~by Dagmar Reinhard

In Ojochal, at the new Plaza Tangara, they have opened a delicacies store: L'Épicerie.

Chef Marcella, the owner of the business, explains: "We offer select products that you cannot find anywhere else. I am my best customer,” she adds, “I supply my restaurants, my catering company and of course my home."

Most of the items are made in Costa Rica, groceries, delicatessen, and cheese produced in organic farms. Chef Marcella herself makes many of the delicacies. "We import selected wines from all over the world, and there is a great variety of organic wines." Cheese is imported from Italy, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.

There are many Vegan products on the shelves. The meats are mostly organic, and you will find chicken, beef, lamb, and pork, all vacuum packed. In addition to Quiche Loraine, there are pate, rabbit, duck, cocktail (a juvenile rooster that is a French delicacy), seafood, trout, and clams.

Desserts, sweet temptation! They offer jams, chocolates, gluten-free cereals, vegan ice cream, blueberry sauces, pollen, and honey from four different regions of Costa Rica. They also provide a variety of artisan bread and fresh duck, goose, and quail eggs.

For the end of the year parties, chefs will bake delicacies such as Buche de Noël from France, typical Stollen from Germany, and the tasty tamales of Costa Rica. If you are an amateur or professional chef, you will find all kinds of Asian species and products.

The liquor section is very well-stocked with wines, national, and international craft beers. There are all kinds of whiskey, brandy, gin, and rum — likewise, organic Costa Rican coffee. You will find beautiful crockery and household items.

If you want to add a touch of color to your decoration, Costa Rican ceramic crafts are an excellent option.

And what will I take for our picnic on the beach? Don't worry; the take-out section is very enticing; Marcella's team prepares salads, sandwiches, and paninis.

Do you need a last-minute gift? There is a space with cosmetics, books, and backpacks "Nomellames" for children.

On request, L'Épicerie prepares "welcome baskets" for the new tenants of your house.

Marcella, the owner of L'Épicerie, exhibits a cordial smile: "Finally, another of my dreams came true with this Delicatessen store." The successful businesswoman has created a name beyond Costa Rica with her original Citrus Restaurant.

She created Plaza Tangara, a small shopping center where visitors can relax in the large patio with a small fountain, an oasis even on the hottest days.

Plaza Tangara houses the Cafetería Kofé, a hotel, a pharmacy, a massage parlor, a doctor's office, a pub, and a company promoting solar energy systems.

Chef Marcella is full of ideas that she wants to make come true. Wait for more news from Ojochal!