Discovering Costa Rica

Page 13

Discovering Costa Rica

Presentations:

More than one presentation may be required in order to achieve your

desired objectives

Corporate Gifts:

When initiating a business relationship, a personal gift to other

businesspeople is not well perceived. What you can give or receive is any kind of

corporate merchandising gifts that usually contain the company’s logo

Food

Costa Rican food is generally considered flavorful yet mild; the food is savory and not as spicy

as that of some of Costa Rica’s Latin American neighbors. As you might expect, coffee is very

popular among Costa Ricans.

Ingredients and Typical Dishes

Like many other Latin American countries, rice and black beans are staples of Costa Rican

cuisine. It is often served at every meal. While this section discusses mainly

comida típica

(traditional cuisine), many cities in Costa Rica also offer a variety of international cuisine.

Gallo Pinto

, the national dish, consists of fried rice, black beans, onions, red pepper, and

cilantro. It is commonly served for breakfast with eggs, bread, and a cup of coffee or juice.

Casado

is another popular dish and is often served for lunch and/or dinner. The dish includes

meat or seafood, a side salad, rice, black beans, and occasionally fried plantains. A natural fruit

drink rounds out the meal. Casados are a cheap, economical way to eat a balanced meal.

Besides casado, another common dish is

Arroz con Pollo

or chicken and rice. The rice is

yellow in color and takes on a savory flavor, seasoned with the special spices. Other popular

dishes include

empanadas, olla de carne, mondongo,

and

tres leches

(a milk-saturated cake

served for dessert).

Taverns serve various small dishes; in Spain these are called

tapas

, but in Costa Rica they are

known as

boquitas

Patacones

: fried green plantain slices served with black bean dip

Pico de Gallo

: tomatoes and onions pickled in lime juice and served with tortilla chips

Chifrijo

: rice and beans with

chicharrones

(fried pork skins) and

chimichurri

Ceviche

: fish and/or shrimp with onions and pickled in lime juice

Food near the Caribbean coast varies slightly. For example, while casado in this region is still

popular, it is often made with red beans, spicy Panamanian peppers, and coconut milk. In the

Guanacaste region, there is a local wine known as

Vino de Coyol

, it is advised that you drink

this wine in moderation; locals say this wine leads to strong hangovers.