Yesterday the monthly low stakes "Men's Poker Group" was hosted at our home in Escazu, Costa Rica.
Mind you, my only role in these PC (Poker Club Gatherings) is popping into my 1950's housewife mode and making sure the boys have lunch in between hands.
Yesterday however I think I was the "big winner" as Dr. Lenny Karpman, a U.S. Cardiologist for many years and long-time resident of Costa Rica gave us a copy of his fabulous book "Feasting and Foraging in Costa Rica" A Foodie's delight!
Review: Self-Interests first: As previous owners of Cafe de Artistas we were happy that our restaurant was still listed as a best breakfast and pecan pie favorite. However the winning hand was we discovered new recipes, restaurants and gastronomic delights to be found in our adopted home country of Costa Rica.
As we foraged through each delectable page of Dr. Lenny's culinary delights, we both talked about how much we had lost our initial sense of culinary adventure that we first had when we moved to Costa Rica. Hard to believe---but it was over a decade ago when we moved to Costa Rica. In reading Feasting and Foraging, we recollected how we were like children, discovering a new culinary playground experimenting with alien vegetables and fruits.
As we look back on the amazing and best decision of our lives to move to Costa Rica, that initial experimental phase discovering her cultural and culinary delights can be compared to a love affair. Exciting, Fresh, Unknown!
So what happened to our culinary and cultural experimentation? Well, I think just like relationships, unless you spice it up and avoid routine and habits, your palete can lose it's zest!
You end up going to your favorite foodie place verses trying out a new and unknown restaurant. You return to your roots---cooking the dishes you can make without thinking verses challenging yourself with unknown roots and vegetables.
If you live in Costa Rica, If you're a Foodie, If you're thinking about vacationing in Costa Rica and want great culinary delights on your vacation that would make even the Barefoot Contessa take off more than her shoes......pick up "Feasting and Foraging"
Not only do I agree with Dr. Lenny's best picks of restaurants, we have new and exciting places to investigate and new culinary creations recipes like "Red Roasted Pumpkin Boats" that will keep our gastronomic boat floating!
We will be happy to put you in touch with Dr. Lenny or order on-line.
Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is the Author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life". Rosemary hosts Executive and Personal Growth Retreats in Tropical Costa Rica.
www.retreatscostarica.com www.gowildgogreat.com