I’m a picky eater and don’t like beans, so when I went to Costa Rica last fall, I was worried that I’d be stuck eating beans and rice all the time. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.
Before heading off to Peace Retreat in Playa Negra, I went to Tamarindo for a few nights and stayed at Hotel Jardin del Eden. One evening it was extremely rainy, so I decided to make things easy and grab a bite to eat at the hotel’s open-air restaurant. I was skeptical, but it turned out to be my favorite meal during my stay in the country:
It is a filet of sea bass steamed in a banana leaf on a bed of basil pesto, topped with grilled veggies. It also gave it a tropical feel! Since the fish was steamed in the leaf, it stayed tender and moist. The veggies were crisp. Despite looking creamy, the pesto sauce tasted light and fresh. I loved that the dish was so colorful and artfully plated.
I’m hungry again every time I look at this! What’s your favorite Costa Rican dish?
This post is supported by Thomson.co.uk. Some of the most popular getaways this year are activity and sport adventures to far-flung destinations – don’t wait to book your holidays in 2012!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
That looks delicious! I love all the fried plantains available in Costa Rica. And I do enjoy the gallo pinto!
Rachel recently posted..Travel Photo: Jeongseun-gun, South Korea
Tamarindo — so near my old hood.
Abby recently posted..Skiing in the desert: Las Vegas
Tamarindo is my favourite too! I also like how they add green onion to the gallo pinto.
Ayngelina recently posted..Food Friday: Pulled Pork Poutine
Oh wow looks SO good!
Anything with plantains!!!
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Birthday Bliss
I need a recipe!! This looks delicious!!
dtravelsround recently posted..Breaking News: Thai officials raid Elephant Nature Park
Oh wow. You ate much better than we did when we went lol. Looks AMAZING.
Erica recently posted..Embracing Cliche in Machu Picchu
Costa Rica! Pretty delicious, the reason why I want in traveling is that I am discovering new delicious dish…
Natalie recently posted..cheap vigrx oil
I can live off of the fresh fruits and fish in Central America. But I also like some beans and rice too
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Foto of the Week from … Isla Mancera – Empty Beach
Rachel and Camels–I regrettably didn’t eat any plantains in Costa Rica…I missed out! They just weren’t served where I ate. But I sometimes make them here in Austin, pan-friend in coconut oil. So good!
I agree with Erika…I only ate beans and salads when I was there, oh and fish one day. This looks much better!
Federico recently posted..Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Hawaii (Video)
I’m not a big fan of pesto, but that dish looks really tasty!
Ali recently posted..My 7 Super Shots From 7 Continents
Is that banana leaves wrapping the fish? must be really good
Ivan recently posted..Costa Rican Gallo Pinto Recipe-Breakfast in Costa Rica
Looks yummy, I will definitely try it when I go to Costa Rica.
:)
Agness from eTramping.com recently posted..Travelling For Less Than $25: Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak, Thailand
@Ivan: Yes, that’s banana leaf. :p
@Agness: Sure, you should. happy travel to Costa Rica soon!