www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I will be on a long trip to CR in October and will need a steak fix. The quality of steak at most of the local resturants has been sub-par on my past visits. I was wondering if the steak served at Outback was up to US standards?

Kryan:

My experience with the Outback at Itaskzu Plaza is limited--two meals in the past year--but both times, I found US-quality beef at (essentially) US prices. As a "lucky strike extra" they will also prepare the steak medium rare if you ask for that.

As I'm sure you know, most locally-raised beef hits the market as a by-product of dairy operations (i.e., it's a three year old bull whose disposition has made him a liability for hanging around the heifers). On the other hand, US beef is raised exclusively for the purpose of being eaten by carnivores like you and me. The cattle breeds are developed for taste, and all those little grain-fed steers lead a short, happy life until that last ride to the slaughterhouse. Therefore, for taste and tenderness, you want the US-raised stuff.

The Marriott also imports USDA beef. Their steaks are superb, not to mention the Marriott Burger, which I believe got top ratings on this board in an earlier post. The other way to approach this is, when you make a reservation, ask whether they import their beef or buy locally.

Finally, the plaza in which the Outback is located has a number of excellent restaurants. My favorite was the Cuban place.


Osogrande

Can not give first hand report on the steaks at Outback as I always order prime rib when I dine there. However, if the prime rib is any indication of the quality of the steaks then I would say you will be pleased. The prime rib is exactly the same as the prime rib I have had at Outback in the states.

And off course the bloomin onion is another reason to go there .

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

I went to Hooter's which is in the same shopping center with Dear_John. We noticed that prices at Outback where actually higher than here in the states.

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Now, I am back in the game!

Guy from Texas told me the Best Western has the yummiest steaks. I personally like JR's for the"meat that falls off the bone" ribs. Behind the SL, in front of the zoo.

I have heard of a new Argentinian restaurant that opened, next to the new Machu Picchu, on the pista going to Santa Ana. It is called Ni-Fu, Ni-Fa
and advertises they import meat from the US.

Have not had a chance to try it yet, and do not know anyone who has, so can not give anymore info then that.

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