This is the sort of place I love.
During our stay at Los Suenos in Costa Rica, our group — Tanner, Boyd, and Hammons families– split into two groups. Nancy, Liza, Scott, and the kids — Ella, Lily, and Hudson — decided to go ziplining. Michael, Julie, and I decided to find a local restaurant, something far different from the Los Suenos resort, and have lunch. We three gourmets dropped off the adventurers and set off on an adventure of our own.
We passed by several potential spots and then headed to La Casa de Carmen, which we’d noticed on our way to and from lunch at Rancho Manuel.
The proprietor greeted us with a warmth that continued throughout our visit. This is a family-owned and operated restaurant that’s dedicated to serving local dishes with local produce to give diners a true taste of Costa Rica. The decor is simple without being stark.
A television off to one side played old music videos softly, with fun looks back at Miami Vice and, of course, The King. It was all pleasant, but the host-owner was the real treat. This is the best I can do to show him and his wife, Carmen.
Don’t they look like sweet people?
He came by with menus and some conversation, and took our orders. Julie chose arroz con pollo,
while Michael opted for the cosada con carne y salsa,
and I went with the cosada con chuleta.
Julie was thrilled with her chicken and rice, which is a nationally favorite dish in Costa Rica. You see the shreds of chicken and vegetables, all local, mixed in with the saffron rice. It’s a dish that can be bland if under seasoned, and getting the cooking time and moisture can be a trick, but Julie made clear that La Casa de Carmen hit all the right notes.
Michael and I had enjoyed the coladas at Rancho Manuel, and these were just as good. The rice and beans were flavorful, the vegetables had been cooked with meat or animal fat, and the pasta salad was lightly dressed. Michael spoke highly of the meat, and my pork chop with onions and peppers was excellent.
The owner came by again to make sure we liked everything, and to talk about the restaurant and what he and Carmen were trying to achieve. What a friendly, open person! Everything added up to a fun and tasty meal.
Meanwhile, the zipliners were having a ball
until after seven platforms, when the heavens opened with torrential rain followed by thunder. The kids decided that they’d had enough, and Liza stayed with them while they waited for a ride down the mountain.
Inspired by Herodotus’ account of the Persian couriers, Scott and Nancy
finished the last three stages to great éclat, and the whole group, sodden but proud, celebrated.
Costa Rica has so much to offer, and one of the special treats is trying the local food and talking with the local people. La Casa de Carmen is a terrific place to do that and one that you should try.
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