www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I am going to make a diet plan for overweight guys and sell it. The plan consists of going to SJO for 2 months to monger. You will come back at least 30 to 40 pounds lighter.

When I go on vacation I usually eat a couple of meals that I want to always remember. In Rio, the buffets are always very good. In Italy I had the best pasta. But in San Jose, I am trying to suppress the memories of food. I am sure some of you had some good meals, but the best meal I had was some Papa Johns pizza in a shady part of town - pretty sad. Oh, and as for mexican food in SJO - do yourself a favor and stay away. The refried beans are a black dark mess, they sure do not look like beans. They could taste great, but the presentation alone makes me loose my appetite. Oh and the mexican cheese they use is wayyyyy to thick.

Culture- I would agree that I have not been impressed by the dining in Costa Rica, although I admit I have not dined at many of the places listed by Pacifica. Before my trips I did read some reviews (I hit JR Ribs last trip) but still have not had a meal in Costa Rica that I would say was really good. In fairness, I did not care for the dining in Brasil (even though I ate fish 80% of the time) and only liked eating Indian cuisine in England. I had extended stays in both locations.
However, based solely on Pacifica's post, I will be trying the Ahi Tuna at Bakea and the sea bass at Mundo on my next trip. And I anticipate enjoying both.

Yeah I read the reviews etc. I think I should of prefaced this by saying I am a vegetarian. Yes a vegetarian that visits the Del Rey, who would of figured

Well, what I liked about Brazil is that they had those little Cafe stands always open where you could get a sandwich at anytime. Also, the buffets were always a good bet and there were plenty of restaurants that served great food in respect to their cuisines. For instance, a mexican restaurant served really good mexican food and catered to that. In CR, most places were jumbled up with all different types of food. I ordered a pasta dish and got a side of french fries. I ordered what I thought was a grilled cheese, and got mozzarella sticks with a side of a weird hot sauce / pasta sauce.....definitely interesting to say the least.

By the way don't get me wrong, I used to eat everything but in order to cut weight and get in shape I stopped. Since I stopped, I been able to bulk up the right way though excessive peanut butter eating and daily gym sessions. I didn't want to start again just cause I was in SJO, but it got really tempting because lack of options.

I usually gain weight in SJO. At home I eat 5 small meals. However, its unavoidable when I go to SJO. For example, eating a meal (Chicken with rice) at Soda Peru is probably more than 1400 calories.

You would think it would be low in calories but I am sure they put a lot of fatty seasoning and oil.

A vegetarian at Papa Johns Pizza? Haha that is one hungry vegan I think. Try Vishnu. There are several around the valley I believe but the closest to the gulch is 3 blocks due west of the DR on Ave. 1, across from the Crystal Building. Good stuff: Whole grain breads and pastas, sprouted stuff, healthy and tasty as it gets in San Jose. Plato del dia was about 1,800 colones last winter. Phone # is 207 2130.

Ya I agree you can get damn tasty meals in SJ I have had many. Healthy meals? That is subjective. My self I don’t camp in hotels any more than I have to – I gotta have my own kitchen. Except for excessive consumption of fine Vodkas and micro-brews I try and limit the amount of crap I shove down the gullet.

Give Vishnu a look next time. IMHO a vegetarian would be well pleased.