www.CostaRicaTicas.com

This is very good new lunch option near the gulch. It is located directly across from the CAJA offices on Ave 2 (i.e., from the Presidente walk to Ave 2, take a right and walk half a block). It's a newly remodeled place with much nicer ambience than the sodas that line that stretch of Ave 2.

I've eaten there twice recently. Once had Pollo Monteverde and the other time their Surf and Turf combination. Both were quite good, served hot with very fresh salads and vegetables.

Their menu is quite extensive when compared to other places in the gultch. I would say the quality is comparable to (although probably not quite as good as) Cafe Mundo and Esquinas de Buenos Aires.

The bill for my novia and I for two appetizers, two entrees and four or five rounds of Bavarias was about c23,000.

Only down side was that they have a front section similar to the rail at the presidente. At that location, depending on the hour and the weather, traffic exhaust can be a problem. But the place has a nice large interior section away from the fumes.

I have eaten here a couple of times. It is certainly a good option if you are in the Gulch Hotels. Not surprisingly, it is located on Avienda 2 one block from the Presidente.

The Good:

Price is reasonable ($14 for two beers, Tacos Alambre, coffee and tip). The amount of food per meal is a large portion. Tico style food. They serve the meal on a wood platter covered with a banana leaf instaed of plates. Menu has English. Great Plantains, good fried beans, Good meat and sausage.

The Bad:

The little corn on the cobs they serve with the meal are horrible. I was surprised to receive them and truly looked forward to biting into them. They were nasty. I do not know if they are like this in the whole country or just here. The wait staff do not know English (This is not a problem but felt all should be aware).

The ugly:

The beer was warm! Nobody else in the restaurant seemed to notice as they were drinking it with ice. I am a gringo. I do not like ice in my beer.

They do have cheap lunch specials in the back of the menu.

I am always looking for new places to eat, Will have to check this one out on my upcomming trip.