THANKSGIVING - Where to Celebrate U.S. Thanksgiving in Costa Rica & Where to Find all the Fixin's needed • Substitutes (Tico-izing things) - 2013!

2014
at:
ThanksgivingInCostaRica.info

On this page you'll find information like:
•  Where are some of the more UNIQUE•SPECIAL places to celebrate Thanksgiving
•  Who is Serving U.S. Thanksgiving Dinners
Around Costa Rica
•  Where to find THANKGIVING FOOD FIXIN's
•  Where to find TURKEYS
•  Where to find PUMPKINS
•  Where to find CRANBERRIES
•  Where to find SWEET POTATOES•YAMS
•  Where to find  PUMPKIN PIES
•  Where to buy BIG SERVING DISHES and things
and MORE!!!



Ok, sure, we've left the U.S. and Canada and some ream us for holding on to anything that's American (especially some of our food tastes) but ya know, sometime ya just GOTTA get a familiar fix and it seems that Thanksgiving is one of the BIG TIMES to do that for ExPats living in Costa Rica.  Heck, even some of my anti-anything U.S. friends leave their little villages to come together with other ExPats to celebrate Thanksgiving so it has gotten to be QUITE the POPULAR "holiday" throughout Costa Rica - thanx to the large ExPat communities around the country!  Many ExPats are even bringing their Tico friends to experience this INSANE holiday of GLUTTONY!!


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For those not from the U.S. or Canada and unsure what all this hoopla is about - Thanksgiving happens in the U.S. on the LAST THURSDAY in November and 
Canada's 2nd Monday in October.
I'm not going to go into the history but you can check out a few sites at:
 History.com/topics/thanksgiving

HISTORY OF THANKSGIVING - MYTHS
Speaking of "history", here's a fascinating link to a story that debunks MANY of the MYTHS we have around Thanksgiving:
HistoryNewsNetwork.org/article/406


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WHAT'S THE TYPICAL FOOD FOR A 
"TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING"


It tends to be Turkey•Pavo (sometimes people will also have Ham)  •  Stuffing  •  Yams or Sweet Potato (often mashed in a casserole [and often topped with marshmallows!!])  •  Cranberries (standard is the jellied cranberries in a can)  •  Mashed Potatoes  •  Green Bean (in the States MANY do Green Bean Casserole but I have not yet found the fried onions it calls for) or some sort of vegetable and Rolls.  For dessert - Pumpkin Pie with whipped cream (Apple Pie or Pecan Pie are also popular Thanksgiving desserts)
(keep this in mind when I refer below to a restaurant serving "Traditional Thanksgiving food").
People often do a "Potluck" - where everyone brings a dish (many times their family favorites [or me - I create a concoction from whatever is in the cupboards/fridge])




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Where are some of the more UNIQUE•SPECIAL places to
celebrate Thanksgiving in Costa Rica
 Check out some of the SPECIAL places and deals to celebrate Thanksgiving like . .

•  Who has the BEST DEAL if you're a Lady or Senior!

•  Vista del Valle where dinner includes a Day Pass to their Pool, Jacuzzi and grounds including a good walk to a beautiful waterfall!

•  CHARITY BENEFIT for El Puente - The Bridge
has a few more spaces because Alfie's reservation line was not working!

•  Or the Opera Concert at Osa Mountain Village Resort!





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ALSO - check out our list of upcoming


HOLIDAY BAZAARS  •  ARTISAN FESTIVALS at: 
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/11/ArtisanFairsInCR.html



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 I'm STILL adding things to this guide so "Bookmark" it and keep coming back!!!

Click here for all the other info!!! . . . .

(This entry has taken DAYS to accumulate the DETAILS to help bring you more EASE and JOY into your life - so if this information was helpful to you - 
PLEASE consider showing your appreciation by making a 
DONATION
(top Left column of this blog on how to do that)


WHEN IS U.S. THANKSGIVING 2013?


Thursday - November 28
 (the 4th Thursday in November)



VERY SADLY we have seen some popular places that have been serving delicious U.S. Thanksgiving CLOSED!!



WHO HAS CLOSED:
Escazu - Time Out Tavern • Oasis • Cafe des Artistes  •  San Jose - Galileo Hostel  •  San Ramon - Le Organico Restaurant



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WHO IS SERVING U.S. THANKSGIVING DINNERS

around Costa Rica?

Do you know other restaurants having U.S. Thanksgiving Dinner or of any Thanksgiving related items or have anything to add/change?
Please have restaurants submit their info from the questions at:

 LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/11/HolidayCelebrationVendors.html
and email me at
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com


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CARIBBEAN


PLAYA COCLES

CALYPSO THANKSGIVING
with LIVE Calypso Music
One Plate served to you with Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner PLUS Pumpkin Soup, Yams and Sweet Potato Pie.  

PRICE:
 $20 + 10% I.V. 
Kids under $10 - special menu 

HOURS:
6:30-10pm 

WHERE:
PLAYA COCLES
Hotel Costa de Papito
 facebook.com/pages/Hotel-La-Costa-de-Papito/712929128735016

RESERVATIONS: 
Limited  2-750-0080
 
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ESCAZU

 CLOSED
Sadly Escazu has lost (to closing) the most restaurants for Celebrating U.S. Thanksgiving
Time Out Tavern • Oasis • Cafe des Artistes
 
 NOT DOING Thanksgiving this year  
(that HAVE done them in the past):

TGIFriday's 


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HOTEL ALTA - La Luz

(2-282-4160 xt.9-Engl. 250-rest. • TheAltaHotel.com • facebook.com/AltaHotelCR

WHAT: 
Single Serving - ELEGANT dining with Traditional Turkey Dinner with Turkey Breast served with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans sauteed in Roasted Garlic and served with gravy, Waldorf Salad and caramelized walnuts. • Cream of Squash roasted with lemon zest and honey, Cranberry Sauce and Pumpkin Pie OR Warm apple pie with ice cream PLUS 
OR
Beef Tenderloin served with a Blue Cheese Sauce with fried Malanga and sauteed Veggies
OR
Grilled Sea Bass served with Tomato Broth and sauteed Spinach with Bacon
OR
Penne Scampi with Pacific shrimp, Spinach and cherry tomatoes

HOURS:   8-10pm (official)
(but you can come as early as noon to avoid the crowds)
 
RESERVATIONS:
Reservations HIGHLY Recommended

PRICE:  $40
(all Impuestos and taxes included)

LOCATION:   
Escazu - Calle Vieja on the road towards Santa Ana

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GRECIA

Galeria Steak House
NOW LOCATED IN ESCAZU
 facebook.com/events/369066033239883 • facebook.com/galeria.s.restaurante

WHAT:
Turkey, gravy, stuffing, CRANBERRY SAUCE, mashed potatoes, vegetables, pumpkin pie and a glass of wine

WHEN:
noon-10pm

PRICE:12,800-c

RESERVATIONS:
Reservation BY Wednesday - November 27
2-444-6767 • 8-408-0575


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The BIG Community Potluck in Grecia has been sold out for MONTHS but keep it in mind for the future as it's quite the Potluck with around 100 ExPats!  E- me and I'll get you a connection!!! 





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Wesleyan Church 
They host a popular Thanksgiving Celebration POTLUCK with the Traditional Thanksgiving meal attended by Gringos and Ticos. 
WHEN:
Noon (bring food by 11:45am)



PRICE:
5,000-c/$10
(price is to cover the price of the turkey)



LOCATION:


behind Grecia Mall - Fellowship Hall, 2nd floor


RESERVATIONS:
Sara - smarant@aol.com
FYI - the church holds worship service in English for expats on Sundays at 8:30am.




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NARANJO

VISTA DEL VALLE
VistaDelValle.com  •  facebook.com/VistaDelVallePlantationInnCostaRica

BEST PLACE TO ENJOY A REALLY SPECIAL THANKSGIVING!!!

An AMAZING MAGICAL SETTING!!!!
(I did this 2 years ago and it was GREAT!!!!!  I even spent the weekend there!  Need a MAGICAL BREAK?? 

Check out their DAY PASS SPECIAL and their ROMANTIC COUPLES (or single person that just wants to chill) SPECIALS below!!

THANKSGIVING DINNER

WHAT:
Cafeteria-Style (one plate) includes a glass of Sangria, your Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner as well as Pork Leg, Sweet Potato Pie and Pumpkin Pie,
 
PRICE:
$25  
Vegetarians and kids 7 and under
$15
(includes taxes and basic 10% IS "tip")


HOURS:  
3pm-till they run out

RESERVATIONS:
2-450-0800  •  FrontDesk@VistaDelValle.com
Suggested but not mandatory

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SUPER SPECIAL DEAL!!
They usually charge 15,000-c for a Day Pass
BUT 

Attendees of their Thanksgiving Feast get to
ALSO ENJOY their
Pool • Jacuzzi and Grounds

(including a GREAT strenuous walk to a wonderful Waterfall)
(NO additional food or drink of the regular Day Pass)

ROMANTIC EVENING SUPER SPECIAL!!
STAY THE NIGHT in one of their MAGICAL Cabinas AND enjoy a FREE BOTTLE OF WINE and Breakfast for just
$155 for 1-2 people (taxes INCLUDED!!)!!
(that's an INCREDIBLE DEAL since their AWESOME rooms normally range from $160-$185/n PLUS 13% tax)

 

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PLAYA COCO 

Roberto's at La Gaviota Tropical
Traditional Turkey Dinner plus glass of wine

HOURS:
4-10pm

PRICE:
12,000-c/$24 (INCLUDES tax and service)

RESERVATIONS:
2-672-0011

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PLAYA GRANDE

facebook.com/events/566996260046823

HOTEL BULA BULA's
GREAT WALTINI Restaurant
HotelBulaBula.com  •  facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Bula-Bula/284695256548
(one of MY FAV restaurants in Costa Rica and where I spent Thanksgiving the year before I moved to Costa Rica!!  It was LINGUASMO • Tongueasmic!!!)WHAT
Roasted Tom Turkey  •  STUFFING with Sausage, sage and Cornbread OR Cajun Bread Stuffing • Bula mashed potatoes and gravy • Creamed Corn (the BEST Creamed Corn I've EVER tasted!!) • Cranberry Sauce and Dessert.

PRICE:
$18.95 plus 23% taxes
Kids 12 and under - $12.95 plus taxes
Their regular WONDERFUL menu will also be available to choose from instead.

HOURS:
3-9pm

FREE WATER TAXI RIDE FROM TAMARINDO FOR DINERS!
(this MUST be reserved in advance)

RESERVATIONS:
Suggested to avoid longer waits (their Turkey Day celebration is quite popular)
FrontDesk@HotelBulaBula.com  •  2-653-0975
(tell my VERY DEAR FRIENDS Todd and Wally [old friends from my San Francisco days where we met sitting in a hot tub at the Russian River!!!!])




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SAN JOSE

Magnolia Restaurant at Casino Club Colonial
All-You-Can-Eat-BUFFET
 facebook.com/events/415902418537709
facebook.com/CasinoClubColonial  •  CasinoClubColonial.com
 
WHAT:
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey - PLUS - Mashed Sweet Potatoes • Pumpkin Pie • Hot Wings • Rice with Almonds • American Potato Salad • Oregano - Plus 1 glass of wine or national beer. 

HOURS: 
 Lunch - noon-6pm  
Dinner - 7-midnight

PRICE:
 $25 (Impuesto and service fee INCLUDED) 

LOCATION: 
San Jose-Downtown - Avenida and Calle 9 and 11

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SPORTSMEN’S LODGE

(SportsmensCR.com  •  2-221-2533)

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT TURKEY
(just request another plate of what you want) 
 and
LOTS of TVs for FOOTBALL 
(NOTE:  Even though this does have the best prices for kids - it IS more of "ADULT Environment")

The BEST DEAL if you're a Gal, Senior and children under 12 as they're
1/2 PRICE!!!  

WHAT:
Traditional Turkey Dinner - PLUS - Caesar Salad with Deviled Eggs, One Glass of Wine, REAL Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream

HOURS:
2-8pm

RESERVATIONS:
Reservations Suggested but not mandatory 

PRICE:
11,250/$22.50
(INCLUDES Impuesto and service fee). 
Women, Senior 65 y.o.+ and children under 12 = 1/2 PRICE!!!  $11.25-U.S.!!!

LOCATION: 
San Jose (Barrio Otyoa) - Calle 13 between Avenida 9 and Avenida 11

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Alfi's BandB’s 3rd annual Thanksgiving Day Charity Benefit for
El Puente - The Bridge!
ElPuente-TheBridge.org

WHAT:
One Plate - Traditional Turkey Dinner - PLUS - SALAD BAR, Split Pea Soup and Apple OR Pumpkin Pie  
This sounds like THE MOST VEGETARIAN Thanksgiving Celebration as the only thing that is meat is the turkey!!

CHARITY BENEFIT for El Puente -  ElPuente-TheBridge.org
El Puente is a non-profit that put 143 children in school, 150 people a week come here for a Community Kitchen in Puerto Viejo (see an CNN news story featured on them at bit.ly/yQSVOZ  - push CC for English subtitles

WHEN:  
Opening at noon - one serving at 2pm

PRICE:  
12,500/$25 (taxes included)

RESERVATIONS
(Reservations HIGHLY suggested): 
Alfie - 8-866-0572  •  (2-221-2102-this Phone not working)  •  AlfRich1@yahoo.com

LOCATION:  
San Jose - Alfie's B And B - in front of the Colegio de las Senoritas

THEY STILL HAVE A FEW SPACES LEFT
(because their phone was not working!)

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Del Mar
The Del Mar is in a BEAUTIFULLY restored mansion facing Parque Morazan - though it's a more "Adult Environment".
On top of the standard Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner - PLUS - Pumpkin Soup OR Caesar Salad and Pumpkin OR Apple Pie

WHEN:  
11am-till they run out (around 9ish in the past)

PRICE:  
13,000/$26 
RESERVATIONS
2-257-7800
Reservations suggested (unless you're 5+ people in party)

LOCATION: 
San Jose - across from Parque Morazon  Calle 7-9 and Avenida 1 and 3



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WYNDHAM HERRADURA Buffet (Cafeteria-style where you get just one plate and you get to select what you want) - with one glass of wine and LIVE MUSIC.

TIME:
7-10pm

PRICE:
14,000-c/$28 i.i.  •  kids under 12 y.o. 7,000-i.i.

RESERVATIONS:
2-209-9860  •  Restaurantes@WyndhamHerradura.com




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Del Rey Casino and Hotel

(2-257-7800 xt. 232 / http://DelReyHotel.com)

WHAT: 
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner - PLUS - a choice of 2 Salads (Pumpkin Soup OR Caesar Salad) and Pumpkin Pie OR Apple Pie.

PRICE:
13,000/$26

HOURS: 
11am (when I called they said noon???)-

LOCATION: 
 San Jose

 
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EL PATIO DEL BALMORAL

(2-221-1700 / http://ElPatioDelBalmoral.com  /  facebook.com/pages/El-Patio-Del-Balmoral/138691386226515 )

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, along with waldorf salad, mashed camote/sweet potato, calabaza/pumpkin cake, CRANBERRY SAUCE and a glass of wine (regular menu also). 

HOURS: 
noon till they run out (they close the kitchen at 9:45pm)

PRICE: 
14,000/$28 
(INCLUDES Impuesto and service fee). Reservations suggested but not mandatory.

LOCATION: San Jose-Centro – Avenida Central - between Calle 7th and 9th

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SOUTHERN ZONE
(Dominical  •  San Isidro de General • Perez Zeledon • Osa Mountain Village)

SAN ISIDRO de GENERAL • PEREZ ZELEDON

FERIA!!
Sam is setting up a Cafeteria-style serving buffet (NOT all-you-can-eat) Turkey Dinner

WHAT:
Depending on what she can get done between now and then she'll most likely have Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Wild Rice Stuffing, Green Beans, MAYBE sweet potatoes, gravy.  Pie (pecan and pumpkin pie) - $1 a slice.WHERE:
Thursday FERIA at Sam's Gringo-Landia table. 

HOURS: 
9am-1pm

PRICE:
5,000-c
(this has got to be THE BEST DEAL in Costa Rica!!!)


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BAZOOKA's
BazookasRestaurant.com 

Single Plate served to you of Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner - PLUS - Green Salad, Pumpkin OR Apple Pie and 1 Drink

HOURS:
12-10pm  

PRICE:
10,000-c (23% included)

WHERE:
On the highway InterAmericana towards San Jose - just after the gas station Beto Solis
 
  RESERVATIONS:
Reservations Suggested
2-771-2050  • 2-771-2055  •  8-981-9409  •  BazookasCR@hotmail.com


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Thanksgiving at La Terraza
Piano by Susan Raines Hosted by Susan Raines
facebook.com/events/1382102092010416
 
  Piano stylings by Susan Raines and a few guests to add to the party! Good food - thankful friends and music!!!! Full bar on premises with some special drink prices and a Happy Hour !

WHAT:
Single Plate served to you of Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner prepared by a gourmet chef  - Sweet Potatoes (gratin) and Dinner Salad.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
2-771-0006

PRICE:
Dinner ONLY 
10,000-c 

Dinner + a glass of wine and Pumpkin OR Apple Pie
 11,000-c   

Vegetarians
can choose an organic Mediterranean dish at a very reasonable price

KIDS (don't have age):
portion of Turkey Dinner  =  5,000-c 

Children's menu
Chicken Fingers/fries  OR  Spaghetti  OR  Hamburger/fries (and natural drink)
 3,000-c


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And she said there is another new restaurant on the highway leaving town heading towards San Jose doing a dinner for 7,000-c.
??????

The international ladies club will be there.


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TURKEY SIGHTING in SAN ISIDRO de GENERAL 
Luferz grocery store has PriceSmart Frozen Turkeys
(THANX Sam)


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PIES IN
SAN ISIDRO de GENERAL • PEREZ ZELDON

Sam sells her Pies (frozen) and other Holiday Desserts at her booth at the
Thursday and Friday Feria

PUMPKIN  =  6,000-c
PECAN  =  8,000-c
and other HOLIDAY DESSERTS
$1/slice!!!!

BUT - she's already sold out for Thanksgiving!!

Reserve your Christmas one NOW!!!CONTACT:
"Sam" (Suzette)  -  facebook.com/suzetta.harper.5  •  sharper59@gmail.com  •  2-770-3096
(tell her Vicki Connected you!!!)


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DOMINICAL

Charter Restaurant
 facebook.com/pages/Restaurante-Charter/148889068609246

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner - Wine Included

WHEN:  
6pm
 
WHERE:  
Near Dominical (at the airplane on the road to San Isidro) 

RESERVATIONS:
2-787-0172



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facebook.com/events/548855088519734

OSA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE RESORT
OPERA and THANKSGIVING DINNER
AN EVENING OF MUSIC AND
SONG UNDER THE STARS
Gustavo Hernández Amanda Rodríguez Lorenzo Vargas
Celebration and Concert
 
PRICE:
$45

RESERVATIONS:
jcbenavidescr@gmail.com


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WHERE TO FIND

 THANKSGIVING and CHRISTMAS 

FOOD FIXIN's
(note – the prices listed are from 2 years ago – but at least you get the basics)

More and more stores are getting the typical Turkey Dinner Fixin's - pretty much YEAR AROUND!!!!!

AUTOMERCADO
 They have BY FAR THE LARGEST SELECTIONS!! YEAHHHH!!!
They even have many of the items at the end of an aisle by the registers!!
Turkey (U.S. Butterball style and Tico turkeys), Stove Top Stuffing (Chicken, Turkey or Savory Herb) 1360-c, Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Mix 2050, Cranberry’s - Ocean Spray Whole Berry OR Jellied Cranberry Sauce 1453-c, SandW Jellied Cranberry Sauce 1080, Sweet Potatoes 1583, Bruce’s Yams 870, Henry’s Jarred Homestyle Roasted Turkey Gravy 1900, Knorr Packaged Gravy 980, McCormack’s Packaged Gravy 920, Idahoan Mashed Potatoes 605, Apple Sauce 1050, Reynold’s Oven Bags 3575 (2), aluminum foal pans1300-1335, I've seen REAL PUMPKINS at AutoMercado (but they were a small fortune - like $14-$20+ for a small one). Frozen Mrs. Smith’s Apple Pie 3575.

PRICESMART
'13 - Pamela found an 8kg/171/2 pounds BUTTERBALL Turkey for just 20,000-colones (actually - that's just a bit over $2/pound - that's MEGA CHEAP from the past)
Whole Honey Suckle Turkeys - 16,875 for 15lbs. I went there a few days before Thanksgiving and they didn’t have hardly anything so don't wait till the last minute.
PRICESMART has some of the better prices around for a pound of nuts BUT - MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE BAG as numerous people (like myself) have experienced some bugs in them in the past (they were not the freshest)!!!!
Pecans - 8995, Walnuts 5195, Almonds 4825, Mixed Nuts in Shells (hazelnuts, almonds, pecans and Brasil nuts) 3205, Sliced Almonds 2595 (450 grams) - remember - these are OLD PRICES!!!!
 
MAS X MENOS
Carolina Turkeys, Stove Top Stuffing, Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Mix, Ocean Spray Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce, Reynold’s Oven Bags .

SARRETO’S
Escazu (San Rafael) - past Pizza Hut and the Uno gas station by La Cascada Argentinian/steak restaurant or 200 meters west of the Los Anonos Bridge -
They had THE BIGGEST can of Pumpkin Pie mix plus Canned Cranberry Sauce, Oven Bags.  


WalMart
(aka "Super Wally World!")
I'm sure they'll have just about all you could need.
 Note I have NOT seen Reddi Whip spray whipping cream in Costa Rica for AGES but they have their own brand (sadly, it's not the same).  They have it in the milk section - plus some sort of non-refrigerated concoction - or just get a box of the whipping cream.  


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WHERE DO I FIND
PUMPKINS?

Pumpkins as we North Americans know them are not really grown in Costa Rica.  If you see a dish that CLAIMS to have "Pumpkin" in it - it's usually 
 AYOTE

which DEFINITELY is NOT "Pumpkin" but it's somewhat similar!

In the past I HAVE seen REAL PUMPKINS (usually at a small fortune) at AutoMercado and PriceSmart if you REALLY feel a NEED to mush your hands in the guts of it and make it yourself.  The last one I saw at AutoMercado was about $14 and it wasn't even that big!!

Hence why most people that want "the real thing" (well, as WE know it) just by the Libby's Canned stuff.

You can get the Libby's canned Pumpkin Pie filling (along with ALL SORTs of other Pie Fillings) at AutoMercado pretty much year-round BUT I have not seen frozen pie crust yet so ya gotta make your own.
(Do you have a good Pie Crust Recipe?  Please share it at the bottom under "Comments"!)

Nasty as some people may think it is, my choice for whipped cream (mainly out of ease [plus I LOVE squirting it into my mouth!!]) is Reddi Whip in the red can but I have not found it in Costa Rica for YEARS (it's probably better for me!!!).

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WHERE TO FIND
PUMPKIN PIES

I'm working on a page where you can find various things we CRAVE - throughOUT the year!

LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/10/pastries-where-to-find-north-american.html

PRE-MADE

PRICESMART
has a pretty tasty Calabaza•Pumpkin Pie for a decent price (sorry - I can't remember it now)

SADLY FOR US - LA COCINA DE ROBIN - ROBIN’S KITCHEN
has closed!!  (yeahhhh for her in her new endeavours of enjoying life!!)

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WHERE TO FIND
YAMS or SWEET POTATOES?
Yams or Sweet Potatoes as we North Americans know them are not really grown in Costa Rica.  The closest thing we have in Costa Rica to "Yams" or "Sweet Potatoes" are
CAMOTE

You can pretty much find Camote at most markets in Costa Rica

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WHERE TO FIND TURKEYS • PAVO
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/TurkeysCR

for Thanksgiving and Christmas in Costa Rica

Many people I’ve heard from feel Costa Rican Turkeys/Pavo don't have flavoring (including MSG which to me is a GOOD thing!!) or preservatives and can be quite tough, but they’re local hence not as expensive (no freezer container/import taxes).

Sarah Joy heard that turkeys raised in Costa Rica tend to be raised primarily for Christmas so if you want one for U.S. or Canadian Thanksgiving, they most likely won't be at their perkiest!!!


Here's a REALLY INTERESTING article to help you understand healthier turkeys:

Confused About Turkeys?
Free range  •  Pasture-raised  •  Organic  •  Natural  •  Heritage  •  Cruelty-free  •  HumaneHere’s What the Labels Mean
Care2.com/greenliving/confused-about-turkeys-heres-what-the-labels-mean.html

TURKEY COOKING HINT:

Don’t laugh too hard but in college I used to sell Tupperware hence, as UN-Domestic Goddess as I am, I did learn some hints!!

• cook the Turkey breast side down and IF there was ANY way to get a BIG brown paper bag to fit it in (withOUT wax paper in it) – put it in that!!! TENDER!!

• I’ve heard if you cook it in one of those Reynolds Turkey bags – you take it out and while still in the bag, wrap it in towels to soak up a lot of the juice (don’t know why you’d want to soak up the juices as I LOVE a REALLY JUICY Turkey!!).

See "WHERE TO FIND THANKSGIVING FOOD FIXIN's" above for the frozen ones in mainstream markets.

REPORTS FROM PEOPLE THAT HAVE BOUGHT SOME OF THE TURKEYS FROM THE MARKETS 

PriceSmart - 20,000 colones 8 kg (171/2 pounds)
NOTE:  I had a few people tell me they bought their turkey a few weeks ago and paid LOTS MORE, and I had some people tell me they bought their turkey days before (in 2013) and it was CHEAPER!!!  I'm going on Thanksgiving Day with a friend and we'll see what it was and report back!!!

 
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ALTERNATIVES 
Costa Rican Local Grown and Fresh: 

PIPASA's

I have called their corporate office LITERALLY 15 times today and either no answer or passed around (one time I was passed around 3 times and on hold for 15 minutes!!!) with NO SUCCESS and I have received NO response from the form I filled out on their Contact page on their website I sent EARLY this morning NOR from the 2 email addresses of employees I was given!!  Someone on their Facebook page said they DID carry it - I just want to get the price and what locations!  GRRRRRR!!!!

This was last years pricing but it's a start!! (hopefully I'll get to calling around getting markets prices this year)
EscazuNews.blogspot.com/2012/11/pavos-en-costa-rica-turkeys-in-costa.html

SOLD OUT FOR THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS!!!
But he'll have more after the first of the year and year-round.

Organically Fed (void of any chemical stimulators)  •  Free Range  •  Humanely Raised with the freedom to move about YOUNG HENS and TOM TURKEYS

Purchase them LIVE  •  Freshly Processed  - OR  -  Freshly Frozen!!

LivingLifeInCostaRrica.blogspot.com/2013/10/TurkeysCR.html 


SHOOT - even my guy with
FREE RANGE ORGANICALLY FED CHICKEN

LOCATED:
in Ciudad Colon
 LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/11/OrganicChickensCR.html

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I'm updating this old list of:

PRE-/READY-MADE TURKEY'S & TURKEY DINNER
Ready for YOU to serve in YOUR HOME!

DON FERNANDOS!!!!!
el Especialista en Carnes

(http://CarnesDonFernando.com)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Their meats are basically ORGANIC (currently there’s no “official certification” for organic of meat but for all intensive purposes they are as they say “DF’s meat is produced in harmony with nature and free from hormones, chemicals and antibiotics!!! NO animal is more than 20 months old (this helps with their guarantee to be tender and disease-free and insure that the animals are matured naturally) and there’s very little corn in their diet and they use a natural 15-20 day cureing process. It’s BY FAR the MOST BEAUTIFUL/TENDER meat I’ve found in this country!!! Their farms are located in La Fortuna near Arenal hence the cattle gets to graze on grass from the WONDERFUL soil of this area!! They are also VERY environmentally conscious.

HOLIDAY FIXIN’S!! I sampled their side dishes like the Costa Rican version of Sweet Potatoes - Camote - 8,495-feeds 6, Potato/Apple Salad - 8,995/feeds 6, Pumpkin Pie (they don't grow "pumpkin's as we know them) - 9,995/feeds 8, Pecan Pie - 16,500/feeds 12, Apple Pie-9,995/feeds 8. For MY taste - their Mashed Potatoes (9,9950 - feeds 6) were the BEST I've EVER had (there was garlic in them!!!). 
PRICE: COOKED MEATS: Pierna de Cerdo Asada Criolla (pork?) - 15-17 lbs - 8,995/kilo, 25-30 lbs 8,995/kilo; Turkey/Pavo Asado – 7 kilos/feeds 15-17, medium 3.5/kilo, small-1.5/kilo – 8,995/kilo, Virginia Ham - 9,495/kilo - 2 or 5-kilo, Lomo de Cerdo Asado-Hawaiian – 2-kilo or 1.5-kilos – 10,900/kilo; Relleno de Pavo (apio, crotones, wine, apples)– 8,995/kilo; Roast Beef 7,995/kilo; lomo de res Asado 2k – 6,995/kilo; Virginia Hamp – Tipo/Natural – 9,495/kilo. Cooked: 5,000/kilo, Not Cooked: 3,500/kilo (don't quote me on the exact price as the guy I spoke with was a bit iffy with it). DISCOUNTS: Order/Prepay in full a couple weeks before and SAVE 10%!!

ESCAZU (San Rafael de) - ON Calle Vieja – 125 meters West of Mas x Menos in Plaza Colonial 2-289-9165-phone / 2-289-8171-fax HOURS: 8:30am-7pm. GRILL- Mon.-Thurs -11:30am-4pm, Fri. and Sat. 11:30am-9pm (closed Sun.)

POZOS DE SANTA ANA (“Lindora”) - Centro Comerial Vistana Este, Contiguo a Matra 2-282-0181 / 2-282-0182. They only grill on Sat. (with only 1 side dish) Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm, Sun. 11am-4pm

CURRIDABAT - Plaza Carpintera - contiguo a Aldesa Valores 2-271-3334

PINARES – Plaza Carpintera (2-271-3334) and Rincon Parrillero (2-272-5744)

TAMARINDO - Rincon Parrillero (2-653-2265)

CATERING (2-227-0245)

TV SHOW: Watch their tv show (in Spanish) “Cosina Alternative” on Channel 7 at 11am on Sat.

HOURS: Mon-Sat. 8:30am-7:30pm. GRILLING HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-3pm and Fri. and Sat. 11:30am-5pm (Pozos and Curridabat may still be just Sat. 11:30am-5pm).

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I'M UPDATING THIS NOW - THIS IS OLD INFO

PRE-/READY-MADE / COMPLETE MEALS

for YOU to serve in YOUR HOME

To me, this option and dining out are THE ONLY way to go!!! No slaving!!!

DON FERNANDOS!!!!! el Especialista en Carnes

(http://CarnesDonFernando.com)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Their meats are basically ORGANIC (currently there’s no “official certification” for organic of meat but for all intensive purposes they are as they say “DF’s meat is produced in harmony with nature and free from hormones, chemicals and antibiotics!!! NO animal is more than 20 months old (this helps with their guarantee to be tender and disease-free and insure that the animals are matured naturally) and there’s very litle corn in their diet and they use a natural 15-20 day curying process. It’s BY FAR the MOST BEAUTIFUL/TENDER meat I’ve found in this country!!! Their farms are located in La Fortuna near Arenal hence the cattle gets to graze on grass from the WONDERFUL soil of this area!! They are also VERY environmentally conscious.

THEY’LL PREPARE or GRILL YOUR MEATS FOR YOU!!!! THIS is MUI CHIVA (“cool”)!!! Whether it be a steak you picked from the case for lunch (They have a grill on the premise. NO fee for this and they have some prepared side dishes you can buy like fried yucca, romero potatoes, potato salad, green salad from 500-700 colones) OR any of their meats including Prime Rib for that dinner party (or like me – you’re just not wanting to cook!!) - for a small fee (I think about 2-3% of the cost). They’ll prepare it for you PROPERLY – the way YOU like it!!!! Either go there and pick your cut/what you desire or you can fax/call it in (they need about a day for this) and DELIVERY is FREE with 10,000-c+ in purchases. FYI - Most of the staff I’ve found only speak Spanish.

Be it fresh, frozen or ready to eat meat of better quality than I’ve seen at markets BY FAR. They carry everything from VEAL, LAMB, Beef, Pork, Chicken, RABBIT, DUCK, Chorizo, Seasonal meats like TURKEY, whole HAMS+++!! In their deli section, they have the BEST CHIMMY CHURI dipping sauce I’ve EVER had (parsley, LOTS of garlic and what makes theirs so great I think is they use olive oil) – YUMMMMM (sometimes I just dip pieces of cooked chicken into it!!!)!!! They also carry cheeses like camambert 2,200/piece, feta (Roteborg) 2,995/piece, PATE (pork liver) 3,100/kilo), turkey PASTRAMI 6,886/kilo and some other goodies. FYI - Most of the staff I’ve found only speak Spanish.

HOLIDAY FIXIN’S!! I sampled their side dishes like the Costa Rican version of Sweet Potatoes - Camote - 8,495-feeds 6, Potato/Apple Salad - 8,995/feeds 6, Pumpkin Pie (they don't grow "pumpkin's as we know them) - 9,995/feeds 8, Pecan Pie - 16,500/feeds 12, Apple Pie-9,995/feeds 8. For MY taste - their Mashed Potatoes (9,9950 - feeds 6) were the BEST I've EVER had (there was garlic in them!!!). 
PRICE: COOKED MEATS: Pierna de Cerdo Asada Criolla (pork?) - 15-17 lbs - 8,995/kilo, 25-30 lbs 8,995/kilo; Turkey/Pavo Asado – 7 kilos/feeds 15-17, medium 3.5/kilo, small-1.5/kilo – 8,995/kilo, Virginia Ham - 9,495/kilo - 2 or 5-kilo, Lomo de Cerdo Asado-Hawaiian – 2-kilo or 1.5-kilos – 10,900/kilo; Relleno de Pavo (apio, crotones, wine, apples)– 8,995/kilo; Roast Beef 7,995/kilo; lomo de res Asado 2k – 6,995/kilo; Virginia Hamp – Tipo/Natural – 9,495/kilo. Cooked: 5,000/kilo, Not Cooked: 3,500/kilo (don't quote me on the exact price as the guy I spoke with was a bit iffy with it). DISCOUNTS: Order/Prepay in full a couple weeks before and SAVE 10%!!

ESCAZU (San Rafael de) - ON Calle Vieja – 125 meters West of Mas x Menos in Plaza Colonial 2-289-9165-phone / 2-289-8171-fax HOURS: 8:30am-7pm. GRILL- Mon.-Thurs -11:30am-4pm, Fri. and Sat. 11:30am-9pm (closed Sun.)

POZOS DE SANTA ANA (“Lindora”) - Centro Comerial Vistana Este, Contiguo a Matra 2-282-0181 / 2-282-0182. They only grill on Sat. (with only 1 side dish) Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm, Sun. 11am-4pm

CURRIDABAT - Plaza Carpintera - contiguo a Aldesa Valores 2-271-3334

PINARES – Plaza Carpintera (2-271-3334) and Rincon Parrillero (2-272-5744)

TAMARINDO - Rincon Parrillero (2-653-2265)

CATERING (2-227-0245)

TV SHOW: Watch their tv show (in Spanish) “Cosina Alternative” on Channel 7 at 11am on Sat.

HOURS: Mon-Sat. 8:30am-7:30pm. GRILLING HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 11am-3pm and Fri. and Sat. 11:30am-5pm (Pozos and Curridabat may still be just Sat. 11:30am-5pm).

AUTO MERCADO????

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WHERE TO FIND  
LARGE COOKING SUPPLIES

TIPS

(TipsCR.com  •  facebook.com/TipsCostaRica  •  2-543-2100)

JopCo

(215-3545 / JopCo.net)

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(of course EVERY animal is different!!  I grew up with a dauchsi that ate just about EVERYTHING!!  He ESPECIALLY LOVED raw onions and he lived to the ripe old age of 13!!  My brother had a mutt dog that ate my 2 POUND box of See's Candy that was under the tree one year - worst that happened is he got the runs)

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Do YOU have a FAVORITE RECIPE?
Tell us about it and share the recipe below in Comments - or email it to me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com


RECIPES
CRANBERRY SAUCE
Mel Goldberg’s daughter Joanne’s recipe for DELISH Cranberry Sauce!!
1 Cup of Red Wine (Cabernet preferred)
1 Cup Sugar (or artificial sweetener 
[play with it as things like Stevia can be VERY STRONG])
1 Stick of Cinnamon
Boil 2-3 minutes till sugar dissolved
Add 1 Bag Cranberry’s and Boil 5 more minutes till the Cranberry’s burst (or longer if necessary)
Remove cinnamon
Add Orange Zest if you’d like.
Cool and ENJOY!!!



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ThanksgivingInCostaRica.info LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2013/10/Thanksgiving2013CR.html
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