ABOUT THE LIVING LIFE IN COSTA RICA BLOG

I (Vicki Skinner - aka "THE Sarong Goddess") created this blog in 2007 to share DETAILED Finds•Lists•Info•Events•Experiences to help bring more EASE to people living in, visiting or thinking of moving to Costa Rica since DETAILS are NOT easy to find!
I’m NOT an expert (an "expert" 2 ME knows 101%-NOT me). I believe in sharin info•helping where I can! And with over 2,200 entries, so some things might be out of date, so if you find old info PLEASE help each other by getting the updated info & sharing it with me to revise. At least you have some basic info to get you started.
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Thursday, December 25, 2014

Where to celebrate CHRISTMAS EVE•VISPERA de NAVIDAD & CHRISTMAS DINNER • CENA de NAVIDAD - Where to find the fixin's to make Christmas Dinner in Costa Rica • TAXI's Working & MORE - 2014



This page is about who's having special Meals and Celebrations geared towards Christmas Eve and Christmas Day around Costa Rica (or are just open since these holidays, not lots of places are open).

NOTE that a LARGE percent of NON-Beach area restaurants and businesses in•around Costa Rica pretty much close DOWN BY around noon on December 24 because a large percent of Tico's celebrate MORE on Christmas Eve - December 24 (that seems to be Tico's big time to gather the family, eat [TAMALES are THE THING to eat on Christmas Eve!!!] and just P-A-R-T-Y!!!!!)

And a HUGE percent of Nica's (the workers) go home till the Sunday after New Years!
So NON-Beach areas can become a Ghost Town often till the Sunday after New Years (THOUGH - I'm finding fewer people heading for the mountains and beaches - and more staying in town so hopefully that will mean more places staying open!!!  The MEGA AWESOME thing about this time in those places is the traffic is practically non-existent and MANY tourist places are pretty empty from Museums to Volcanoes and White Water Rafting!)


I think this is one of THE HARDEST Lists to make as MANY places don't even know if they're doing a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Dinners or New Years Celebrations till days before.  Also, MANY that have done them in the past don't seem to be doing them this year or are no longer in business (or they're $45-$80+ US$s!!) but I'm going to work on this and share with you hear so BookMark it and keep checking back - EVEN the day of!!!

Here it goes:



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Here's a list I started last year on Where to find the fixin's•foods for Christmas but I haven't had time to update it - but you can get the jest.


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Know any BUSINESS•RESTAURANTS around Costa Rica to add that are making special Holiday Celebrations•Meals (or are at least open)?
Please have them fill out their information at:
and email it back to me. 
Please do NOT leave the message on a facebook page or message board if you want me to see it.

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ALSO - check out our list of upcoming
HOLIDAY BAZAARS  •  ARTISAN FESTIVALS at
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/11/ArtisanFairsInCR.html


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WHAT'S OPEN - in General
Goddess forbid, you can pretty much count on the
American chains and/or fast food restaurants and
Chinese Restaurants
to be open though they may have shorter hours ON these HOLIDAY days.


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EMPLOYEES
Employees that work ON Christmas Day and/or New Years Day MUST get DOUBLE TIME - PERIOD!! 
If they get the day off and it falls on a regular working day - you MUST PAY THEM their regular pay!!!!!!!

NO WAY AROUND IT!!!

(trust me, if you think you can pull a fast one on them, chances are REALLY GOOD that when you go to close them out/let them go, it WILL come back up to bite you on the back-end and there WILL be penalties for it!)


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Seeking a more UNIQUE place•way to celebrate CHRISTMAS DAY (and New Years Eve and New Years Day!!) spend it with Joanna and friends at
COCINA ECLECTICA
in Trejos Montelegre!!

Joanna will be preparing the MOST UNIQUE (and CHEAPEST I've found) Christmas treats around (EVERYTHING I've ever had from her was AMAZING!!)!!
The theme will be
Bocas•Hors d'oeuvres•Plates from Around the World!

About the only thing "traditional" with her meal will be a turkey but even that has a unique twist - a Cashew Bread Stuffing with a Herbacious Gravy - & ALL she prepares will be done in some awesome unique way!!!!

THE CONCEPT AT COCINA ECLECTICAS:
What Joanna has created at EclecTica is a VERY UNIQUE Foodie EXPERIENCE in a REALLY special space where she invites her "friends" into her home & teaches them about marrying unique flavors together (blending various spices, herbs, doTerra therapeutic Essential oils & various types of foods•food combos you've most likely never had!!!!) - creating incredible unique tasty morsels (mainly smaller bocas•hors d'oeuvres).

Her presentation is like Dim Sum where she prepares and brings the dishes•courses out to all the guests at the same time (note that it's ok to say no to something)

During the course of the day•evening these are some dishes she MAY present while you're there:
Her Turkey has a Cashew Bread Stuffing with a Herbacious Gravy  •  Korean Jerky  •  Pickled Herring served in cucumber cups (Polish•Ukraine)  •  Smoked Ham and Sauerkraut Fondue Quesedia • Mashed Sweet Potatoes laced with Amaretto  •  Crispy firecracker rolls  •  Plantain Mash with Shrimp or Bacon or __??  •  Shrimp Ceviche with pickled Ginger & Passion Fruit  •  Shrimp Coctail with Seaweed (Japanese)  •  Fennel infused Salmon with a Beet & Carmelized Onion Relish  •  an Asian Noodle Soup or Chilled Yam Noodles & Sake Consomme . . . ???!!!!!

TIMING FOR TODAY:
Plan to be there for AT LEAST 1-1/2+ hours though if you stay longer - you'll get more food!!

NOTE:
Since there weren't many RSVP's ahead of time (yet many are coming now), she's working solo so please be more patient than normal (& feel free to help out!!)


TIME:
4pm till they run out or people finally leave
(that's when I'm going)


PRICE:
10,000-c/$20
(Food ONLY.  Drinks NOT included in this price.  Incredibly low price compared to everyone else but her food will be AMAZING and memorable!  MOST I'm seeing are asking $45-$80 per PERSON!!!)

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Reserve your space now for her NEW YEARS CELEBRATIONS!!!

NEW YEARS EVE
8pm till ___???!!!!

Celebrating different cultures each hour at THEIR stroke of midnight by honoring some of THEIR New Years Eve traditions with tasty  

Bocas•hors d'oeuvres!  And MORE coming!!

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NEW YEARS DAY
12pm/noon till ___??!!!

Celebrating different cultures way of fixing "the tail of the dog that bit you" (a HANGOVER)  Bocas•hors d'oeuvres from different countries and soothing music (for those that might have celebrated too much!!)

(I REALLY hope she makes some menudo!!!  I've been CRAVING it for YEARS!!)

This will be a Parade-free • Football-free Zone!!

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More details coming here but also follow her on Facebook for more info!!

facebook.com/Joannas.Eatz

(Joanna welcomes your suggestions on bocas and ideas on New Years traditions from around the world)


Reservations•RSVP's IMPORTANT
(directions given upon reserving)
8-529-2509  •  JoannasEatz@yahoo.com


LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/12/ChristmasNewYearsAtCocinaEclecticaCR.html


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HAVE ANY DONATIONS TO SHARE WITH THOSE LESS FORTUNATE?
Feel free to drop them off at Cocina EclecTica's
and at this point they'll be shared with 

Gail Nystrom's CR Humanitarian Foundation 
CRHF.org  •  facebook.com/groups/156808054815
They always need basic Tico food staples (non-perishable) • School Supplies (BIG TIME NEEDED right now!!) • Shoes • Christmas Gifts • Medical Supplies • Baby Supplies • Clothes & MORE!!!


(Cocina EclecTica is home to the
MONTHLY COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
 

JANUARY 17 - 9am-3pm
CLOTHING SWAP AND SALE
FEBRUARY 14 - 9am-2pm
(subject to change because it's Valentine's Day)
COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
(space still available if you want to join in:  tinyurl.com/CommunityGarageSaleEscazu

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 Le Monastere
Prices range from 26,950-45,500-c - + impuestos and tip
for this MOST MAGICAL setting for your Christmas dinner!

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Alta Hotel - La Luz Restaurant
CHRISTMAS EVE
 Wednesday - December 24 - 7-10pm
$80


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 TGIF
I haven't seen that they're doing any special Christmas meal - BUT - they WILL be open with limited hours:
December 24  -  11:30am-6pm
December 25  -  11:30am-11pm
December 31  -  11am-1:30am
January 1  -  11:30am-11pm
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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
I haven't seen that they're doing any special Christmas meal - BUT - they WILL be open with limited hours:
December 24  -  12pm-8pm
December 25  -  1-8pm
December 31  -  12pm-8pm

January 1  -  1-8pm

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SAN JOSE
PREPARED MEAL-TO-GO
from the Marriott Antigua - Belen
Feeds 12-15 people
$255 IVI


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CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH


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CARIBBEAN SIDE


PUERTO VIEJO

ALL YOU CAN EAT CHRISTMAS BUFFET
- Roast Turkey with all the trimmings
- Roast Pork Caribe
- 4 different sushi rolls
- lots of vegetarian options
- desserts and much much more !
PLEASE DO NOT BOOK ON LINE !
For reservations , phone Andrew at 8396-3247

7,500

Facebook.com/pages/Chile-Rojo/92702585879
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Don Fernando's
facebook.com/CarnesDonFernando
Escazu • Lindora•Pozos de Santa Ana • Guachipelin • Pinares
pechuga turkey broiled, leg pig broiled, ham Virginia Hawaiian, loin of chili ASADO, the tail of a loin broiled stuffed, roast beef, Turkey ASADO, loin of pork roast and loin of Pork Hawaiian.
Pechuga de Pavo Asada, Pierna de Cerdo Asada, Jamón Virginia Hawaiano, Lomo de Res Asado, Cola de Lomo Asada Rellena, Roast Beef, Pavo Asado, Lomo de Cerdo Asado y Lomo de Cerdo Hawaiano.
Prepared or raw
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facebook.com/SabordeLydi

Pork leg
with either Sweet Wine, Apple or Plums
They can deliver to your home

 
pierna de cerdo vino dulce, Manzana, Ciruelas
Haga sus pedidos ya y se lo entregamos en su casa
9,500-c PER KILO.
Transportation NOT included.

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PACIFIC - SOUTH


 OJOCHAL
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PACIFIC - CENTRAL

December 25th - 7pm
Hotel California - Between Quepos and Manuel Antonio
Costa Rican style Christmas dinner
Buffet (except salad served at the table) with  

Tamales (vegetarian available), picadillos (vegetarian option), rice, beans, homemade fat tortillas, mixed green salad, arroz con leche, a choice of eggnog, beer or a natural fruit drink.
PRICE: 

13+ = $15 • Children under 6 = free • 6-12 = $7.50 - plus tax and tip (23%)



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PACIFIC - NORTH - GUANACASTE 

PLAYAS DEL COCO
The LookOut
Live music to be played as well!RSVP Mandatory as Very limited seatings.
8-755-7246
$55 + taxes


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PUERTO VIEJO


SO FAR THE BEST DEAL I'VE SEEN IN COSTA RICA!
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CHRISTMAS BUFFET at

Chile Rojo - Calle Principal
- Roast Turkey with all the trimmings
- Roast Pork Caribe
- 4 different sushi rolls
- lots of vegetarian options
- desserts and much much more!


PRICE:
7,500-c!!

RESERVATIONS:

Andrew - 8-396-3247

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SAN RAMON

Almuerzo Navideño
facebook.com/events/901210426612826
en Villa Blanca
facebook.com/VillaBlancaHotelyReserva


WHEN•CUANDO:
December 25 - 12pm/noon/mid-day

Entradas:
Crema de guisantes:
Delicada preparación de guisantes con crema, aromatizada con un toque de ajo puerros y menta.
Ensalada Navideña El Sendero:  Exquisita combinación de vainicas, zanahoria, almendras, limones de la finca con queso mozzarella hecho en casa.
Platos fuertes:  

Cerdo Aquí no más:  Lomito de cerdo al horno, cocinado en su propio jugo, aromatizado con un toque de Malbec y tomillo, servido con puré de manzanas y nuez moscada.
Dorado relleno de camarones:  Dorado relleno de camarones con un toque de crema y sazonado con eneldo.
Postre:  Tarta tatín de manzana
Precio:

$30 + impuestos por persona ****
Es necesario hacer reservación:

2461-0300 / 2401-3800


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#1 - PLEASE do NOT forget your loved ones left at home with all the FIREWORKS going on around them!!
MANY animal freak out from Fireworks and in Costa Rica - they go off throughout the WHOLE MONTH of December - ESPECIALLY Christmas Eve AT MIDNIGHT (and later) and of course New Years Eve at Midnight!
Above I share some hints and I share more at:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2012/07/FireworksPets.html





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Get my still growing lists of holiday related things around Costa Rica - 2014

LISTS I've compiled for things related to
•  Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day•Meals 

•  New Years Eve • New Years Day - Where to Eat•Celebrate 
•  What's Open 
•  Things Open•Things to Do
•  Taxi's Working
•  MY FAV Place to Celebrate•Eat for the Holidays
•  Animal Hospitals•Vets•Veterinarians•Veterinaria Open
•  Your Pet and Fireworks Tips
•  Where to find LEGAL Fireworks
•  Holiday Hours for popular stores•government offices++

•  Christmas•Navidad and other Festivals•Celebrations around this time
•  Church Services in English
AND MORE!!!

Get the links at:

 LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/12/VickisChristmasNewYearsInCRList.html
 

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Was this information helpful to you?
Tracking this information isn't easy and was VERY time-consuming (VERY last minute as MANY places didn't want to commit and many backed out from last year as well!!)
PLEASE consider making a DONATION to help keep this site alive and detailed!!!
See the top Left corner of the blog on what options we take!



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PLEASE "SHARE" this with everyone you know and tell where you're reserving that you heard about it from Vicki's Blog
TinyURL.com/ChristmasInCostaRica2014

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/11/ChristmasInCR2014.html
.

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