www.CostaRicaTicas.com

WHAT RESTAURANT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST by that I mean -- If you wanted to enjoy an excellent dinner in an elegant environment where your chica would be impressed, where would you go?

Depends on the kind of food you enjoy - Typically, the chicas I know are more impressed more by how you take them out and treat them more so than where you take them (my limited experience). Some of my best dinners with chicas have been in casual places. That said -

In the SJO area - I like the Inka Grill (the one closest to San Pedro) - great food (ceviche, beef, seafood, etc.), for me better atmosphere than the one in Escazu. For great atmosphere and a view, I like the Capitol Grill at the White House. Alot of chicas like Fogo Brazil - for me it is very so so and way to expensive.

In Jaco - my favorite is Tsunami Sushi - a bit pricey but great atmosphere and awesome sushi.

I am anxious to see other responses to this post as I am always looking for good dinner options.

Peace, love, and good dining for all,

Don Rico

A chica once took me to Ram Luna at night for my birthday. I was very impressed. So a chica would be impressed, especially if she'd never been there before.

I have taken chicas to La Esquina de Buenos Aires, but I have noticed that they get bored there pretty quickly. I think they're not used to quiet settings with elevator music and quiet conversation. They prefer the atmosphere to be more Ronald McDonald playground-ish.

I am already impressed with "a chica once took me to..." Where is Ram Luna - What kind of cuisine?

DR

Up in the mountains in Aserrí. It's about 45 minutes from SJ, (30 with no traffic). About 2 minutes before "Pork Chop Hill" that's often mentioned here. I can't remember what I ate but it was probably some kind of seafood.

Taj Mahal in Escazu and agree on Tsunami in Jaco. Probably would have the best time at El Paso del Tigre here in Jaco...

Not so sure about the impressing factor but JR's in Barrio Amon has been awesome the last two times I went...I'm not a big fan of BBQ but this place is awesome!

Don Rico,

Let me chime in a little about Ram Luna - actually - Mirador Ram Luna.

I also had the great pleasure of being totally surprised on my birthday when a Tica took me up there. It was on a Wednesday night, which was perfect, because that is the night that Ram Luna celebrates their "Día Típico."

In all my travels this was a unique experience. First, we had a great seat assigned to us near the front windows. They are CR-famous for their outstanding views of the central valley (and beyond). But, people do not really sit or stay in their seats or tables. It has a cafeteria-style, serve-yourself line with average, or typical, food. They also had carts situated around the place that served as roaming bars. They had every liquor imaginable.

People would roam around, visit other tables, or just stand in groups talking and drinking, Very few stayed at their tables. Very cool and different (for me). Why? and here is the kicker....

In the middle of the restaurant they have a open floor with dancers, singers, and full band, and an M.C. The dancers and all of the routines are in full Costa Rican dress and tradition. The M.C. was very entertaining because he would also spend the time and energy to colorfully announce who was in the room. Usually foreign dignitaries and visitors, birthday and anniversary celebrations, etc. The night I celebrated I remember others from Japan, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Holland, Russia, etc etc etc !!! Very cool.

At the end of the evening the M.C. requested the entire restaurant adjourn to the outside patio to witness their fireworks display while gazing at the entire valley, lights, and stars. Again, so very cool.

Is it the best restaurant in Costa rica ? No, but it will go down in the memory banks as one of the most unique and greatest experiences I have had the pleasure of enjoying in this great country

Pura Vida

EdB

_________________
"You will never run out of good things because there is more than enough to go around. Life is meant to be abundant"
____________________________________________________________________

[quote="EsposoDeBarbie"]Don Rico,

Let me chime in a little about Ram Luna - actually - Mirador Ram Luna.

I also had the great pleasure of being totally surprised on my birthday when a Tica took me up there. It was on a Wednesday night, which was perfect, because that is the night that Ram Luna celebrates their "Día Típico."

In the middle of the restaurant they have a open floor with dancers, singers, and full band, and an M.C. The dancers and all of the routines are in full Costa Rican dress and tradition. The M.C. was very entertaining because he would also spend the time and energy to colorfully announce who was in the room. Usually foreign dignitaries and visitors, birthday and anniversary celebrations, etc. The night I celebrated I remember others from Japan, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Holland, Russia, etc etc etc !!! Very cool.

At the end of the evening the M.C. requested the entire restaurant adjourn to the outside patio to witness their fireworks display while gazing at the entire valley, lights, and stars. Again, so very cool.

Wow EDB - thanks for elaborating. I should be in town the w/o the 18th. That would mean that on the 20th - I will try to head up their for a special evening with a special chica. Do you remember how pricey the place is? If you are interested in joining, I will have Gustavo take us in his microbus!

Peace,

DR

Ps. Thanks to DiegoC for starting this thread.

Last I remember, the Wednesday all-you-can-eat dinner was $28/person. I think drinks are NOT included. Plus taxes of course.

Road Trip!!!!! Wed 20th!!!

I was up at Mirador Ram Luna one Wed. night with a date & really enjoyed it. It was about $30usd a person for a large buffet & yes, All the liquor you could drink was included. As I recall the cab from the gulch cost me about $30 also, the driver waited 3hrs. for us as I thought getting a cab up there at 10pm might be problematic.

The show was mildly entertaining & the fireworks were limited but it was nice doing something totally different than the usual routine. Sipping our cocktails outside overlooking the lights of the city was quite romantic. Alas, not romantic enough, my non-pro date & I did not consummate that night & after kissing her good night I headed to Key Largo for a sure thing!

_________________
"cuz I'm a back-door man" Jim Morrison-1969

just my experince with tica's ....they enjoy KFC more than some fancy meal....most (not all) think they should order the most $$$ on the menu.....save your money

YMMV, depends on the chica. I would only take a chica that I know can appreciate a nice place, otherwise CM is right, take her to a fast-food restaurant.

Good tip about the taxi, have them wait or schedule a pick up, there's almost no chance to flag down a taxi. Or have the restaurant call you a taxi. The meter will run about 7k +/- each way. About a year ago, we were going to hire an SL driver to take a few of us to Pork Chop Hill (near by), wait for us, and bring us back. He wanted $60.

Another tip is to bring a sweater. It gets pretty cold up there at night.

For a couple of other options in Escazu:

1) restaurant at the Hotel Beacon - good food, nice environment and not too expensive. They have a new menu with Cuisine from all over the world. The chef is french, but his italian menu items are excellent.

2) For Sushi - Samurai Sushi in Plaza Itscazu - it is a Japanese steakhouse on one side and a sushi place on the other. Not what you would call super romantic, but if you chica likes sushi - not a bad option.

Peace,

DR