The Traveler's Table Winter 2020

Page 24

SAVORING PALATE PLEASERS IN

COSTA RICA  BY RUKSANA HUSSAIN

Homemade packets of sweet and savory treats line the glass display at Soda La Negrita, a no-frills, family-style eatery serving local fare. A drenched touchdown in Costa Rica warranted a piping hot cup of coffee and a warm meal at the roadside spot, perched on a bend along the way to La Fortuna from San Jose. My Spanish is restricted to “si” and “no,” so I point to the first thing listed under the house specials on the menu – chorreada dulce con natilla. A few sizzles emanate from the kitchen and in seconds, a steaming hot yellow pancake made from sweet corn is in front of me, accompanied by local sour cream. A bite and a sip, and I know this sumptuous welcome sets the tone for my visit to La Fortuna. Located in the agricultural province of Alajuela in central Costa Rica, La Fortuna is a small town with a big reputation. It is the gateway to the beautiful Arenal Volcano National Park and mineral-rich thermal hot springs flowing through the Tabacon River – a welcome respite any time of year. The elevation and climate here is well-suited for bountiful harvests, which you indulge in when feasting on traditional cuisine in the area.

24 | T R AV E L E R ’ S TA B L E | W I N T E R 2 0 2 0

© RUKSANA HUSSAIN

© RUKSANA HUSSAIN

The opportunity to dive into the all-encompassing casado presented itself within minutes of my mid-day arrival at my resort. The hearty meal is a fond staple starring rice, beans, protein, and

TYPICAL CASADO FOR LUNCH

CHORREADA DULCE CON NATILLA


Articles inside

Silversea Cruises article cover image

Silversea Cruises

1min
page 36
Regent Seven Seas Cruises article cover image

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

1min
page 29
Regent Seven Seas Cruises article cover image

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

1min
page 29
AVALON WATERWAYS: DELIGHT IN EVERY BITE article cover image

AVALON WATERWAYS: DELIGHT IN EVERY BITE

1min
page 26
A CUNARD BREAKFAST FAVORITE, BY POPULAR DEMAND. article cover image

A CUNARD BREAKFAST FAVORITE, BY POPULAR DEMAND.

1min
page 20
Celebrity Cruises article cover image

Celebrity Cruises

1min
page 10
Oceania Chef: Kathryn Kelly article cover image

Oceania Chef: Kathryn Kelly

2min
page 7
Culinary Dreams Come True article cover image

Culinary Dreams Come True

1min
page 6
Princess Cruises: The Taste of Alaska article cover image

Princess Cruises: The Taste of Alaska

1min
page 15
TASTING QUITO article cover image

TASTING QUITO

3min
pages 34-35
CULINARY SOUVENIRS: DELICIOUS MEMORIES OF YOUR TRAVELS article cover image

CULINARY SOUVENIRS: DELICIOUS MEMORIES OF YOUR TRAVELS

4min
pages 32-33
ESSENTIAL MUST-TRY FOODS IN BELIZE article cover image

ESSENTIAL MUST-TRY FOODS IN BELIZE

4min
pages 27-29
DIG INTO WILD JUNEAU article cover image

DIG INTO WILD JUNEAU

3min
pages 11-14
SAVORING PALATE PLEASERS IN COSTA RICA article cover image

SAVORING PALATE PLEASERS IN COSTA RICA

3min
pages 24-25
A TALE OF TWO CANADIAN COASTS article cover image

A TALE OF TWO CANADIAN COASTS

4min
pages 16-19
GUATEMALA’S SWEET LIFE article cover image

GUATEMALA’S SWEET LIFE

2min
pages 30-31
MAKING HISTORY: Chefs In Paradise Return To Hawaii's Culinary Roots article cover image

MAKING HISTORY: Chefs In Paradise Return To Hawaii's Culinary Roots

4min
pages 21-23
SAILING COVID SAFE article cover image

SAILING COVID SAFE

3min
pages 8-9