BULK
Alajuela - Granos y Mas - Mainly the basics "warehouse"
type place where you can purchase large quantities of rice, corn & beans,
ketchup etc.
PRICESMART - A Membership store (aka Sam’s Club or
CostCo – see “Markets” below)
MARKETS
– GROCERY STORES
AUTOMERCADO
(corp: http://AutoMercado.co.cr / 2-257-4242)
The largest selection of gringo products/things from the U.S. (hence
higher prices of course). NICE
store with a pretty decent butcher department. They also have frozen KOSHER MEATS. Make sure to get an Auto Frecuente Club
card which gets you a small rebate (you have to ask for it) plus I hear they
it’s also good for some other businesses.
IMPORTANT: Bag Boys/Empacadores
here are NOT employees
(most I’ve met were from Nicaragua hence not legal, hence no salary, no
insurance) so PLEASE make sure to tip them (I tip them if they’re just
bagging me (2-200-300-colones or so depending on how much) & more if
they’re taking it out for me (2-400-500-colones or so). If I don’t have much to bag or don’t
have much $, of course I bag it myself or at least give them 100 colones (I’ve
found MANY of them are Nicaraguan).
I met an owner that seems interested in
finding out & potentially in time getting things we’re interested in so if
you have items you don’t find & are willing to buy on a pretty regular
basis (realizing of course it’s going to cost LOTS more $$if it’s imported) –
e- me at CostaRicaEscazuResourceList@gmail.com
Escazu (San
Rafael – Plaza Atlantis)
(2-588-1742) HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 7am-10pm, Sun. 7am-9pm
Escazu –
MultiPlaza (2-201-6174) - HOURS:
Mon.-Sat. 8am-10pm, Sun. 8am-9pm
Pozos de
Santa Ana - on the road heading towards the
Airport (2-203-5335) -
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-10pm, Sun. 8am-9pm.
Rohrmoser –
Plaza Mayor (2-232-5555) -
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-10pm,
Sun. 8am-9pm.
DELIVERY: http://AMIDomicilio.com 800-800-2886
SARETTOS
Escazu (San Rafael) (2-228-0247 / 2-228-6703 / 2-228-6983-fax)
The most cool/unique international things I’ve found here. Also, one of the BEST selections of
alcoholic beverages (especially wines) with some of the best prices. Many gringo products including Entenmann's
Baked Goods. Produce section -
Pretty good selection & some nicer things including lots of herbs. You take your items over to be
weighed/tagged. GOOD quality on
meats & veges (& more unique/harder to find things).
IMPORTANT: Bag Boys here
are NOT employees (no salary, no insurance) so PLEASE make sure to tip them (I
tip them if they’re just bagging me (200-300+-colones or so depending on how
much) & more if they’re taking it out for me (400-500+-colones or so). If I don’t have much to bag or don’t
have much $, of course I bag it myself or at least give them 100 colones (I’ve
found MANY of them are Nicaraguan).
HOURS: Mon-Sat. 7:30am -
8:30am. Sun. 8:30am-2pm.
DIRECTIONS: past Pizza Hut
& the Shell gas station by La Cascada Argentinian/steak restaurant or 200
mts west of the Los Anonos Bridge
FRESH
MARKET
Escazu –
behind Paco Plaza
(2-588-1162?) - NEW!!! A lot of products you’d find in Mas x Menos but in a NICE,
Clean, spacious, gringo-ized environment that’s open GREAT HOURS (Daily 6am-10:30pm)!!! We were Tere late one night & they
were handing out free bread (since it was the end of the night). Fresh baked breads, fresh flowers. Maggie (her nametag says “Marjorie”) is
there Sun., Mon, Tues. 3-10:30pm & Wed., Thurs. & Fri. 8am-5pm &
she’s SOOOOO service oriented & speaks GOOD English!! She said if there’s something you want
& don’t see – ask & they may be able to get it. Emanuel? 7 blocks
Santa Ana –
East of the Cruz Rojo/Red Cross
GRANOS Y
MAS
Alajuela - It is a fairly basic "warehouse" type place where you can purchase large quantities of rice, corn & beans, ketchup etc.
HIPERMAS (ala WalMart)
Also have one
of the better selections of ORGANIC things. IMPORTANT: Bag Boys here are NOT employees (no
salary, no insurance) so PLEASE make sure to tip them (I tip them if they’re
just bagging me (2-200-300-colones or so depending on how much) & more if
they’re taking it out for me (2-400-500-colones or so). If I don’t have much to bag or don’t have
much $, of course I bag it myself or at least give them 100 colones (I’ve found
MANY of them are Nicaraguan). HOURS:
Sun.-Thurs. 8am-10pm, Fri.
& Sat. 8am-11pm.
Escazu - Just off the Pista (the Prospero Fernandez Highway
#27) coming off La Sabana Park in San Jose.
Curridabat - Autopista Florencio del Castillo,
Kilometro 2, frente a escuela Josefina Jurado (2-272-1994)
Guadalupe -
Antiguo Gallito, contiguo a la intersección de los semáforos (2-283-7170)
Heredia - Carretera Heredia Frente Colegio Santa
Cecilia (2-262-5353)
San Sebastián - Carretera de Circunvalacion, frente a la rotonda de San
Sebastián (2-286-0033)
MAS X MENOS
Now owned by WalMart as well as HiperMas. More of a Tico market though they have some great things
like the ONLY place I’ve found Bryanas salad dressing. Light blue building (ya can’t miss
it).
Bag Boys/Empacadores here ARE employees hence you aren’t supposed to take tips
BUT, I’ve found when they bring them out for you – they often sort of wait
around for one (so I guess you don’t try to tip them IN the store).
LOCATIONS: http://MasXMenos.co.cr/loca.htm
Escazu - San Rafael - (2-228-0954) - HOURS:
Mon.-Sat. 6:30am-MID, Sun. 6:30am-10pm. DIRECTIONS:
Just West of the Scotia Split
Rohrmoser (2-231-3815 / 2-231-3852 / 2-231-3936
/ 2-231-3978 / 2-231-3691) - DIRECTIONS: Plaza Rohrmoser – The
main road in Pavas – 200 mts West of the big blue AYA office.
Sabana (2-248-0968 / 2-248-1396) -
DIRECTIONS: 100 Mts. North
of Sabana Park
Christmas Season: till Dec.
31 – Sun. 6:30am-mid. New Years
Day ’09 – 9am-7pm.
At Más x Menos, the supermarket said it will extend its Sunday hours to
midnight until December 31 & will open until 10pm
MAXI BODEGA
Alajuela
(2-443-6196) - DIRECTIONS: Plaza Ferias
Ciudad Quesada
(2-461-1333) - DIRECTIONS: Plaza San Carlos
El Cruce (2-259-9185) -
DIRECTIONS: San Miguel
& Aserri
Jaco - DIRECTIONS: Antigua Coca Cola, costado Norte del cementerio
Libería
(2-665-1796) - DIRECTIONS: Contiguo al mercado Municipal
Limon (2-758-1318)
- DIRECTIONS: Contiguo Mercado Municipal
Puntarenas
(2-664-0248) - DIRECTIONS: 1km West de la Planta de Sardimar
San Isidro
(2-770-3929) - DIRECTIONS: South Carretera
Interamericana – across from Restaurante Brazilia
San Ramon
(2-445-9615) - DIRECTIONS: 200 mts North del Hospital
MEGA SUPER
My impression
of it is it’s more generic/Tico style products. Popular with Ticos. IMPORTANT:
Bag Boys here are NOT employees (no salary, no insurance) so PLEASE make
sure to tip them (I tip them if they’re just bagging me (2-200-300-colones or
so depending on how much) & more if they’re taking it out for me
(2-400-500-colones or so). If I
don’t have much to bag or don’t have much $, of course I bag it myself or at
least give them 100 colones (I’ve found MANY of them are Nicaraguan).
Santa
Ana/Pozos (on the South side of the Pista where you get off for Santa Ana &
the Airport)
San Antonio
de Belen (Mall)
PALI
My impression – it’s at the bottom of the food Chaín of low-end
products. DEFINITELY generic/Tico
style products. Popular with
Ticos. I’ve actually found some
cool kitchen chachkis here. Bring your own bags to bag your groceries. They don’t take credit
cards. IMPORTANT: Bag Boys here are NOT employees (no
salary, no insurance) so PLEASE make sure to tip them (I tip them if they’re
just bagging me (2-200-300-colones or so depending on how much) & more if
they’re taking it out for me (2-400-500-colones or so). If I don’t have much to bag or don’t
have much $, of course I bag it myself or at least give them 100 colones (I’ve
found MANY of them are Nicaraguan).
LOCATIONS: http://www.pali.co.cr/pali_en_costa_rica.htm
Escazu -
Central (2-288-1372 / 2-288-1373) -
DIRECTIONS: 100 mts. North & 50 mts. West of the church/park.
Santa Ana
– Downtown (2-282-4805 / 2-282-4456) -
DIRECTIONS: 200 mts. North
of the church
Pavas (2-231-7730 )
- DIRECTIONS: 600
West of the American Embassy
Rohrmoser (2-231-4125)
- Del antiguo Rancho
Luna, 400 mts. North of Pavas
Ciudad Colon (2-249-1773 / 2-249-1769) -
East of the Municipalidad
PERIMERCADO
My impression
of it is it’s more generic/Tico style products. Popular with Ticos. IMPORTANT:
Bag Boys here are NOT employees (no salary, no insurance) so PLEASE make
sure to tip them (I tip them if they’re just bagging me (2-200-300-colones or
so depending on how much) & more if they’re taking it out for me
(2-400-500-colones or so). If I
don’t have much to bag or don’t have much $, of course I bag it myself or at
least give them 100 colones (I’ve found MANY of them are Nicaraguan).
Escazu - San Rafael (Los Anonos) just before the main entrance to the
Pista on the East side of the street at the intersection where Tony Romas &
TGIFridays is.
Los Anonos
Pavas
PRICESMART
Membership place ala CostCo/Sams Club (I think it’s about $35/year).
Large quantity of processed foods, meats/seafood, NICE quality produce &
packaged things as well as bulk on household cleaning products, etc. Their Produce Department often has some GOOD prices & GOOD lookin' things & the CHEAPEST prices I've often found on those long braids of garlic as well as broccoli. The bag boys seem to not be employees so I welcome you to tip them a few hundred colones to help you (more if they help take things out for you). Also good prices on appliances (including stackable
washer/dryer for around $850), a few things of furniture, stuff of outdoors, electronics,
etc. Pharmacy (I’ve found their
prices pretty high compared to other places & often they’re not into
selling you smaller quantities). 5
or 10% off if you pay with cash.
They have locations throughout South & Central America & the Caribbean. (http://pricesmart.com/Default.aspx?404;http://pricesmart.com:80/Local/Default.aspx#)
Escazu (2-288-0008) -
DIRECTIONS: Westbound on
the Autopista Prospero Fernandez – get off at the first exit (note there is NO
exit sign!!) –go straight down to the end passing the gas station, Jazz
Café-West, Plaza Itzcazu (with Hooters & Outback), it curves around & goes
under the Pista cutting back. Past
the new bridge, Office Depot – Before CIMA hospital.
Eastbound -
Again – no sign. Get off
200 meters West mano izquierda - from the toll on the left. Get off at the gas station & go all
the way to the end & loop around under the Pista, pass Office Depot &
it’s on your right. If you hit
CIMA Hospital – you’ve gone too far
Heredia (2-262-4848) - DIRECTIONS: 300 m. north of Atlas Electrica
Llorente (2-297-2343) - DIRECTIONS: Llorente
de Tibás in front of the Monseñor Anselmo LLorente School of Tibás
Zapote (2-283-4494 / 2-280-8359). - DIRECTIONS:
SouthEast of Fuente de la Hispanidad – in front of the National Register
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 10am-8:30pm, Sat.
9:30am-9pm, Sun. 10am-8pm
FERIAS / FARMERS MARKETS
Escazu
Central - HOURS: Sat. 4:30am-1pm – This is MY ritual - ESPECIALLY because of my sweetie Birthday Buddy (6/9 - June 9) Minor who is my Agua de Pipa dealer!! My INTENTION is to get one 2-liter bottle of it per day as I hear it's GREAT for your kidneys, high blood pressure & overall health!! I LOVE his because he does all the work - cuts it for me & then I also get the whole coconuts cut in 1/2 to take home & scoop out for tasty dessert!!! Tell Minor Vicki sent you!! LOCATION: on the street behind the
church/iglesia.
Pavas - HOURS:
Sat. 6am-11:30am - LOCATION: next of the Pali supermarket
west of the USA embassy
San Jose – HOURS: Daily
6-11:30am. LOCATION: The
biggest market is located in Plaza
Viquez - Avenida 20, Calle 5 &
7
Santa
Ana - HOURS: Sun.
5am-noon. LOCATION: in front of the church/iglesia
Zapote -
HOURS: Sun. 6-11:30am.
LOCATION: Next to the Bull
Fight Ring
FERIAS / FARMERS MARKET
- ORGANIC
ESCAZU (CENTRO)
ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA (http://BuenaTierraOrganicMarket.blogspot.com / BuenaTierra.organica@gmail.com)
WHEN: Wednesdays from 8-11am
Organizers Honey (she organizes the Montezuma, Malpais/Santa
Teresa/Playa Carmen, Tambor ones on Saturdays) / Fiona (BuenaTierra@hotmail.es)
/ & Laura (LauraBarra@hotmail.com) with Buena Tierra Organic Produce bring
you the Centro Escazu ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET!!! They have THE BIGGEST & MOST
BEAUTIFUL, LUSCIOUS-LOOKING organic veges & fruit I’ve EVER seen!!! When I’ve been there, I found most
veges were around 400-c each (like bokchoy, herbs, various lettuces, cucumber)
to 800-c+ & WORTH IT (these were better than most pumped up veges I've ever
seen!) & they’re Certified Organic!! Carola sells exquisite goat & cow yogurts &
cheeses made in her farm in Coronado. Maria Fernanda delights us with her body
& face soaps, creams, essential oils all made from organic herbs. Ena &
Jaguar bake uncomparable bromate free brown bread flavored with organic herbs,
seeds & nuts. Otto & his wife Melanie offer excellent biodegradable, ecological
cleaning products. They even now
have chocolate!!! Come support
this AWESOME endevour (especially if you want to see it succeed!!), love your
body & make some new friends with other like-minded people!! Laura is now offering a DELIVERY
SERVICE! Request an order form
from her at buenatierra@hotmail.es & send your order in BY Monday
morning!! The delivery fee is
1,000-c within Esaczu & 1,500-c in the Santa Ana/Rohrmoser area. DIRECTIONS: Escazu Centro - Behind the playground/basketball
court next to the Biblioteca de las Damas Voluntarias Library - across the
street from the Red Cross - 50 mts North of the Cemetery.
The largest
Organic Feria is
PASO
ANCHO
WHEN: Sat. 6am-till they run out. There are
about a 20 vendors. Note it’s hard
to park & crazy!
DIRECTIONS: : 400 mtrs from catholic church/iglesia.
GROCERY
DELIVERY
http://AMIDomicilio.com (from AutoMercado)
AN EXPERIENCE IN REAL TICO MARKETING
NATIONAL
MARKET
On the road
past the Real Cariari Mall, to the right of the Texaco Gas Station -
where fishermen & farmers even from other countries come to sell
their products to vendors who then sell at local markets. I’ve heard their prices are a bit
better than Central Mercado.
HOURS: Mon, Wed. & Fri.
2am - 9am.
CENTRAL
CENTRO MERCADO
Downtown
SJ - Shop like/with the locals!! This is a scene out of a movie – MUI CHIVA!!! GREAT prices for fresh seafods, meat,
poultry, veges, fruits, flowers, leather things & LOTS MORE!!
MY FAV is around
the corner – MERCADO BORBON (2-256-0892 / 2-223-6350 / 8-811-6398-Cell for
General Manager Gerardo Valverde) -
specifically the st& of El Gaver for fruti – Ronnie is the sweetie that helps us the most
though he only speaks Spanish but he’s VERY helpful!!
ASIAN
MARKET
(2-221-1263
/ http://SuperSony.com / sschangl@racsa.co.cr)
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
Super
Sony is this FABULOUS store FILLED with pre-made Asian products, spices,
Kimchi, frozen Dim Sum (that's where I'm going next time I get a craving for
Dim Sum which can be VERY expensive!!)+++!!! They have things from Thailand, China, Japan (the most
expensive products so look to see if they have what you're seeking ina
non-Japanese brand/label to save some $$), Taiwan, India & Middle Eastern
goodies/spices+++!! WOW!!!!
FYI
- They provide MANY of the oriental products sold at AutoMercado & other
stores (which to me translates to those same products probably being cheaper at
Super Sony!!).
They
even have the Chinese cake I MISS/LOVED from my days in San Francisco!! To me, sort of a cross between a sponge
& pound cake!! VERY LIGHT but
tasty!!
My
NEW FAVORITE items that are just YUMMMM!!! ZerGut - Lutenica Chunky Relish (a TongueGasmic chili dulce
spread!! EVERYONE that's tried it
has gone WILD over this!! [& I have MANY friends from San Francisco/NY
areas that KNOW GOOD FOOD that have agreed!!!]). Mamoaraga (an eggplant spread [more roasted]). Russian Style
Ikra Eggplant Spread. Alwadi Gourmet Hummus (chick pea dip)
SPECIALS: BUY 6 of any one item (most) - GET 1
FREE.
VEGETARIAN
They
have BY FAR the LARGEST VEGETARIAN selections I’ve EVER seen in my LIFE!! This is a mecca for Tofu & other delights. Baked tofu,
Korean style veggie tamales, tofu dogs, tofu chicken, tofu shrimp & crab,
bistek, fresh kimchee (SPICY!!), & other "strange things" that
will entertain your pallet. MrLee suggests you bring a cooler if you plan to by
frozen stuff (they have LOTS of options) but its OUTSIDE in the front deep
freezer. (per mrlee).
Super
Sony is run by a SOOOOO SWEET Taiwanese family (the Chang's - mom is Elena
& just a doll)!!! The adult
kids speak GREAT English (make sure to get Carolina or Yolanda to help you
& give them a BIG HUG from Vicki!!!)!!!
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun.
9am-4pm
DIRECTIONS: Downtown/Centro San Jose – Calle 3,
between Avenida 8 and 10 (3 1/2 blocks Sud/South of Plaza de la
Cultura/National Theatre)
Tong Yi asian - Rohmoser (2-291-0825
/ 8-811-1977) HOURS: Thurs-Tues. 8am-8pm. LOCATION: Rohmoser Boulevard - 170 mts.
West of Parque Amistad
FRUITS
/ VEGES - FARMERS MARKET/Ferria
Most towns/villages have some sort of Farmers Market which is an AWESOME
place to buy your fruits/veges!!
They’re usually on a Sat. or a Sun.
HEALTHY
- ORGANIC
Most markets have a SMALL selection of organic items. Email me if you
want more info on this topic as I’ve been collecting LOTS of it though it’s not
organized yet.
FERIAS (organic produce & organic coffee from small,
family-owned farms)
ESCAZU
(CENTRO) ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET
WHEN:
Wednesdays from 8-11am
http://BuenaTierraOrganicMarket.blogspot.com / BuenaTierra.organica@gmail.com
Organizers
Honey (she organizes the Montezuma, Malpais/Santa Teresa/Playa Carmen, Tambor
ones on Saturdays) / Fiona (BuenaTierra@hotmail.es) / & Laura
(LauraBarra@hotmail.com) with Buena Tierra Organic Produce bring you the Centro
Escazu ORGANIC & NATURAL FERIA / FARMERS MARKET!!! They have THE BIGGEST & MOST
BEAUTIFUL, LUSCIOUS-LOOKING organic veges & fruit I’ve EVER seen!!! When
I’ve been there, I found most veges were around 400-c each (like bokchoy,
herbs, various lettuces, cucumber) to 800-c+ & WORTH IT (these were better
than most pumped up veges I've ever seen!) & they’re Certified Organic! Carola sells exquisite goat &
cow yogurts & cheeses made in her farm in Coronado. Maria Fernanda delights
us with her body & face soaps, creams, essential oils all made from organic
herbs. Ena & Jaguar bake uncomparable bromate free brown bread flavored with
organic herbs, seeds & nuts. Otto & his wife Melanie offer excellent
biodegradable, ecological cleaning products. They even now have
chocolate!!! Come support this
AWESOME endevour (especially if you want to see it succeed!!), love your body
& make some new friends with other like-minded people!!
LOCATION:
Escazu Centro - Behind the playground/basketball court next to the Biblioteca
de las Damas Voluntarias Library - across the street from the Red Cross - 50
mts North of the Cemetery.
http://AgriculturaOrganica.org/ferias.htm - Organic farmers association
SAN JOSE -
Feria el Trueque San José -
SAT. - 5am-noon - San Cayetano, de la iglesia 350mts sur
- 3 1/2 blocks south of church
3 puestos dentro de la
Feria de SAN RAMON (Alajeua)
- FRI. noon-8pm & SAT.
5am-1pm. 50mts norte de la
Universidad de Costa Rica
Super Sony (see above under Asian Foods) has the LARGEST section of
prepared Vegetarian goodies I’ve EVER SEEN!!!
NATURA STYLE
ORGANIC FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE
(http://NaturaStyle.com / 235-7654 /
8-886-0092 sylvia.escalante@naturastyle.com
)
They have the largest selection ofproducts from Organic fruits/veges,
baked goods, snacks, vitamins, herbs, meats, plants – even organic dirt
+++. They carry MANY other
"healthy" things - not just fruits & veges!!)
Order BY Thurs. for delivery Sat. (tell Sylvia that "Vallarta
Vicki" referred you!)
I've been using them & I've been quite
happy! I find their website VERY
EASY for me! Check out their
products in English at http://naturastyle.com/en/productos.asp
Vegetables
& Fruits (organic & not but it’s indicated. Some hard to find & unique things).
Dairy
Products like goat milk/products (including goat cheese with herbs, pasteurized
OR raw goat’s milk & yogurt, goats ricotta cheese, goat’s raw soft cheese
& flavored goats yogurt; heavy cream; pasteurized mozzarella cheese;
buttermilk, organic infertile eggs, pasteurized, sesame seed OR raw butter, sour cream or milk.
Cereals - by
Biol& & Nutresol –Amaranth, barley powder, granola, oatmeal, wheat germ
or bran & whole oats.
Grains, Beans
& Seeds – Amaranth, barley grain, black or red beans; brown rice
(non-organic [booooh]); millet; wheat berries; soy & mung beans, chan,
flax, sesame & sunflower seeds.
Dry Fruits
& Nuts - Almond (non-organic);
dehydrated banana; cashew nut; dehydrated prunes; raisins; walnuts (non-organic
[booooh]).
Flours &
Misc. - Soy OR whole wheat flour;
Agar algae gelatin; ground coconut (non-organic); wheat gluten
Misc. – Corn
tortillas (with or without cheese); Pastas - like carrot or spinach; pineapple
empanada
Bakery goods
like breads (sold by the piece) - Brown breads with goodies added like figs,
orange, spice OR banana; chocolate, oatmeal or ginger cookies (all organic!!) ;
banana cake (though I didn’t taste much of a banana taste) OR fruit cake
Salts &
Sugars - Organic pure brown sugar; sea salt; organic sugar candy/tapa
dulce
Honeys &
Jams - Honey – plain, with ginseng OR lecitin; black berry, guava,
mango/tomato, mango/ orange OR tomato/organic organic marmalade; molasses,
peanut butter; strawberry jam
Oils –
Coconut or sesame
Sauces,
Vinegars & Pickles - Brown rice; hot pickled peppers; salad
dressing; soy sauce, tomato sauce
Soy
Products - Soy milk – plain or with carob; soy
protein
Snacks - Bars – Amaranth, cereal (traditional or organic), chocolate
bar –with peanuts OR vanilla (non-organic), original or with coconut, ginger,
guarana or mint organic, crunch chocolate, oat, sesame (MY FAV!!) OR sunflower
(Katrina’s fav!). Cookies with
whole oats (regular OR with orange), sweetened with carob OR soy. Crackers – Sodiet (soda?) OR wheat
bran. Rice cakes. Sesame seed
nachitos; sesame seed sticks.
Organic
Meats - Chicken – organs, thighs OR breasts; calamari; congrio fish;
pinki shrimp; sailfish; sea bass; small shrimp
Wine -
Setsobua – Cabernet/sauvignon, shiraz or white Mezza luna.
Teas &
Coffees - Teas – Basil, organic black tea,
juanilama, lemon grass, linden, mixed – juanilama & lemon grass OR
digestive. Organic Coffee (grain
or ground). Corn drink coffee
substitute.
Algae -
Long strip kelp or nori/laver/porphyra seaweed.
Supplements
& Medicines - Algae capsules; aloe capsules; bee
pollen; brewers yeast; EM (some powerful stuff!! “efficient micro-organisms);
flax fiber; ginseng syrup OR capsules; lecithin capsules, Noni extract; Pro-B;
royal jelly capsules; spirulina capsules; aloe gel.
Personal
Care (I’m not going to list
everything here but they have crystal OR natural deodorant; organic soaps;
cleansing creams; creams; shampoos & rinses; clay masks (we did that the
other day – REALLY tightens up those pours!!!) & body soap; hydrating
cream; facial cream; organic sun block (8-85 & 45 & for kids) &
tanning oils.
PLANTS (all
organic so you could even grow your own!!!):
Herbs
(organic) - Aloe; basil, celery;
lemon grass; mint; oregano; parsley; peppermint; rosemary; sage; tarragon;
thyme.
Plants
(organic) - Bougainvillea; croton; guava; lemon; mandarin (more like real
lemons); mango; noni; orange; plantain herb; rose; rue; violet; weeping fig;
wormwood;
Even
earthworms; Compost; organic soil!
Remember this is NOT dealing directly with
A farm - they are a delivery service so OF COURSE it's going to be more
expensive on many things (though I’ve been shocked at their MUCH LOWER prices
on many things you can find in the market) as they get all the products
together for you so you're not having to run all over town & back,
searching, etc. You're paying for
the convenience (WELL worth it to me!!!
The delivery fee is just 1,2000 colon).
GOURMET-Y
/ INTERNATIONAL ITEMS
I've
found many gourmet-y type of items at:
CAFE
TORINO - Escazu (San Rafael) -
Calle Vieja - in Plaza del Rio - 700 mtrs oeste/west of Mas x Menos OR 100 meters East of Calle Country Club (2-288-4476 / 2-288-4473 / Torino@racsa.co.cr) - Their restaurant (with dining
upstairs, in the back or out front ALFRESCO) features REALLY GOOD ITALIAN pastas,
Soups, Salads & SANDWICHES. They have a GOOD DELI right there which even has homemade pastas to go &
LOTS MORE including tasty BREADS (make sure to have Richard take care of
you! He’s the tall cutie/sweetie that speaks Good English)!! Downstairs & in the back (to
your Left) they have tasty Italian Gellato/ ICE CREAM – especially their MINT CHIP & the Berry one (no dairy
in the berry!) plus some othe r the other tasty/gourmet flavors along with
tasty PASTRIES (including CARROT CAKE,
a more real tasting Key Lime Pie, German
Chocolate Cake, Boston Cream Pie, Chocolate Croissants & now DONUTS
(Christian speaks good English)!!
Here they even have a FULL BAR
(they also have alcohol for sale).
They have a WONDERFUL BIG GOURMET
MARKET/selection of imported goodies like
REAL Maple Syrup, mustards, candies, things like pesto or sun-dried tomatoe
paste in a tube, pastas, jams, crackers & cookies, wines & LOTS
MORE!! Things I’ve not found
elsewhere in CR! They’re THE PLACE
for old style foreign/imported Christmas favorites. Richard(who also speaks good English) is there to help you
in this area! They have FREE WiFi. HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8am-7pm (lunch
noon-3pm). Sat. 8:30am-6pm. (they’re across the street from my
place so if you’re in the area – stop by & say “Hola!” to Vicki 8-378-6679
SARETTOS
- Escazu (San Rafael)
(2-228-0247 / 2-228-6703 / 2-228-6983-fax) - The most
cool/unique international things I’ve found here. Also, the BEST selection of alcohols (especially wines) with
some of the best prices. GOOD
quality on meats & veges (& more unique/harder to find things). HOURS: Mon-Sat. 7:30am - 8:30am. Sun. 8:30am-2pm.
IMPORTANT: Baggers here are
NOT employees (no salary, no insurance) so PLEASE make sure to tip them (I tip
them if they’re just bagging me (2-200-300-colones or so depending on how much)
& more if they’re taking it out for me (2-400-500-colones or so). If I don’t have much to bag or don’t
have much $, of course I bag it myself or at least give them 100 colones (I’ve
found MANY of them are Nicaraguan).
LOCATION: Past Pizza Hut
& the Shell gas station by La Cascada Argentinian/steak restaurant or 200
mts west of the Los Anonos Bridge
(2-221-1263
/ http://SuperSony.com / sschangl@racsa.co.cr)
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
Super
Sony is this FABULOUS store FILLED with pre-made Asian products, spices,
Kimchi, frozen Dim Sum (that's where I'm going next time I get a craving for
Dim Sum which can be VERY expensive!!)+++!!! They have things from Thailand, China, Japan (the most
expensive products so look to see if they have what you're seeking ina
non-Japanese brand/label to save some $$), Taiwan, India & Middle Eastern
goodies/spices+++!! WOW!!!!
FYI
- They provide MANY of the oriental products sold at AutoMercado & other
stores (which to me translates to those same products probably being cheaper at
Super Sony!!).
My
NEW FAVORITE items that are just YUMMMM!!! ZerGut - Lutenica Chunky Relish (a TongueGasmic chili dulce
spread!! EVERYONE that's tried it
has gone WILD over this!! [& I have MANY friends from San Francisco/NY
areas that KNOW GOOD FOOD that have agreed!!!]). Mamoaraga (an eggplant spread [more roasted]). Russian Style
Ikra Eggplant Spread. Alwadi Gourmet Hummus (chick pea dip)
SPECIALS: BUY 6 of any one item (most) - GET 1
FREE.
Super
Sony is run by a SOOOOO SWEET Taiwanese family (the Chang's - mom is Elena
& just a doll)!!! The adult
kids speak GREAT English (make sure to get Carolina or Yolanda to help you
& give them a BIG HUG from Vicki!!!)!!!
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun.
9am-4pm
DIRECTIONS: Downtown/Centro San Jose – Calle 3,
between Avenida 8 and 10 (3 1/2 blocks Sud/South of Plaza de la
Cultura/National Theatre)
Appunto
Gourmet Market – Escazu (San Rafael)
In
little market by Big Dog’s
There's
a Gourmet Foods store next to MacDonald's in San Pedro - turn right at KFC just
before MacDonald's & it's located in the block on your left. (thanx
Frances)
LIQUOR
(list of some
liquor stores)
SARETTOS
The most cool/unique international things I’ve found here. Also, the BEST selection of alcohols
(especially wines) with some of the best prices. GOOD quality on meats & veges (& more unique/harder
to find things)
Escazu (San
Rafael – past Pizza Hut & the Shell gas station by La Cascada
Argentinian/steak restaurant)
La Bruja
Super Licoreras
Escazu (San
Rafael)-300 mts. South of the Scotia Split (2-228-6710)
HOURS: Daily 10am-mid. • Santa Ana Central 282-3326
• Sabana 231-6863. EXPRESS (depends on whereyou live)
http://1-costaricalink.com/costa_rica_yellow_pages/v_yellow_pages_costa_rica/vinos_costa_rica.htm
MEAT /
POULTRY
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 & free from hormones, chemicals & antibiotics!!! NO animal is more than 20 months
old (this helps with their guarantee to be tender & 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 & they have some prepared side dishes you
can buy like fried yucca, romero potatos, 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 & 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 & 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 & 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!!!). COST: 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 & 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. & 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)
& 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
& Fri. & Sat. 11:30am-5pm (Pozos & Curridabat may still be just
Sat. 11:30am-5pm).
PRIVATE STOCK (PrivateStockCR@yahoo.com / ) -
Gringo quality meat grown in Costa Rica! Ribeye or Tenderloin -15,500-kilo, Porterhouse 17,600-K,
T-bone or NY Bone Strip 16,600-K, Sirloin or Flank 14,500, Prime Rib 14,000-K,
Roast Beef 12,450-K, London Broil or Brisket 13,500-K, Chuck Roast
10,400-K. 7,300-k – Ossobuco, Stew
Meat. 6,250-k Ground Beef or
Hamburger Patties. Beef Tail 4,150. Beef Ribs 11,400-K, Short Ribs
10,400-K, Eye Round 11,400-K.
9,000-K – Bottom Round, Knuckle Steak or Chuck Round.
Saretto’s -
Good /higher quality meats
CORNED BEEF -
Don Fernando’s, sometimes AutoMercado & PriceSmart
KOSHER
– AutoMercado’s frozen section
SEAFOOD - Carne Importadores (2-293-8639) - Carrieri. Ask for Vanessa (per Big Mike
[this is where this REALLY GOOD chef gets his meats from usually])
Auto Mercado -
So-so quality THOUGH they have KOSHER MEATS in their frozen
section. They also carry Argentinian Black Angus (Argentinians
seem to have the market on good steaks!!)
PriceSmart -
Larger quantities, good quality though not that cheap
Carne Importadores (2-293-8639) - Carrieri. SEAFOOD & STEAKS+. Ask for Vanessa (per Big Mike [this is
where this REALLY GOOD chef gets his meats from usually])
Carniceria
Herrera (2-228-4875) - Escazu –
425 meters north of Escazu Park.
DELIVERY
MasXMenos -
As far as I’m concerned – especially with their meat/seafood section –
their name says it all – “so-so”.
You can find typical
Costa Rican quality meats, seafood & chicken, etc. at lower prices at
Central Mercado.
For some more
options: http://1costaricalink.com/eng/shopping/shop-eng/carne-110eng.htm
)
Costa Rica isn’t a haven
for carnivars that REALLY LOVE good quality meet!!! I’ve found MOST of the meat I’ve had hear to be quite
tough.
“Lomito” is a decent cut.
Most meats here – you
might want/NEED to tenderize/marinate it!
If you can find meat
that’s Aged – often that ends up being more tender.
CORNED BEEF - Don Fernando’s &
close to St. Patrick’s
ORGANIC
SUPER SONY (see below)
VEGETARIAN
THINGS
(2-221-1263
/ http://SuperSony.com / sschangl@racsa.co.cr)
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
Super
Sony is this FABULOUS store FILLED with pre-made Asian products, spices,
Kimchi, frozen Dim Sum (that's where I'm going next time I get a craving for
Dim Sum which can be VERY expensive!!)+++!!! They have things from Thailand, China, Japan (the most
expensive products so look to see if they have what you're seeking ina
non-Japanese brand/label to save some $$), Taiwan, India & Middle Eastern
goodies/spices+++!! WOW!!!!
FYI
- They provide MANY of the oriental products sold at AutoMercado & other
stores (which to me translates to those same products probably being cheaper at
Super Sony!!).
They
even have the Chinese cake I MISS/LOVED from my days in San Francisco!! To me, sort of a cross between a sponge
& pound cake!! VERY LIGHT but
tasty!!
My
NEW FAVORITE items that are just YUMMMM!!! ZerGut - Lutenica Chunky Relish (a TongueGasmic chili dulce
spread!! EVERYONE that's tried it
has gone WILD over this!! [& I have MANY friends from San Francisco/NY
areas that KNOW GOOD FOOD that have agreed!!!]). Mamoaraga (an eggplant spread [more roasted]). Russian Style
Ikra Eggplant Spread. Alwadi Gourmet Hummus (chick pea dip)
SPECIALS: BUY 6 of any one item (most) - GET 1
FREE.
VEGETARIAN
They
have BY FAR the LARGEST VEGETARIAN selections I’ve EVER seen in my LIFE!! This is a mecca for Tofu & other delights. Baked tofu,
Korean style veggie tamales, tofu dogs, tofu chicken, tofu shrimp & crab,
bistek, fresh kimchee (SPICY!!), & other "strange things" that
will entertain your pallet. MrLee suggests you bring a cooler if you plan to by
frozen stuff (they have LOTS of options) but its OUTSIDE in the front deep
freezer. (per mrlee).
Super
Sony is run by a SOOOOO SWEET Taiwanese family (the Chang's - mom is Elena
& just a doll)!!! The adult
kids speak GREAT English (make sure to get Carolina or Yolanda to help you
& give them a BIG HUG from Vicki!!!)!!!
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun.
9am-4pm