If Other Tropical Countries Pride Themselves With Their Cooking Prowess That Turns Iguana And Other Endangered Species Into Dishes That Will Leave Thanksgiving Turkey Cold, Costa Rica Will Satisfy You With Foods That Did Not Come From Its Large Collection Of Wildlife. Sure, Some People Who Are Used To Having Whales For Soup And Turtles As A Main Course Will Definitely Say That Every Restaurant Serves Bland Food. That Is Really Untrue. The Countrys Cuisine Is Actually A Fusion Of Those From Other Countries Such As , , , Chinam And , Flavored With Local Ingredients To Obtain That Costa Rican Taste. As A Trademark Of The Country, You Will Notice That Restaurants Serve Foods That Are Mildly Or Slightly Seasoned. The Most Common Dish That You Will Find In All The Restaurants Is The Gallo Pinto (Spotted Rooster). This National Dish, Which Consists Of Fried Race And Black Beans, Is Usually Served During Breakfast Along With Scrambled Or Fried Eggs And A Cup Of Coffee Or Agua Dulce (sugar Cane Diluted In Hot Water). Another Popular Menu In Restaurants Is The Casados. This Dish, Which Means Married In English, Consists Of White Rice, Black And Red Beans Served With Either Chicken Or Pork. Restaurants Are Normally Open To Serve You With The Local Cuisine From And Or Till . There Are Some Restaurants That Will Serve Dinner Till The Wee Hours Of The Morning Especially On Weekends, And There Are Some That Stay Open For 24 Hours. Dining In Restaurants Is A Worthwhile Experience. The Relaxed And Carefree Atmosphere Compliments The Delectable Local Cuisine. Be Aware Though That While Eating In Costa Rica Does Not Pose Any Health Risks Which Has Been A Problem In Other Parts Of Central America, The Use Of Pesticide In This Country Is Unregulated. A Luxurious Restaurant With Expensive Utensils Does Not Necessarily Mean It Will Bring You The Safest Foods. As A Precaution, Make It A Habit To Eat Where The Locals Do. After All, Who Else Would Know Better?One Good Thing About Restaurants Is That A Lot Of The Fine Ones Serve Local And Even International Cuisines At Affordable Prices. And If You Think That The Best Restaurants Are Within The Capital City, Think Again. Even Secluded Areas Now Have Their Share Of Nice Dining Places As Gourmet Chefs Went Into The Restaurant Business Themselves. So Forget That Diet And Splurge On Those Delightful Dishes.
