The Essence of.....Costa Rica An exploration of the world through food and drink

Essence -ial Information UK Tourist Office Flat 1, 14 Lancaster Gate London W2 3LH Currency Colon (CRC) Capital San Jose Language Spanish Main Airlines British Airways, Continental Flying Time from UK 11 hrs 30 mins Visa No

PROFILE Costa Rica (República de Costa Rica) is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica is a country whose cuisine displays influences of diverse origins, with everything from European to native South American and even African tastes being present in the cuisine of Costa Rica. Costa Rican cuisine is best described as savoury – instead of spicy chili peppers or piquant powders, Costa Rican chefs prefer garlic, herbs and other mild blends to season the nation's favourite dishes. The main staple, known as gallo pinto, consists of rice and beans. Gallo pinto is also known in some southern areas of Costa Rica as burra; though still recognized the name is rarely used. For lunch, the traditional national dish is called a casado. It again consists of rice and beans served side by side instead of mixed. There will generally be some type of meat (carne asada, fish, pork chop or chicken) and a salad to round out the dish. Other Costa Rican food staples include corn tortillas, white cheese and picadillos. Tortillas frequently accompany meals, but rice is nearly always present. Ticos will often fill tortillas with whatever they are eating and eat it in the form of a gallo The national liquour of Costa Rica, guaro, is made from sugarcane. Natives often drink guaro as a shot or mixed with juice or soda.