What happens when the best restaurants of Ojochal get together? Magic…

It was a bright beautiful sunny day and everyone was all smiles. The atmosphere was relaxed and chatty, excitement filled the air. Over 200 people attended and they gathered from as far away as Jaco to attend “Le Gran Festival Gastronómico del Sabor de Ojochal”, held on Sunday, July 7. A camera crew showed up from Channel 9 and everyone felt like stars. It was a glamorous daytime event held with a jungle backdrop setting, what a way to dine in style! Jungle elegance, as we call it in Ojochal.

The culinary festival was a delight to attend by all standards. It was a beautiful afternoon spent in Citrus’ garden, enjoying great company, great music and most importantly, exquisite cuisine! The food was de-lish! Whether it was Citrus’s Spicy Tuna, or Pancito’s devilishly good chocolate cake, everything was spectacular. Each restaurant had something special to offer, and the venue was the perfect opportunity for each restaurant to present their best dishes, giving locals and newcomers a chance to sample a little something special from each restaurant. As every restaurant has their own specialty, it was great to be able to taste various items at reasonable prices. Participants had fun tasting each others’ sample size plates and identifying which flavors were found within. Some of us were brave enough to check in with the chefs to see who was closest to the secret recipes. We had a blast guessing, even when the chefs stayed tight lipped on how they made their creations. Needless to say, not only was the food spectacular but presentation was on spot for all restaurants, some dishes were served in green coconuts and there was even mini sized Chinese take-out boxes that delighted guests.

The participating restaurants included: Azul (located in El Castillo), who served up calamari with an exquisite dipping sauce; Boca Coronado presenting a classic fish ceviche; Citrus, served spicy tuna; Exotica, created divine oriental meatballs with ginger and peach sauce; Morphotica (located in Diquis Del Sur), made their famous Gazpacho and popcorn; Le BistrO (located in Plaza Filibustero) made bar time favorites; Pancito Café, presented their Napoleon desert; and Villas Gaia introduced a succulent beef tenderloin. The entrance fee was 5,000 colonnes and tasting plates started at 500 colonnes.

The music acts varied with sounds ranging from spanish guitar, folk to jungle beats. Music acts included Blue Note Del Sur, from Quebec; Miguel Solaris, from San Jose; our local Canadian Debbie Ness, Chino Mora from San Isidro; Ken Nickel and his band; and wrapping up with a final music act performed by percussionist and DJ, Philippe Chapuy, with Bart on the transverse flute.

Wine was provided by Cava Mundial, the wine distributor of the South Pacific, who also gave wine tasting and degustation advice, paring menu items with the wine they presented. This was lead by La Escuela del Vino Centroamerica, and was a helpful service to have on hand!

El Sabor de Ojochal is an organization comprised of local restaurateurs who volunteer their time and energy to support, promote and highlight the culinary excellence found in the small village of Ojochal. Located on the southern end of Costa Ballena in the Southern Pacific Zone, Ojochal is home to some of the best restaurants in Costa Rica. Coupled with its boutique hotels, Ojochal is the perfect culinary destination. If you are visiting the South Pacific, be sure to plan a stop in Ojochal. With amazing mountain and ocean views, a bustling local community year round and more fine dining restaurants than you can image, Ojochal is a destination that pleases travelers alike! See you at El Sabor de Ojochal’s next event!

Garden Party with a Twist

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