Howler Dining Guide and Pura Vida March 2019 Flip Mini-Magazines

DINING GUIDE GUIDE DINING HOWLER

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HOWLER

CO N T E N T S Dining Guide

Local Eatery - The Soda

4 - Dining Guide Feature: Tico Style - Digging into the Soda 7 - Simply Spanish: Visiting a Soda 10 - Tico Style continued: Soda Tapia - An Urban Legend 16 - Tico Style continued: Soda El Coco - A Typical Soda Story

Cover Story

Restaurants

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OWLER pays tribute to a colorful soda lost. Sodas are the place that tourists and locals like to visit time and time again. Locals rent places to build the soda of their dreams and when the time comes to renew their contract, many have to deal with the disappointment of having to move somewhere else or close their business. This was the case with Soda Guetto Girl in Puerto Viejo, which unfortunately no longer exists.

The colorful place was demolished and there is a new structure being built instead.

6 - Tamarindo/Langosta - El Barco 6 - Tamarindo - Barefoot 7 - Tamarindo - The Roof 7 - Playa Grande - Pots & Bowls 7 - Playa Grande - El Oasis Chill Out and Lodge 8 - Palm Beach - Bula Bula 9 - Villarreal - Black Stallion 9 - Huacas - New York Pizza 9 - Huacas - La Playita Restaurant 11 - Brasilito - Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar & Restaurant 12 - Surfside / Potrero - Nasu Restaurant 12 - Surfside / Potrero - The Beach House 13 - Las Catalinas - Sentido Norte 14- Flamingo - Margaritaville: 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar 14 - Flamingo - Margaritaville: Banana Wind Cafe 14 - Flamingo - Margaritaville: Capriccios Pizza Bistro & Cafe 15 - Flamingo - Marie’s Restaurant 15 - Flamingo - Vaca Loka Italian Restaurant 15 - Playas del Coco - Coconutz Bar & Grill HOWLER Costa Rica Living

FRUIT STAND SPANISH Spanish

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17 Pura Vida: Costa Rica Living

18 - Spanish: Visiting the Fruit and Vegetable Stand 20 - Wellness: Water Workouts Offer Great Benefits 22 - The Doctor Is In: Heat Emergencies 23 - Simply Spanish: Out and About 24 - Yogapedia: Bhujangasana: Cobra Pose 26 - Fashion Flash: Beach Cowboys 28 - Animal Life: Signs of Change in Your Aging Pet

FIESTA STYLE

Fashion Flash 2 | #searchfindhowl| online

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Read all current and past articles online

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Splendor del Pacifico PROPERTY SALES AND RENTALS

Condominium and Penthouses starting at $320,000 / 1 + 1 • $495,000 / 2 + 2 • $1,090,000 / 3 + 3 • $1,250,000 penthouses

Golf Cart Rental & Sales Half day $45 Full day $59 Weekly $354 Monthly $1062

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Digging into the

Soda

TICO STYLE

Costa Ricas' Local Eatery

by Sylvia Barreto Benites

Sodas offer their share of comfort food.

W

hen you think back to your hometown, there is probably an eatery that represents the taste of you and your neighbors. Coming from Long Island, I would say it’s the local pizzeria, or a diner or maybe even a local chain restaurant like the Waffle House or Bojangles. In Costa Rica it is undeniably the local soda. Every town or pueblo has a few. They all serve the same fare at reasonable prices. Sodas are where local Ticos go for breakfast or lunch every day, similar to the American cafe. You can count on them serving homestyle typical Costa Rican black bean dishes with an ever-changing collection of side dishes and Tico comfort foods.

It all dates back to the creation of carbonated beverages, with the American tradition of “soda fountains” at the heart of popular refreshment spots. Originally, pharmacists used carbonation

Soda Sabanero - roadside soda between Huacas and Villarreal

and flavoring to soften the flavor of bitter medicines, which patients could drink in prepared mixtures right at the drug store counter. Soon, customers could order food and snacks with their soda fountain drinks on the same premises.

Ultimately, health officials outlawed the practice of eating inside pharmacies due to sanitation issues. But that’s how the soda we know today in Costa Rica was born.

Lots of variation in the basics All sodas serve basically the same dishes, no matter where you are, although the flavors and methods of cooking vary. Some sodas don’t even have menus because they only serve two main dishes, and most have a dish of the day. Breakfast is always gallo pinto (rice and beans cooked together) and any number of side choices. You can add eggs, plantains, fried cheese, tortillas and

Casado: Married man on a platter?

T

he iconic lunch staple on soda menus, casado translates directly as “married man.” In culinary terms, it’s a dish consisting of rice and beans cooked separately, a protein portion of chicken, beef, pork or fish, both a cooked and fresh veggie serving, plus a homemade (“house special”) fruit drink. Your protein option can be asado (grilled), a la plancha (pan cooked with a little oil), frito (fried), en salsa (in gravy or a light tomato sauce) or al ajillo (pan cooked with garlic).

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natilla (sour cream), but also order chicken or beef in sauce.

Lunch is a casado (see opposite page). Most sodas are not open for dinner, but those that are, normally have a much more extensive menu.

Daily specials can include any number of options. Arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), served with refried black beans and a salad, is not the traditional Latin American recipe but closer to a chicken stir-fry. Arroz con camarones, served with french fries, is a cilantro-kissed rice and shrimp dish that just gets better as you get closer to the ocean. Another classic is pargo entero, a fried whole snapper with eyes and all intact.

To experience true home cooking, arrive at your local soda on a Sunday — chances are they will be serving olla carne. This beef soup takes hours of preparation to cook the rump roast for pulled beef, then copious amounts of root vegetables, corn and plantains.

Served with yellow rice, this hearty dish will surely make you think of grandma.

Come for some comfort food Just like the soda fountain of yesteryear and today’s diner, Costa Rican sodas offer their share of comfort food. On the

menu are french fries and the illusive salchipapas: potato fries topped with sliced hot dogs smothered in ketchup, mayonnaise or Salsa Lizano … or all three if you are truly brave. Traditional sodas, such as in Brasilito, serve gallitos — a single corn tortilla with fried sausage, fried cheese or any number of options. Nowadays, sodas often offer Mexican fare as well: nachos, quesadillas and tacos. When ordering a taco, keep in mind it will be like nothing you might expect unless you have actually been to Mexico. The handheld hard taco is not a Mexican invention, but I am sure Texas and California would have a standoff if I declared one of them the rightful inventor!

Instead, Mexico’s flauta is a fried corn tortilla in the shape of a flute and containing meat.

It is then buried under cabbage and the abovementioned sauces. You have to eat your way through the salad to get to the deliciously fried morsel inside.

In sodas along the coast, you will find locally prepared ceviche made with the local catch of the day. Chifrijo can now be found in many sodas, the name derived from its two main ingredients: chicharron (fried pork) and frijoles (beans, in this case, large red beans).

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Typical soda in a Costa Rica mall

Ceviche served with patacones

Chifrijo

Fresh pargo entero with salad and patacones

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DINING GUIDE

TAMARINDO / LANGOSTA

Hotel Capitán Suizo, Playa Tamarindo Hours Daily, noon to 9:30pm Mon, 7-9pm, Live Marimba Wed, 7-9pm, Avellino Fri, 7-9pm, Live Marimba Phone: 2653-0075 restaurante @hotelcapitansuizo.com Specialties Healthy dishes made from scratch with local and fresh products All taxes included in price

TAMARINDO

Calle Del Parque at the curve between Condo Diria and Balcones del Pacifico Hours Daily, 5:30pm to 10pm Closed Tuesdays Phone: 7006-1476 www.tamarindobarefoot.com Specialties A tropical fusion experience of seafood, fish, meats, and vegetarian dishes with gluten free and vegan options Order/reserve online

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El Barco Del Capitán: European-Tico Fusion, Beachfront Restaurant El Barco del Capitán is nestled in a beautiful tropical garden within the Hotel Capitán Suizo and offers a modern, healthy and fresh cuisine. Our chef, Jujo Molina, has created the dishes inspired by his European heritage and the incredible products available in Costa Rica. Using our homegrown ingredients from our organic garden, we strive to offer an environmentally friendly menu and an authentic experience to our guests.

MENU SELECTIONS Tacos Carne (Lunch)

$15

Tartar Capitan (Dinner)

$13

The Veggie (Lunch)

$15

Linguini (Dinner)

$23

Lomito (Dinner)

$28

Beef in tortillas with mixed cabbage salad, guacamole and tamarindo sauce Grilled portobello, tomato, zucchini, chilealmonds-garlic sauce, homemade bun

Calamari Crujientes (Snack) $13

Crispy calamari with homemade green pesto and a honey, red onion escabèche

Tuna and mango tartar with capers and a cilantro, ginger and soy dressing

Calamari, jumbo shrimps, mussels, Spanish chorizo, cherry tomatoes, white wine 200gr of tenderloin with a tamarind sauce over Swiss Roësti and vegetables

BAREFOOT Restaurant-Lounge: Poolside and Garden Deck Dining

Tropical oasis apart from the noise and crowds of Tamarindo's main street, where you can experience a quiet dinner and a relaxing lounge atmosphere. You can choose the garden deck or our Costa Rican rancho "Shakalaka" poolside deck.

Make reservations online or call, or place an order online for pickup, delivery or special order.

MENU SELECTIONS Pico Poke (G)

$9.50

Seared tuna with mango, avocado, over seaweed salad served with ginger soy sauce

Tropical Spring Rolls (VE/G)

Rice noodle wraps filled with fresh vegetables, mango and avocado

Reef Salad (G)

$8

$16.99

Fresh seafood and fish salad that includes octopus, shrimp, calamari, clams and seaweed

Grilled Mahi-Mahi (G)

$16

Grilled Costa Rican Trout (G)

$16

Ocean Potion

$16

Grilled mahi-mahi over a bed of spinach topped with caramelized onions

Grilled Costa Rican trout served with our house coconut and almond sauce

Tropical seafood and fish soup with coconut cream served with avocado and plantain

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Pizza • Bar • Sunset tamarindo, costa rica

4th floor above Super Compro

The ROOF:

Hours Daily, 7:30am to midnight Happy Hours: 4pm - 7pm Phone: (506) 7240-6072 Specialties Best ocean view in town, amazing sunset, wood fire pizza, private events.

Sunset Experience Come and enjoy Tamarindo’s best sunset experience on our rooftop with family and friends.

With pool tables and many activities throughout the week, we’re the best place in town for your event or holiday time. Call for reservations!

MENU SELECTIONS Thin Crust Pizza Thick Family Pizza Italian Pasta

Pots & Bowls:

Coffee Shop and Plants

Main road to Playa Grande

Fresh, healthy and fun. Focus on homemade ingredients. Different dietary options: gluten free lactose free - vegan.

Hours Daily, 8am - 5pm Phone: 4701-2394 potsandbowls@gmail.com

Specialties Coffee, plants and pots Costa Rican boutique Workshops

MENU SELECTIONS Choco-Banana NiceCream

Peanut butter, cacao, almond milk, granola, bee pollen, nibs

$9

Tuna Poke $14 Sushi rice, avocado, edamame, wakame, mango

SIMPLY SPANISH Visiting a Soda arroz con camarones — shrimp rice served with french fries arroz con pollo — chicken fried rice served with refried beans and french fries casado — rice, beans, protein, a cooked veggie and a fresh veggie and usually accompanied by a fruit drink choreada — fresh corn tortilla either sweet or salty topped with sour cream or melted cheese fresco natural — fruit drink mixed with water or mix gallo pinto — rice and beans mixed together huevos revueltos — scrambled eggs huevo frito — fried egg huevo picado — scrambled eggs sometimes cooked with sauteed onions

Main road to Playa Grande, 20 meters after Wilmart Hours Fri - Sun, 4pm-10pm Phone: 2249-6166, 8496-2221

Specialties Smiles and Good Vibes private Asian Chef Service, Pho, Free delivery to Playa Grande and Matapalo

olla carne — root vegetable beef soup, normally served on Sundays

plantano maduro — sweet plantain queso frito — fried firm cheese tortilla — corn flour tortilla

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Authentic Asian Food

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese and Thai cuisine in a tropical garden setting.

natilla — sour cream, traditionally eaten with gallo pinto picadillo — potatoes, chayote (squash) or green plantain cut in tiny cubes and cooked in a light sauce

El Oasis Chill Out and Lodge

MENU SELECTIONS Appetizers

Spring rolls, rainbow salad and nems

Entrees Pad Thai, bun nems bowl, Cantonese rice, stir fried wok,

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PLAYA GRANDE

TAMARINDO

the roof

PLAYA GRANDE

DINING GUIDE

DINING GUIDE

PALM BEACH

Palm Beach, next to the estuary Hours Breakfast available all day long: 7:30am-2:30pm Lunch: 11am-3pm Dinner: 5:30pm-9pm Phone: 2653-0975 frontdesk@hotelbulabula.com Specialties

Daily:

Sunset happy hour 50% off appetizers 4-6pm

Monday:

Mexican all you care to eat buffet 5:30-8:30

Wednesday:

Italian All you care to eat buffet 5:30-8:30

Specialty coffees and espresso

The Great Waltini's - Bula Bula: American Fusion Cuisine Enjoy casual fine dining and experience “a fusion of the Americas” in a tranquil and inviting setting. At the Great Waltini’s, you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in an attractive dining area or choose to sit under the stars and enjoy your meal on the garden patio. Choose from houseaged steaks, seafood dishes, and down-home fare. Top with cocktails and desserts — the complete experience.

Located in beautiful Palm Beach Estates next to the estuary. We are easily accessible from Tamarindo via boat taxi (complimentary with dinner reservations). Pickup time are 5, 5:30 and 6 pm. Please call before 2pm to reserve boat taxi (2653-0975).

Happy hour – includes domestic beer, well drinks, famous giant Bula margaritas and appetizer specials.

MENU SELECTIONS Ahi Tuna

Annie's Salad

Double Cut Pork Chop

Hand Carved Turkey

Blackened Shrimp Salad

Aged Filet Mignon

Mahi-Mahi

Baked Lasagna

St. Louis Style Pork Ribs

Mixed Seafood Combo

Aged New York Steak

8 oz filet prepared tropical, blackened, sautéed or fried Oven roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and house made gravy 8 oz filet prepared tropical, blackened, sautéed or fried Tuna, mahi-mahi, jumbo shrimp, calamari, and mussels in a white wine saffron sauce

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Blackened chicken breast with avocado over crisp greens and fresh vegetables Blackened jumbo shrimp, sliced avocado over fresh lettuce and fresh vegetables Italian sausage, beef and pork, tomato, ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheese

10 oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce 10 oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce Baked tender and served with our famous tropical Bula Bula BBQ sauce

10 oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce

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Black Stallion:

Rustic Outdoor BBQ

Hours By reservation

Dine with the stars of Guanacaste on a private ranch. Enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet with sides. Wine, beer and sangria included! Call for reservations.

Phone: 8869-9765 Specialties Zipline and BBQ buffet for only $85.

Available for private parties and events.

MENU SELECTIONS

Mixed BBQ Buffet

$45

Seafood Buffet

$45

Baby back ribs, chorizo and chicken, sides included A delicious array of seafood and sides dishes

New York Pizza: 200m west of the Brasilito/ Huacas crossroads, Huacas www.nypizzeriahuacas.com @nypizzeriahuacas Hours Mon, 5pm-9pm Tues-Sun 3pm-11pm Phone: 2653-6296 8729-5640

Pizzeria

New York Pizzeria is your go-to pizza spot in Guanacaste, for an authentic New York style pizza or calzone. Dine-in or take-out available. Enjoy!

Specialties Authentic New York style pizza and calzones. Freshly made breadsticks.

MENU SELECTIONS Meat Lover's Pizza Pepperoni, ham, salami, bacon, and ground beef

House Special Pizza

Pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, onions, and sweet peppers

HUACAS

VILLARREAL

8 min. drive from Tamarindo, 2km south Villarreal

HUACAS

DINING GUIDE

3km south of Huacas, road to Tamarindo Hours Daily, 7am-9pm Breakfast 7am-10am

La Playita: Poolside Dining Located at the Seis Playas Hotel, La Playita restaurant and bar is open to hotel guests and the public, and is known for its friendly and inviting environment. It is the ideal setting for sharing good food and drinks with family and friends, or a romantic dinner poolside while enjoying the convenient distance to our six local beaches.

MENU SELECTIONS

Phone: 2653-6818 info@seisplayashotel.com

Broken Yolk Sandwich

$12

Pasta

Specialties Food cooked to your taste — con mucho gusto Friday Night Texas Barbecue

Breakfast Quesadilla

$12

Open Grill

BLT La Playita

$10

Pineapple FlambĂŠ

Fried egg, bacon or ham and cheese on toast, served with seasonal fruit Eggs, tomato, onion, sweet pepper and cheese, served with seasonal fruit Always a favorite for a light bite to eat: bacon, lettuce and tomato

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$14

Build your own pasta bowl, with a mixed salad

From $16

Pork tenderloin, chicken breast, ribeye, New York strip, beef tenderloin & catch of the day

$4

Our most popular dessert served hot with vanilla ice cream

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Digging into the Soda

Soda Tapia on the main drag of La Sabana in 1976.

Photo courtesy of José Gerardo Suárez Monge.

SODA TAPIA TICO STYLE

A True Urban Legend

Y

by Sylvia Barreto Benites

ears before the soda fountain culture was brought back to life in movies like American Graffiti, an enterprising idea was born in the minds of Bruno and Alice Tapia. It was 1964 and the couple was already running a successful eatery in San José’s central market. But Bruno and Alice had shinier dreams, setting their sights on a modern place with gleaming plastic counters and booths. The menu would be all on its own, while ultimately becoming synonymous with traditional Costa Rican food.

More than a half-century later, Soda Tapia remains a must-try location like no other. Aside from traditional gallo pinto and casados, the dining spot serves hamburgers and also arreglados — a refried bean and ham sandwich with cheese, Salsa Lizano and veggies. “Churchills” are also served in every variety. A Churchill is a shaved ice dessert that can incorporate condensed milk and powdered milk (granizado when sold on the beach) or ice cream, jello and fruit salad.

Soda Tapia features a unique and wide-ranging menu, including options you can tick off from a list. The combinations are endless and made to order.

Located on San José’s main drag in La Sabana, Soda Tapia is an urban legend in the truest Tico sense that everyone should savor.

This regional dish carries with it a bit of controversy. It originated in San José bars in the 1990s, but one man claims to have invented the layered combination that includes rice, beans and salsa, topped with fried pork and served with tortilla chips. The surrounding controversy led to the firstever patent on an appetizer.

When you walk into a soda don’t expect to always be served at the table; you may find yourself sitting uncomfortably waiting for a server who will only reluctantly come. Your best bet is to go directly to the counter and say hello and then ask for a menu.

Remember this is a local eatery where servers are used to the same locals coming in every day, so polite banter when you arrive will go a long way.

Your Tico taste of home Visiting a soda is like eating at the table of a local family. You enjoy home-cooked food, mostly unprocessed and healthy. Reflecting the everyday meals of Costa Ricans, sodas are the authentic way to experience traditional cuisine. Sodas around the country have particular dishes that represent local tastes. In Limón, for example, you can have rice ‘n’ beans any time of day — that is, gallo pinto cooked with coconut. Soda menus also reflect the location’s growing seasons; a casado side dish can be any number of local vegetable combinations or even a pasta salad, perhaps a surprise to eat with rice and beans. Each soda will also reflect the local cooks — normally a group of women — and their unique food preparation styles.

Sodas are a super-affordable and delicious way to eat your way through Costa Rica. Step out through the door wherever you are, walk in any direction and you will find one.

Soda Tapia on the main drag of La Sabana today and people enjoying their meal on the outside patio.

The original Soda Tapia in San José's Central Market since 1893.online Photo: Roberto Torres 10 | operating #searchfind howl|

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BRASILITO

DINING GUIDE

Main corner, Brasilito Hours Mon-Fri, 11am-midnight Sat-Sun, 10am-midnight Phone: +506 4702-0826 costarica@ lucysretiredsurfers.com LucysCostaRica Specialties Only for the brave: Our infamous scorpion shot

March Event Schedule March Events King and Queen Pub Crawl March 1st, 2019 at 5pm Pub Crawl Begins at Lucy’s 6th Annual Dog Day Afternoon March 24th, 2019 4-7pm Live Entertainment, 100% of Proceeds Benefit Barbara’s Animal Rescue Cinco De Drinko Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 5 colones margaritas for 5 min. at 5pm Join us Each Week!

Happy Hour: Daily from 4-6 pm c1000 Imperial & Pilsen c2500 wines by the glass c2500 Lucy's margaritas Taco Tuesdays $1 soft beef tacos all day c2500 margaritas all day Fridays Ladies Night - Starts at 9pm Extended Happy Hour, Live Music/ DJ, Free Drinks for Ladies (9-11pm)

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: Coastal Cuisine Beachfront restaurant and bar serving unique coastal fusion dishes and cocktails featuring the freshest ingredients in Guanacaste! Lucy’s is more than just a restaurant, it’s a lifestyle. With locations in some of the most tubular spots around the world (New Orleans, Key West, Costa Rica and Aruba), we know how to have a good time. Lucy's’ daily food and drink specials are boat-to-table and will give you something new to try every day. With live music, a radical bar scene and six large-screen TVs, Lucy’s is Guanacaste's hottest new bar and restaurant!

MENU SELECTIONS Shaka Ceviche c5,500

Serious Nachos c6,000

Fish Tacos

Avocado Fritas c5,500

The Juicy Lucy c6,500

Shrimp Tacos c5,500

CheeseQuesadilla c5,000

Tuna Salad

Steak Tacos

Delicious fresh local fish and shrimp in a citrus marinade topped with avocado

Beer-battered avocado slices served with black bean salsa and homemade ranch

Flour tortilla overflowing with melted cheese, served with pico and guacamole

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Fully loaded nachos topped with beans, pico, sour cream, and our rockin’ guac

Our famous 8 oz. burger served on a brioche bun with Lucy’s special sauce

c6,500

Freshly seared yellowfin served over spring mix with fresh fruit and feta

c6,000

Blackened local fish topped with mango-pineapple slaw and avocado crema

Fried or grilled shrimp tossed in a sassy pao pao sauce, topped with cabbage slaw

c6,500

Marinated flank steak topped with jalapeño chimichurri and queso fresco

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DINING GUIDE

SURFSIDE / POTRERO

1 km east of Banco Nacional in Flamingo Hours Daily, 6:30am-9:30pm Phone: 2654-4671, 2654-5340 Specialties Fresh seafood and pasta

NASU: Creative Tropical Cuisine Welcome to Nasu Restaurant, tropical creative cuisine. Join us oceanside, where the freshest catch is prepared every day by our acclaimed chef. Enjoy the culinary treasures of Costa Rica, where tradition and innovation meet.

MENU SELECTIONS NASU Salad

Shrimp Spicy Tacos

SURFSIDE / POTRERO

Potrero, 800m north of Banco Nacional Hours Daily, 11am -10pm Kitchen closes 9pm

$14

$16

Cheesecake

$8

$25

Grilled lobster garlic buttered, baby potatoes with rosemary and mixed vegetables

Keylime Pie

Special dessert of the chef

$8

MENU SELECTIONS Grilled Scallops

c10000

Shrimp Ceviche

c10500

Catch of the Day

c19000

Bang Bang Shrimp

c10000

Seafood Platter

c19000

Grilled Lobster Tails - Market Price

Grilled in a bath of Cacique liquor, lime and garlic

Fresh mahi mahi, grilled jumbo shrimp, sautĂŠed calamari, with rice pilaf and grilled vegetables

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Homemade cheesecake with blueberry topping

Private residence on the beach transformed into a quaint restaurant and bar, renowned for its fresh seafood. Come and enjoy incredible food and awesome sunsets and views of the Pacific Ocean.

With tropical salsa, grilled vegetables & potatoes or rice

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With baby potatoes and carrots garlic buttered

The Beach House: Beachfront Dining

Phone: 2654-6203 Specialties Fresh seafood Epic sunset view Call for reservations

Grilled Octopus

Flour tortilla, breaded shrimps, mango coleslaw and spicy mayonnaise

Pacific Lobster All taxes included in price

$10

Lettuce mix, avocado, hearts of palm, blackberries, orange and passion fruit dressing

Peruvian style marinated shrimp, red pepper and onion, tomato and cilantro with plantain chips Crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy: shrimp in cornmeal breading with tangy Thai chili sauce

Two roasted lobster tails in wine-garlic butter sauce with grilled vegetables and rosemary potatoes

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LAS CATALINAS

DINING GUIDE

At Casa Chameleon, 4km north of the Potrero soccer field Hours Daily, 7am-10pm No children under 12 years Phone: 2103-1200 concierge@ casachameleonhotels.com Specialties Fresh fish, sunset cocktails, "boquitas" menu

Sentido Norte: Fine Dining Sentido Norte, a restaurant and bar at Casa Chameleon, proudly offers an adult fine-dining experience that celebrates the best of Costa Rican cuisine. Your drive through winding roads above the quaint beach town of Las Catalinas is rewarded by an unforgettable but affordable taste of luxury.

Just a few steps uphill from the bright and welcoming entrance, your table awaits in a gorgeous, open-air perch framed by a panoramic view of the Pacific. A design motif incorporating responsibly sourced teak adds a sense of warmth and well-being to the romantically lit atmosphere. All food and drinks are inspired by the country’s bountiful abundance, combining uniquely local and native ingredients in the glass and on the plate.

MENU SELECTIONS Overnight Oats

$18

Casa Chameleon Burger $19

Guacamole and Salsa

$10

French Toast

$12

Ceviche $14

Octopus & Mussels

$29

Knife & Fork Tortillas

$14

Grilled Skirt Steak

$30

Fresh Tuna Poke

$24

With almond milk, yogurt, fruit, cashews, local honey or tapa dulce

With sweet plantains and coconut milk cream

Angus burger with arugula, Swiss or goat cheese and aioli Fresh fish ceviche, leche de tigre, homemade "chilero"

Grilled Chicken Wrap

Octopus and mussels wok-sautéed in garlic butter and white wine

$12

Chicharrón or vegan huevos rancheros

With greens, avocado & tomato, spicy aioli

Vegan Omelettes

Vegan Bowl

With asparagus, mushrooms and caramelized onion

$6

Hearts of palm ceviche, avocado & tomato

$19

Quinoa, mushroom and squash picadillo salad, spicy garbanzo beans

Skirt steak, chimichurri sauce, salad, french fries

Raw tuna, mango, avocado

Prices shown include 13% tax and 10% service / Prices subject to change

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DINING GUIDE

PLAYA FLAMINGO

SOMEWHERE OMEWHERE BAR AR Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo Hours Daily from 4pm to 11pm Happy hour: 4:30-6:30 Phone: 2654-4444, ext. 3264 Specialties Nachos, tacos, burgers, salads and sandwiches

World Famous Margaritas!

5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill: Drinks and Casual Dining

Fri. Mar 1 - Charly López, 8-10 Sat. Mar 2 - Pachanga Boys Dúo, 8-10

Best place on the Gold Coast to take in panoramic oceanfront views and multi-screen sports TV while enjoying hand-crafted cocktails and a delicious casual dining menu. You will want to return again and again for juicy cheeseburgers and mouthwatering tacos, not to mention the perfect margaritas and other specialty cocktails. Enjoy a beautiful sunset view during the daily Happy Hour 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday nights feature live entertainment with the best of the area's local bands and musical talent.

Mon. Mar 4 - Groobeach C., 8-10 Wed. Mar 6 - Caminantes, 8-10 Thu. Mar 7 - Café Soul Trio, 8-10 Fri. Mar 8 - Charly López, 8-10 Sat. Mar 9 - Groobeach C., 8-10 Sun. Mar 10 - Caminantes, 8-10 Mon. Mar 11 - Mystic Trío, 8-10 Fri. Mar 15 - Charly López, 8-10 Sat. Mar 16 - Coco Hits Dúo, 8-10 Mon. Mar 18 - Jose Vega, 4-6 Wed. Mar 20 - Mystic Trío, 8-10 Fri. Mar 22 - Charly López, 8-10 Sat.Mar23-Trío Acústica Latina, 8-10 Tue. Mar 26 - Jose Vega, 4-6 Fri. Mar 29 - Charly López, 8-10 Sat. Mar 30 - Café Soul Trio, 8-10

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A perfect blend of Costa Rican and international cuisine that includes freshly caught local fish and grass-fed beef. Enjoy the oceanfront sea breeze on the outdoor patio or dine inside in air-conditioned comfort.

An Italian bistro with a tropical view.

Choose from a selection of pizzas, pastas and paninis or build your own dish with a variety of fresh, delicious ingredients.

Hours Daily 6:30am to 9:30pm breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hours Daily 5pm to 11:30pm Pizza only from 9:30pm

Phone: 2654-4444 ext. 3269

Phone: 2654-4444 ext. 3268

Specialties Fresh fish, grass-fed beef, International buffets, kids menu

Specialties Specialty artisanal pizza oven; design your own pizzas and pastas

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La Plaza, Playa Flamingo Hours: Daily, 7am-9:30pm Phone: 2554-4136 Specialties Check out @mariescostar for weekly special event nights

Marie's:

Local and International The place in Flamingo for delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails with great service. Live music and weekly Monday Morning Market

Present ad for complimentary Passion Fruit Mimosa with breakfast, lunch or dinner entree purchase.

MENU SELECTIONS

Flamingo - 100m south of road to Potrero

Vaca Loka:

Italian Restaurant

Hours Daily, 5:30pm-10:30pm Closed Wednesday

True Italian cuisine. Pasta like you are in Roma! Fresh bruschetta served when you arrive. Buon appetito!

Phone: 8532-8613 Specialties Pizza, pasta, meat, fish

MENU SELECTIONS

Eggs Benedict

c4.200

House Lasagna

Chicken Caesar Wrap

c4.600

Ribeye c6.500

PLAYA FLAMINGO

DINING GUIDE

c6.500

Avenida Central, across from El Coco Casino, Playas del Coco

COCONUTZ BAR & GRILL: Sports Bar

Hours Mon-Thu, 11am till late Fri-Sun, 9am till late

Coconutz is your neighborhood sports bar and microbrewery in an exotic tropical setting, complete with gorgeous local hardwood, trees growing through the floor, license plates from all over the world, surfboards hanging from the rooftop, and of course ... our famous swing set! We feature the best tropical drink selection in the area, as well as our on-premise brewed Angry Goats beers on tap. Come visit the premier sports bar in Playas Del Coco.

Phone: 2670-1982 pete@coconutzbar.com

Porky PiĂąas

Specialties Smoked BBQ Microbrewery Gourmet bar bites Sports bar Live music Private parties

MENU SELECTIONS

Pineapple bites wrapped in bacon, topped with teriyaki and sesame seeds

Shredded chicken or beef, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, fried tostada, grilled in tortilla

Smokey Shrimp Poppers

Chicken & Waffle Burger

Memphis Ribs

Al Pastor Pizza

Fresh jumbo shrimp, sliced jalapeĂąo and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and smoked Half rack or whole rack, with choice of two sides

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Walking Taco

Buttermilk fried chicken with waffle bun, American cheese, heat and sweet sauce Adobe smoked pork, pineapple salsa, local fresh cheese, house mole sauce

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PLAYAS DEL COCO

Fish Tacos c7.000

TICO STYLE

mi ni

-m ag

Soda El Coco: A Story of One Soda

by Marian Paniagua and Jessie Rowan

Soda El Coco’s founding family owners are fisherman Juan Solana, pictured above with fresh catch of the day, and his wife, Merida Cruz Vallejos, below.

W

ith a family business plan that was decidedly small to start with but sure to succeed through steadfast commitment, Soda El Coco and the Cruz family has been satisfying appetites in Brasilito Beach for more than 23 years. Initially furnished with just three wooden tables and benches, the eatery has grown and thrived from its modest beginnings on the terrace of its owners’ house by the old soccer field.

The soda was named for a coconut tree in the middle of the front patio. Instead of cutting it down, builders cut a hole in the roof so the tree could continue growing unobstructed.

Merida Cruz remembers following this simple but evidently failsafe plan to prepare for the soda’s first day of operation. She purchased one cabbage, two kilos of meat, a bag of rice and a bag of beans. Her husband, Juan, contributed shrimp and calamari that he caught diving off the beach. With these ingredients they were up and running, serving casado dishes to their inaugural customers. Their opening sales income was spent restocking for the following day … and so on, and that is how they continued moving their business forward.

Merida was in charge of the kitchen while her brother-in-law managed table service.

Juan fished every day for lobster, fish, oysters and octopus. Son Javier has worked with the family business all his life. He now opens the soda every morning and sometimes helps in the kitchen when needed. He also attracts many customers through his sideline business: fishing excursions that reward participants for catching their own entree to enjoy at the soda afterwards. Jazmin, Merida and Juan’s youngest daughter, started waiting tables at age 13 but now does mostly administrative work.

Merida no longer cooks, nor does Juan go out catching fish for the daily special.

Nonetheless, their presence every day is very important to ensure tasks are done properly and maintain the high quality of service and food.

Soda El Coco’s best-selling menu dishes are the whole lobster, the whole red snapper with creamy shrimp sauce and the seafood soup.

The ever-popular casados are known for being delicious, affordable and served in generous portions.

Reflecting on their enterprising journey since 1995, the family members are gratified by the soda’s evolution and growth. The coconut tree is not there anymore but Soda El Coco is still flourishing.

Photos: Jessie Rowan

Arroz con camerones, ensalada y papas fritas.

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Juan Luis Solano Cruz, oldest son, takes clients on fishing trips and back to the soda to cook their own catch of the day.

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Casado con pescado empnizado (breaded fish).

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Costa Rica Living

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 17

PURA VIDA - CRLIVING

&Vegetable Stand

by Sylvia Barreto Benites

Visiting the Fruit SPANISH

I

t’s the little things that make Costa Rica so special, and the taste of fruits and vegetables is one of those things. The difference between eating fresh vineripened and shipping-ripened products is immediately apparent. On almost every major cruce (street crossing) you will find a verdureria (fruit and vegetable stand). Not only can they bring down the cost of your weekly food shopping needs but also serve as a great Spanish learning classroom!

One of the most important parts of Tico living is the saludos (greetings).

Unlike the “get-to-the-point” culture of many people, time should be taken in Costa Rica to properly greet the vendors you visit before you ask for something. A “Hola, como estas?” or even just “Buenas” goes a long way. Ideally, you should collect

Ask for cooking tips and ways to eat, and bring home new flavors for your family.

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a few salutations like these and try them out everywhere you go. Avoid jumping right into a request or need; always look people in the eyes, smiling and greeting them warmly. This simple act will change the quality of service you receive.

Another helpful tip is to prepare some useful sayings that can help you get through the interaction more smoothly. This will serve you well not only when shopping for food but also when visiting places like the bank and providers of your electricity, cable and water services. Each requires a specific vocabulary and sayings. You can make these lists of greetings and phrases and save them on your smartphone.

Having them saved on your phone and using them shows the person you are

Yuca is a large brown root vegetable you can eat boiled, fried or as a base for many dishes.

interacting with that you are trying to meet them in the middle of this language barrier and it also has the magical effect of helping you remember. Researchers have found simply “holding” the information — in this case, physically — brings your stress level down and allows you to better access it when needed.

Refer to page 23 of this magazine or the Howler Simply Spanish vignettes online to formulate these phrases.

Lastly, take the moment to be adventurous. When shopping for fruits and vegetables, try out unfamiliar ones.

Ask for cooking tips and ways to eat, and bring home new flavors for your family.

Here are some suggestions you’ll be glad to have picked up on your next visit.

Chayote is a green, pear-shaped vegetable with wrinkles; it looks like a mouth after sucking a lemon! Eat chayote fresh in a salad or diced and boiled to make picadillo. howlermag.com

Plátano (plantain) is a

gigantic banana. It must be cooked before eating and can take on many shapes and consistencies. Green plantains make patacones, or twice-fried plantain chips. Yellow to brown plantains make maduros, a sweet plantain cooked in butter and served with pinto.

Granadilla is an ovalshaped fruit, orange to orangebrown in color, with a hard, crisp skin. It contains a bundle of seeds surrounded by a tasty pulp. Eat with a spoon or add to a smoothie, yogurt or your favorite vinaigrette.

Guanábana, also known

Mango/Manga comes in many varieties. Not all are alike and each stage is eaten in different ways. Ticos love green mangos, crispy and delicious cut into thin strips with salt and lemon or a number of different toppings. As the mango turns pale orange to reddish, the inside intensifies in color and sweetness. Mango refers to the smaller size and manga the bigger size.

as soursop, is a giant, spiky green fruit with mushy white interior and black seeds. The seeds must be removed before putting the flesh into a blender or eating.

Considered a superfruit, it’s a super addition to any smoothie.

It's time for a new kind of language classroom

Services offered: Pejibaye is more vegetable than fruit, with glossy green, orange or red skin and black stripes, resembling a large acorn.

Cooked and peeled, its yellow pulp tastes very good with a little mayonnaise added to it. It can be made into bisques and mousse.

Tamarind is known for its brown pods and can be found around its namesake town, Tamarindo, during the harvest season. It can be eaten right off the tree, like nature's candy, by sucking the tart and sweet meat off the seed. Tamarind can also be found in the produce section of food stores in little brown bundles of mush. This can be placed in water to let sit or boiled in water to make tamarind juice. #s earchf indh owl

• Group lessons - Surfside and Tamarindo • Fast Track - a five-day intensive class • Private one-on-one and group lessons • Translation and interpreter services • Educational and career counseling for young adults and parents looking for the right school

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PURA VIDA - CRLIVING

Water Workouts Offer Gravity- Defying Benefits

Tasha Shauli conducts the yoga portion of Tamarindo Aquafit while co-owner, Stephanie Hiltz, conducts the aerobics portion of the class.

WELLNESS

by Tasha Shauli & Stephanie Hiltz

T

here are but a few pairings in this universe that combine so well, one wonders what humans did before their creation. Peanut butter and chocolate come to mind, and wine with pretty much everything. But pairing aerobic exercise and yoga in a swimming pool just might also be a match made in heaven. This dynamic duo — merging physical activity with the calming effects of water — is called aquafit.

Gravity is a Bitch

People not only exercise longer in water than on land but also enjoy those activities more.

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One of the somewhat unpleasant aspects of a workout are the effects it has on your muscles and joints. Activity such as running, for example, can create an impact of 2.5 times your body weight. By simply adding water — doing aerobic and yogic exercise in a swimming pool — that wear and tear on joints and muscles is a factor of little importance.

Having said that, even though your body will thank you for lightening the load, so to speak, it doesn’t mean you’re not getting a total body workout. Any action performed while submerged in water is subject to something called hydrodynamic drag. That

is the resistance felt when trying to move in a pool or any liquid for that matter. That drag makes everything more of an effort, which means your workout will be optimized, even though you may feel a little like you’re floating.

Finally, it would be hard to ignore the science directly related to the benefits of water-based activity. The Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. has cited research showing people not only exercise longer in water than on land but also enjoy those activities more. As well, the same report says water-based exercise improves mental health by decreasing anxiety.

Cross-train and stay cool

Those who attend class continuously say how impressed they are with the effects they feel from their aquatic workout. Combining the cardio, strength training and yoga all in one class allows people to cross-train their workout regime while staying cool in the Costa Rican sun.

So if you’re looking to incorporate some new experiences into your workout regime, do your body a solid and go exercise in some liquid. You won’t regret it!

Photos courtesy of Tamarindo AquaFit.

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 21

PURA VIDA - CRLIVING

HEAT Emergencies

THE DOCTOR IS IN

A hot day, with high humidity and no breeze, furnishes an ideal situation for heat emergencies.

Y

ou are on the beach or doing a big hike and all of a sudden you feel clammy and the world seems to be closing in on you.

What could be happening? You are probably experiencing some type of heat emergency. Heat emergencies can range from mild to lifethreatening and in Costa Rica you need to know how to identify them in yourself and others.

Normally, heat produced within the body is brought to the skin surface by tiny capillaries in the bloodstream, escaping to the cooler environment by conduction, radiation and convection. When the surrounding air temperature is equal

to or greater than that of the body, heat must be lost by moisture or sweat from the body surface.

As air becomes more humid, vaporization from the body slows.

A hot day, with high humidity and no breeze, furnishes an ideal situation for heat retention and a resulting medical emergency.

It’s much easier to prevent heat emergencies than to have to treat them. When active in a hot environment, take frequent rest periods to cool off. It is extremely important to drink plenty of water to keep the body fluid volume at normal or above-normal levels.

by Dr. Herbert Weinman

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs in individuals who are active in hot environments. This “near-fainting” condition is caused by the pooling of blood in the lower extremities. When a person is standing or sitting, there can be inadequate flow of blood to the heart and brain. Clinical symptoms are cold and clammy skin, pale appearance, weak pulse, shallow breathing and possible loss of consciousness.

Treatment consists of moving patients to a cooler place, laying them flat on the floor and placing cold applications on the skin. Clothing should be removed to facilitate loss of heat through skin exposure. Patients usually recover fairly quickly.

Heat cramps

Heat cramps are seen in people who engage in activity in a hot environment and sweat a great deal. Cramps are a result of a loss of salt from the body causing painful spasms, especially in leg and abdominal muscles.

Treatment of heat cramps requires fluid and salt intake, usually in the form of commercial electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade. Gentle massage on the cramped muscles can provide relief.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke (or sunstroke) is especially common in elderly individuals who are exposed to hot surroundings for prolonged periods. This results in a large amount of heat being stored and the body temperature can be very high. In contrast to the pale, moist skin of heat exhaustion, a heatstroke patient’s skin is dry, red and hot. The pulse is rapid and the patient may be unconscious and remain so for a long period of time. This condition is very serious.

Treatment Heatstroke patients should be moved to a cool place. Cold applications should cover the entire body by using cold packs, spraying with cool water, or wrapping the patient in constantly moistened sheets. Competent medical care should be sought as soon as possible. This is an emergency!

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SIMPLY SPANISH

by Sylvia Barreto Benites and Spanish For Expats

Out and About Greetings / In Partings Adiós. — Goodbye. (slightly more formal way to say goodbye) Buenas. — Very typical greeting in Costa Rica that can be used at any time of the day.

Buenos dias. — Good morning.

Chao/Ciao. — Bye. (usual way to say goodbye) Gracias a usted. —Thanks to you. The polite answer to Gracias.

Hasta luego. — See you later, or literally, “until later.”

Hola — Hello.

Muchas gracias. — Thank you.

Que tenga un buen dia. — Have a great day.

Asking for Things ¿Como se come esto? — How do you eat this? ¿Como se cocina esto? — How do you cook this?

Cuanto cuesta esto? — How much does this cost?

Dame uno, por favor. — Give me one, please.

Discúlpe/Perdón/Permiso... — Excuse me … (when you need to get someone’s attention) Me haria el favor de …— Could you do me the favor to...

Me gustaria... — I would like... ¿Me pasas eso, por favor? — Can you pass me that, please?

Me podria dar… — Could you give me?

Me regala... — Literally “gift me,” but in Costa Rica it means “give me”.

Muchas gracias. — Thank you.

Necesito… — I need… ¿Qué es esto? — What is this?

Quisiera uno de esos, por favor — I would like one of those, please Quisiera… — I would like…

Quisiera uno de esos, por favor — I would like one of those, please.

Seria tan amable... — Would you be so kind …?

Tiene…..? — Do you have….?

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 23

PURA VIDA - CRLIVING

BHUJANGASANA

Cobra Pose

YOGAPEDIA

Bhujang = Serpent / Cobra asana = pose

B

hujangasana, or cobra pose, owes its name to the cobra snake and the position it adopts when attacking. As one of the most classic and fundamental yoga positions, it is commonly used to transition to other postures in sun salutation, as well as to link different postures in a flow.

Like other posterior flexion postures, bhujangasana has its deepest effect on the lumbar spine. Please remember that observation is fundamental to understanding and growth as you practice this yoga pose, as in any other aspect of your life.

Benefits of the corpse pose

Physically • Provides flexibility.

• Irrigates the spine with blood.

• Tones the spinal cord.

• Strengthens the arm and wrist muscles as well as the glutes.

• Coupled with breathing, it gives a gentle massage to the lower back and inner organs.

• Improves functions of the adrenal glands and kidneys.

• Benefits the sympathetic and parasympathetic system, and functioning of the thymus gland and the heart.

• Tones the pectoral muscles, creates space in the rib cage and stretches and revitalizes the abdominal muscles.

Mentally The cobra posture provides a sensation of empowerment.

As you press firmly the palms of your hands on the mat and emerge confidently from the ground, you display and open your chest, projecting self-trust and receptivity.

Emotionally As your chest is lifted, your heart opens, creating a feeling of stress reduction and anxiety relief. Expansion of your lungs gives your body more oxygenation, translating to a deep feeling of clarity and space. You can give yourself permission to welcome more emotions to your attention.

Energetically The cobra pose awakens kundalini, the divine cosmic energy that fosters self-realization, creativity, joy, peace and spiritual realization.

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To be mindful

by Marian Paniagua

• Do not practice this pose if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, or if you have any neck, wrist or spine injuries.

• Avoid during pregnancy.

• Practice self-respect by not pushing your back beyond your limit.

How to do the cobra pose

1. Begin by lying face down on the floor with the legs extended behind you. Gently press the top of your feet to the mat.

Keeping the heels together causes a stretching of the external sciatic nerve, but this may cause compression of the lower back. To avoid this when first practicing the cobra pose, try keeping your feet separated until you become familiar with the posture.

2. Place the hands under your shoulders with fingers spread and pointing forward. Press the elbows into the sides of your body and take a moment to distribute the weight of your body, evenly pressing down through your feet, pubic bone and hands.

3. Inhale as you lift your head and chest off the floor. Exhale as you draw the shoulders back away from your ears and the heart forward. At this point, keep your gaze towards the floor; if you don’t sense any tension in your neck, go ahead and gaze up. Up to this point, you are in the low cobra variation.

4. Inhale as you keep lifting your chest; straighten your arms only as much as your body permits. Do not force the back to bend by pushing. Focus more on allowing the curve of your spine to happen as a natural result of lifting your chest and extending your spine. Remember to keep pressing the elbows to your sides. Take deep and long inhales, and when you exhale, do it slowly with absolutely no hurry. Hold for six breaths.

5. To release the posture, lower your chest and forehead to the floor along with an exhalation. Pause and breathe in. As you breathe out, transition into the child’s pose (balasana), moving the hips to your heels, extending the arms in front of you and resting your forehead and arms on the mat. Hold for as long as it feels soothing to you.

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 25

PURA VIDA - CRLIVING

Beach Cowboys

Tope Fashion for Fiesta Season

FASHION FLASH

by Patricia Sterman

T

his is that time of the year when fiestas are all around Costa Rica.

Towns get together to welcome visitors and tourists from all over the world. It’s the place to enjoy a nice cold beer while watching the bull riding and take your kids to the rides and games.

For me, the best part is the tope — a spectacular street parade of dozens or hundreds of horses, depending on the size of the town. The haciendas and premier horse breeders of the country are represented by animals trained to exhibit their beauty and nothing else. Riding atop tall, muscular horses with shiny black manes are women stunningly beautiful and voluptuous.

Other riders are happy finca owners and sometimes completely drunk finca workers. It’s an event that families flock to, with kids in tow to ride and watch

the show. To appreciate the magnitude of the event, El Tope de San José, the country’s largest annual equestrian parade, drew more than 5,000 horse riders and 600,000 spectators to the nation’s capital in 2013.

What is the dress code of Costa Rica’s most famous festivity? If you have a cowboy hat, it's time to take it out of the closet, as well as your riding boots and plaid shirt. Despite the infernal heat here, many wear their jeans and many wrap a bandana around their necks. For women, tight pants and a big cleavage are a signature part of the look.

Iconic accessories are a leather belt with a big metallic buckle and a big pair of sunglasses. Younger gals in the crowd will fit right in with a pair of shorts, a crop-top and a fanny pack to carry their cell phone.

If you have a cowboy hat, it's time to take it out of the closet.

If you need any type of fashion advice or recommendation for a special event, contact

fashion@howlermag.com 26 | #searchfindhowl| online

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 27

ANIMAL LIFE

PURA VIDA / LIFESTYLE

Signs of Change in Your Aging Pet Health Care for a Longer and Better Quality of Life

by Dr. Gilberth Cavallini

W

hat can be done to help your pet live longer and enjoy the best quality of life possible?

These are some signs to look for and recommendations for optimal health care.

Changes typically start to become noticeable when a dog becomes seven years old. It’s not necessarily old age in all cases, but a step in that direction.

• Skin: Moles and tumors start to appear. They might be benign, or they may be malignant. It’s always advisable to consult your veterinarian. In some cases, it’s better to remove the skin growth to take a sample for a biopsy or cytology testing, and other times to just leave it and monitor.

• Eyes: Any change in the color or brightness of your pet’s eyes should be brought to your vet’s attention.

An ophthalmologist might also be consulted if necessary. Cataracts are a common occurrence, and if diagnosed early, the vision loss can be minimized or eradicated with surgery.

chemistry analysis, including kidney and liver enzymes. This can make an important difference in determining at an early stage if your pet will need a change in diet to increase his life expectancy. In our practice, it is not uncommon for asymptomatic dogs to be diagnosed with liver failure in early stages.

• X-rays: It is common for older pets to develop arthritis, which can be detected and monitored with x-rays. Many types of food supplements are available to give animals with arthritis a better quality of life and more years with us.

• Ultrasound: In our area, where water has a high mineral content, we strongly recommend an annual ultrasound test. Our biggest concern is bladder stones, found most often in male cats and dogs. Many cases become emergencies when a blockage occurs and might require surgery.

This can often be avoided through early detection and prophylactic treatment. Another veterinary concern is the increased incidence of spleen tumors. They usually grow like a bag of blood and sooner or later might rupture, causing internal hemorrhage. The spleen can be safely removed and, with proper care, can prolong your pet’s life.

These are recommendations for preventing and detecting diseases early in your pet’s life. Prophylactic treatment can keep your family member healthier while increasing their life expectancy.

Not everything has to be checked out at once, but knowing what to look for — and when — will give you the best view of your furry friend’s health condition.

Recommendations for preventing and detecting diseases early in your pet’s life.

Other age-related conditions in your pet may be less visible and harder to detect. Again, regular visits to your veterinarian are recommended for the following kinds of health assessments.

• Blood work: In this geographic area, a complete blood test and a SNAP test (for heartworm and other vector-borne diseases) are recommended for all pets at least once a year.

• Blood chemistry: Your vet might also conduct more extensive blood

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