The Daily Diary of a Wandering Restaurateur
December 15 - Dining del Dia
We took Federico to lunch and wisely let him pick the place. His choice was La Princesa Marina (Princess of the Sea), a large -- and very busy seafood restaurant -- in Moravia. I think Margene and I were the only gringos in the place. That is usually a sign that we have found the sort of place we look for! The stuffed fish was an awesome plate presentation, the prices were reasonable and the food was excellent. It seems that all first floor doors and windows in Costa Rica are protected by wrought iron bars. As we sat in the restaurant, I noticed that the feeling from the inside was probably akin to being in jail ... but I'm sure the Ticos don't even notice it.
Would you have stopped at a dimly-lit place like this ... on a dark road ... in the middle of nowhere? OK, there is no question that it has a great view, but as you walk in, you start to wonder exactly what it is that you have done. The place is dark and more than a little bit funky. There are strange signs in Spanish all over the place and not a gringo in sight!
The most colorful thing in the place is an antique ox cart, very Tico and the smell of burning charcoal and grilled meat comes from the equally funky kitchen. In the States we would call it a dive ... but I am starting to think that once again Federico has turned us on to something special
What a treat to meet Marisa, Federico's fiancee. She speaks no English but that turned out to be no problem at all. Between Margene's faltering Spanish and Federico's tenuous hold on basic English, we managed not only to communicate but actually laughed a lot all night. We left the dinner order to them and when the plank of grilled meats, fresh tortillas, potatoes and rice arrived, I knew we were in for something completely Tican! It was also the first time I have been served beer with a glassful of ice and a bowl of fresh limes. It worked!
© 2007 Restaurant Doctor
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