better alternatives--to both. BTW, Dr. Amar Bose's doctorate is in marketing not acoustic engineering which tells me everything. Try Cambridge Audio and/or Boston Acoustics/ Polk Audio products instead.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED