Howler Pura Vida and Dining Guide April 2019 Flip mini-magazines

HOWLER Living Costa Rica

Costa Rica's New Recycling Program That Pays You Back

April 2019

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CO N T E N T S ECOLONES - IT ADDS UP Cover Story

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Pura Vida: Living Costa Rica

4 - Cover Story: Ecolones - Incentive for Recycling 7 - Simply Spanish: A lo Tico 8 - Wellness: Breathe in the Benefits 10 - The Doctor Is In: Pinkeye - Usually Harmless 12 - Spanish: Pesky Subjects (and Objects) 14 - Yoga Wisdom: Chakra System 16 - Fashion Flash: Lingerie - Feel Good About Yourself 18 - Animal Life: Animals Alone and in Trouble

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CHAKRA

Yoga Wisdom

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19 Dining Guide

20 - Dining Guide Feature: Bula Bula 27 - Simply Spanish: Dining and Shopping Food Guide

22 Restaurants

LINGERIE Fashion Flash

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22 - Playa Grande - Bula Bula 23 - Playa Grande - El Oasis Chill Out and Lodge 23 - Playa Grande - Pots & Bowls 23 - Huacas - La Playita Restaurante 24 - Huacas - New York Pizza 24 - Villarreal - Black Stallion 24 - Tamarindo / Langosta - El Barco 25 - Brasilito - Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar & Restaurant 26 - Flamingo - Margaritaville: 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar 26 - Flamingo - Margaritaville: Banana Wind Cafe 25 - Flamingo - Margaritaville: Capriccios Pizza Bistro & Cafe 27 - Flamingo - Vaca Loka Italian Restaurant 27 - Flamingo - Marie’s Restaurant 28 - Surfside / Potrero - Nasu Restaurant 28 - Surfside / Potrero - The Beach House 29 - Las Catalinas - Sentido Norte

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COVER STORY

ECOLONES Costa Rica’s New Incentive for Recycling

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by Tom Schultz

Incentive elements add up to a win-win for participants, the country and the planet alike.

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nyone who lives in Costa Rica or visits often can appreciate how daunting the problem of solid waste management is here. Most developing nations have the common challenges of deficient infrastructure and cultural barriers to the development of efficient and sustainable waste management practices, especially recycling. Costa Rica is no exception.

For a nation with a “green” reputation, it seems incredible that 80 percent of what we throw away is recyclable but not always recycled.

Compounding this problem is Costa Rica’s lack of landfill space, and specifically landfills that do not leak or leach into the water table. It is one of the larger and more serious problems you rarely hear about in travel or expat relocation brochures.

Fortunately, there is more than just hope.

Welcome to the new sustainable community where you technically get paid to recycle. Visitors to the new Costa Rican ecolones website are thus introduced to an initiative that sounds ideologically futuristic and logistically mindboggling, but is very much a reality and steadily gaining traction. For the same reasons that make the program name “ecolones” such a clever play on words (also known as eco lones, e-colones and similar variations), few could argue that its incentive elements add up to a win-win for participants, the country and the planet alike.

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How it works

Announced just a year ago in April 2018, ecolones is a recycling incentive program based on simple reward principles: you earn virtual money (ecolones) for all the recyclable materials you bring to a designated collection center that can be traded in for discounts on goods and services.

Signing up for the program is easy at www. ecolonescr.com (a Spanish-only website, but still relatively user-friendly). An email address is all you need to create and log in to your online account, and start collecting rewards in return for recyclables. At the time of each delivery you make, credits are applied to your ecolones account. Your accrued ecolones can be redeemed for online purchases and retail sponsors who will accept ecolones account cards. Auto and tire stores, and movie theaters are just a few examples.

For anyone who wants to recycle but has no clue what items are accepted and where to take them … or even how to find out, the answers are now just a few clicks away (see page 6). Even if you don’t sign up for the ecolones program, this is a terrific one-stop resource for knowing which recyclables are collected, and where.

Photos courtesy of ecolones

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Is it working?

As an early program adopter, I give ecolones a thumbs up. Here is some firsthand insight into how well it’s worked in our household.

After recycling for almost 30 years while living in the United States, we have also done our best to recycle since moving to Costa Rica almost eight years ago. In the beginning, the hardest aspect here was locating a place to take the recyclable items we were collecting. I applaud the ecolones program for one of its greatest and earliest achievements in clearing up that mystery!

After gathering our items for a month or so, we separated them into the different types of materials taken. Then off we went to our local recycling center in Puriscal, which is part of the ecolones program. We waited for the collection team members to come out and told them we had recyclables to exchange for ecolones. They took down the email address for our ecolones account and after that, it was a matter of the collection team counting and recording total numbers in the notebook for every bottle, every can, every glass jar, and every Tetra Pak we delivered.

After this first trip, we waited what seemed like a long time before the numbers finally appeared online in our ecolones account. On our second trip to the

recycling center, the process was already a bit more streamlined. No doubt that trend will continue as the recycling centers and program participants get used to the concept.

Pro tip : Categorize, count and total up all your recycling materials ahead of time on a list at home. When you drop the items off at the recycling center, simply present the list with your ecolones account email to the collection crew and you should be good to go.

Where and how often we redeem our ecolones — perhaps to see a movie or get a great discount on tire alignment — is less important to us than the satisfaction of being able to do our part for a greener Costa Rica.

It is nice to have this program and know that it really works.

Well before the program’s firstyear anniversary, more than 40,000 people with an ecolones account likely feel the same way and recycled more than 9.6 million units of recyclable waste.

So if you have not been recycling, this is your reason to start, even if initially it’s just a “what and where” learning experience. Every bit helps to lighten the burden of trash in Costa Rica, making this paradise just a bit closer to reality.

Go Big or Go Home Costa Rica shows the world how

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ithin months of Costa Ricans being urged to give recycling their all through the newly launched ecolones incentive program, they had chalked up a world record: 30 metric tons of used plastic bottles — 65,000 pounds — collected and spared from a landfill fate in just eight hours. For a feat that would seem astonishing anywhere, tiny-but-mighty Costa Rica earned its rightful place in the Guinness Book of World Records for amassing the largest amount of recycling material ever collected in eight hours.

An online news story about the December 7, 2018 event, organized by ecolones, is posted at: nacion.com. You can also check it out on the Guinness World Records site: guinnessworldrecords. com.

For direct links visit: howlermag.com/ecolones

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COVER STORY

Trash to Treasure

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ven without a good knowledge of Spanish, you should find all the information you need about Costa Rica’s nationwide recycling incentive program at www.ecolones.cr. The site is easy to navigate and the content is easily understood using graphic icons and translated text. It includes an informative FAQ section.

From the pull-down menu for “Centros Acopio” (Gathering Center), you’ll find answers to the following questions. (Direct link: www.ecolonescr. com/centros-acopio)

Is this stuff worth anything?

These so-called “ordinary materials” are accepted at designated ecolones recycling centers: • Clean plastic bottles and containers • Clean single-use plastic bags • Clean, unbroken glass of all colors • Clean “tin” cans • Aluminum of all types, but no used foil • Paper and cardboard • Tetra Packs (now you can feel even better about emptying that Clos wine box!) along with Elopak (milk cartons). You will even find information on how to clean and flatten them.

And these biggies are accepted at a limited number of locations: • Electronics: old TVs, printers, phones, etc., through a partnership with the Gollo chain of stores • Used tires: now accepted at several recycling centers, and at some Riteve stations • Domestic oil

Where do I take the recyclable items?

The ecolones website offers a comprehensive listing of location addresses, operating hours and contact information for ecolones recycling centers throughout Costa Rica. For each category of recyclable items, the sites are organized geographically by province.

“Ordinary materials” are currently accepted at 60 recycling centers as follows (total number of locations in parentheses): San José (22), Alajuela (10), Cartago (eight), Heredia (seven), Guanacaste (six), Puntarenas (six) and Limón (one).

Discarded electronic items are accepted at three Gollo store locations in San José, four in Alajuela and one each in Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón.

Alajuela, Heredia, Guanacaste and Puntarenas each have a specified location for collecting recycled tires. Domestic oil is accepted at nine recycling sites: four in San José, two in Alajuela and one each in Cartago, Guanacaste and Puntarenas.

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SIMPLY SPANISH

by Sylvia Barreto Benites and Spanish For Expats

A lo Tico (Talk like a Tico) buena nota — Literally “good note,” or “good vibe” this usually refers to a nice person. “La vecina es buena nota” (“The neighbor is a nice lady.”) Also an expression of approval or congratulations. “¿Ya te graduaste? ¡Qué buena nota!” (“You graduated? Well done!”) chepe — A slang for San José, as in “Voy a chepe este fin.” (“I am going to San Jose this weekend.”) darle pelota — “To give the ball to someone,” to pay attention to someone, usually used in the negative. “Te traté de advertir, pero no me diste pelota” (“I tried to warn you, but you didn’t listen.”)

Diay! — Two meanings: Typically an expression of disbelief or confusion. If someone is sad, angry, excited you ask "Diay?" (What’s wrong?) It's also another way to greet in a very casual and informal way. "Diay, mi amiga?" (What’s happening/How’s it going, my friend?) hablar hasta por los codos — “To talk even from the elbows,” to talk and talk and talk. hablar paja — “To talk straw,” meaning to say a bunch of BS, or to speak of matters of little importance, or to kill time talking. jalar las orejas — “To pull the ears,” to punish or give warning to someone. manos en la masa — “Hands in the dough,” caught redhanded, caught in the act.

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WELLNESS

Breathe in the Benefits

by Laura Méndez

Hyperoxygenation of the body and related chemical reactions support all healing processes.

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“L

ast breath in … fill up your belly, chest and ‘head’ with air. Pause… and let go. Exhale completely … empty.”

I could still hear our teacher’s voice in the distance. I followed his instructions.

Minute 1: holding empty. I´m somewhere out of my body. Minute 2: still holding empty.

I see lights and colors. My eyes are closed and I feel completely relaxed. Bliss. I have no need to inhale yet. There is no mind. Seconds keep passing by. I´m aware that I lost track of time, yet there I am … empty. Present. Relaxed.

Our odyssey started like this, in a small village located in the south of the Spanish Pyrenees Mountains. With a number of extraordinary achievements to his name, including 21 Guinness World Records, our teacher started us out with two hours of breathing exercises like the abovedescribed out-of-body experience. Then came a 10-minute ice bath — excruciating pain followed by absolute relaxing silence — followed by more breathing exercises involving integrating and processing.

We had gone for extensive training to learn this teacher’s methods, which allow him to control his breathing, heart rate and blood circulation (and to withstand extreme temperatures). He does this simply by breathing, also known as breathwork.

So what is this breathwork stuff? It is described as any type of therapy that utilizes breathing exercises to improve mental, physical and spiritual health. Many forms of breathwork therapy exist today, each with its own unique methods of using breath for healing purposes. Popular uses are during yoga and patterned breathing during childbirth.

Breathwork also facilitates a powerful detoxification process, as many of our toxins

are released through our breath. If we are not breathing at full capacity, it is safe to say we are not functioning at anywhere close to optimal levels.

Our bodies experience the imprints of our life journey. Breathwork is a powerful tool for accessing this archive and releasing any memories that might be trapped in the body before they turn into “dis-ease” or illness.

Hyperoxygenation of the body and related chemical reactions support all healing processes, in particular: • reduced depression/anxiety • stress management • pain management through decreased inflammation and increased pH levels • enhanced creativity through heightened states of consciousness and inspiration • improved energy levels • balancing the nervous system • trauma release by clearing negative imprints • awakening dormant functions of the brain to improve brain function and mind power • cleansing/purifying the bloodstream and lymphatic system • stimulating self-healing Breathwork sessions vary depending on specific styles available. Generally speaking, you will be in a safe space with other participants, seated or lying down comfortably on a yoga mat. Throughout the session, you will be guided on how to inhale and exhale, including the pace, timing and duration of holding. A good facilitator will take good care of you and provide any extra guidance you need.

I encourage you to attend one or many sessions of breathwork. Your body will thank you for dedicating this time to your wellbeing.

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THE DOCTOR IS IN

PINKEYE: Unmistakable, Unwanted and Usually Harmless

by Dr. Herbert Weinman

Treatment of pink eye depends on the cause.

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onjunctivitis, better known as pink eye, is a common eye infection involving inflammation of the conjunctiva. That is the thin clear tissue covering the outer white portion of the eye and lining the inside eyelid.

Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious but is rarely serious and unlikely to damage vision. With appropriate care, it clears up with no long-term problems. Mild pink eye is almost always harmless and will disappear even without treatment.

Common causes are similar in Costa Rica and elsewhere: viruses (including those that cause the common cold), bacteria, irritants (such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, pool chlorine and contact lenses), reaction to eye drops and allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or smoke.

Depending on the cause of inflammation, pink eye symptoms may include: • Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid • More tearing than usual • A yellow or green discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep • Clear or white discharge • Itching and/or burning • Blurred vision and/or sensitivity to light Medical attention should be sought immediately if there is pain or vision-related issues, or if mild symptoms persist after a week.

Treatment of pink eye depends on the cause, as follows.

Viruses: Pink eye caused by cold-like viruses can be very contagious, so do everything to prevent spreading. Symptoms normally last four to seven days. As with any viral infection, antibiotics have no benefit.

Bacteria: Antibiotic treatment in the form of eye drops or ointments may be used.

Irritants: Apply cool water for five minutes to wash the substance from the eye. Symptoms should begin to improve within a few hours. If conjunctivitis was caused by an acid or alkaline agent such as bleach, immediately rinse the eyes with lots of water and seek medical attention right away.

Allergies: Avoid the trigger allergen.

Antihistamine drops can give some relief.

For general treatment of pink eye, wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially before eating. Keep your eyes clean by washing away any discharge several times a day. Use tissues, and not fingers, to avoid skin contact.

Wash or change pillowcases every day until the infection goes away. Bed linens and towels should be laundered in hot water and detergent.

Keep personal towels, washcloths, and pillows separate from linens used by other people to prevent cross contamination.

Do not put a patch over the affected eye(s) as it may worsen the infection.

Non-prescription "artificial tears" may have some preventive benefit by easing the itching and burning from pink eye causing irritants.

However, do not use other types of eye drops — including those promoted for treating eye redness — because they may irritate the eyes instead.

Although pink eye caused by some bacteria and viruses can spread easily from person to person, it is seldom a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly. It can spread in areas where people live, work and play closely together. If you share a computer or other equipment with others, make sure to wash hands and keep from touching your face.

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The Gender of Nouns Part 1

SPANISH

Pesky Subjects (and Objects)

by Sylvia Barreto Benites

This need to match the right article and adjective to any given noun seems truly foreign to an English speaker.

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s we navigate the world of Spanish, some aspects unfamiliar in the English language can complicate our learning. It’s the little things that can get confusing…little things like the simple noun.

The Spanish noun — referring to a person, place or thing — has a masculine or feminine quality. It’s not really about gender, but simply a label to identify which article or adjective to use.

This need to match the right article and adjective to any given noun seems truly foreign to an English speaker.

We’ll start with this lesson on which definite and indefinite article goes with masculine and feminine nouns, in both their singular and plural form. In the next Howler issue, we’ll focus on adjectives.

The basic rule is that nouns ending in “o” are masculine and those ending in “a” are feminine.

But there is a little more to it than that.

Feminine nouns

Feminine nouns end in the letters “a,” “d,” “ó,” “n” or “z,” or one of these letter combinations: “is,” “ie” or “umbre.” For the definite article “the,” you use “la” for singular and “las” for plural nouns.

For the indefinite articles “a” and “some,” you use “una” for singular and “unas” for plural nouns.

Among the inevitable exceptions, the most glaring is “agua” (water). With all those “a”s, it looks positively feminine, and therein lies the problem. To avoid the cacophony of “a”s the article is masculine “el agua”.

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Masculine nouns

“LONERS” can help you remember this rule of thumb for masculine nouns. Most nouns ending in “l,” “o,” “n,” “e,” “r” or “s” are masculine.

That means that when you want to add the definite article “the,” you use “el” for a singular noun and “los” for a plural noun. To use the indefinite articles “a” or “some,” it’s “un” for singular and “unos” for plural.

Naturally, this rule has exceptions. Examples include nouns ending in “ma,” such as “el clima” (the climate) or “ta,” such as “el cometa” (the comet). There are even more exceptions, of course, which you learn as you go.

Gender-neutral nouns

Some nouns just can’t be pegged down; they change their masculine and feminine qualities. In particular, if the word representing a profession ends in “e,” the article before it will tell you if you are talking about a male or female profession. For example, “el cantante” is a male singer and “la cantante” a female singer. Although few and far between, other examples like this will be encountered.

Keeping track of your nouns is just one more step in understanding and commanding Spanish.

Read Spanish with these gender rules in mind.

Look for the noun and see what article comes before it to figure out the gender. Stay tuned for similar basic rules about masculine and feminine adjectives next time.

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THE CHAKRAS

YOGA WISDOM

A Sacred System to Help Navigate Our Emotions

Y

by Marian Paniagua

oga is a compassionate and wise practice.

It has a very subtle way of dismantling any mental constructs based on false beliefs that provoke unease and disease. It offers gentle reminders of how transcendental it is to love and respect the body we inhabit. It enables more people to discover, awaken and move energy forces in themselves that are forever present and unconditionally at their service.

To fully receive all the gifts of yoga practice, it is fundamentally important to start extending our experience beyond body postures every time we get on the mat. Creative energy flows wherever our attention goes. Therefore, if we direct our attention to the infinite intelligence that makes our heart beat, we will start connecting with this force. This enables us to give it direction with purpose, toward emotional expansion and evolution.

Breath provides our most tactile connection to the “subtle” energy extending beyond our physical body. In addition, we can learn from the

CHAKRA

We can learn from the wisdom of the chakra system to become more intimate with ourselves.

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Location

wisdom of the chakra system to become more intimate with ourselves. The Sanskrit word “chakra” translates as “wheel.” This knowledge of the chakras stems from the Upanishads, a sacred Sanskrit text dating from 600 BCE. Chakras are energetic centers in the subtle (beyond physical) body. This energy contains information that can be used to map our emotions. It is a beneficial tool for learning the root cause of any unbalance, be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

Chakras are depicted as lotus blossoms, located from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Traditionally there are seven principal chakras, defined in basic terms, locations color and organ relationship as follows.

This information is just the tip of the iceberg concerning all the knowledge and wisdom related to the chakra system. I hope it stimulates your appetite for further selfdiscovery.

Color

Correlates with

1st

Base Chakra (Muladhara)

Near perineum

Red

Reproductive glands (testicles in men, ovaries in women)

2nd

Sacral Chakra (Svadisthana)

Below navel

Orange

Kidneys

3rd

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

Below sternum

Yellow/ light gold

Pancreas

4th

Heart Chakra (Anahata)

Heart area

Green

Thymus gland

5th

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

Throat

Turquoise- Thyroid gland blue

6th

Brow Chakra / Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

Mid-brow

Deep blue Pituitary and pineal glands

7th

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

Crown of head

Violet and white

Pineal gland

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Lingerie Uncovering How to Feel Good About Yourself

FASHION FLASH

by Patricia Sterman

F

ew would argue with Jenna Leight, a famous lingerie designer, about the importance of her fashion specialty area: “Lingerie is the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off, EVERY SINGLE DAY.” Women should think of lingerie the same way as they select their shoes — it should match their outfit and be comfortable, classy and sophisticated.

Jenna adds, “Every woman should have a strapless bra, a t-shirt bra, a sexy non-padded lace bra and a push-up bra.

Also a bikini, a thong and boyshort-style underwear.”

For many women, the world of lingerie is a big mystery, with the common misconception of being reserved for “special-occasion sexy.”

They may not have considered the notion of wearing “everyday” lingerie — as long as it is comfortable — to feel extra-special when taking their clothes off after a busy day.

For lingerie neophytes, I suggest starting with purchasing a new “bralette,” a big fashion item this season. This is a tight-fitting crop

top with straps, often made in lace or similar fabric. Bralettes can be worn by themselves with high-waisted denim shorts or under a see-through garment.

Bodysuits are also in style right now; it’s amazing how great they look as tops but when you remove your pants you are still dressed.

Finally, I offer a few words on what men really think about lingerie.

They want you to put on something that makes you feel like a goddess, looking different every time. They like the idea that you take the time to be beautiful for them and yourself. Your man wants to be important on your everyday list — not just on special romantic occasions — and lingerie puts him and yourself at the very top.

So next time you buy lingerie, don’t worry about how it looks. Instead, focus on how it makes you feel inside … seeing yourself in it and wearing it. Enjoy the process! Some women have a really hard time thinking of themselves as sexy.

In that case, try thinking of yourself as powerful, creative and feminine.

Lingerie can make you feel that way every day, no matter who else sees it.

For many women, the world of lingerie is a big mystery.

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

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Animals Alone and in Trouble ANIMAL LIFE

Can You Help ... Should You Even Try? Part 1

by Dr. Gilberth Cavallini

Any movement can cause severe pain and the natural reaction to bite.

M

ost people familiar with Costa Rica realize how common it is to encounter animals almost anywhere. Sometimes these animals are injured or otherwise in distress but sometimes they look out of place or in a high traffic area.

Typically, it’s a stray dog or cat, although wildlife or even horses or cattle in public areas, are nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, that does not mean we automatically know what to do in such situations.

Whenever we see an animal we should assess if it is away from home or in poor condition. If this is the case, and you have time to help it, you are doing a great service to this animal. Under Costa Rican laws all domestic animals — pets and those involved with agricultural production — must be properly identified. Owners are responsible for any harm to humans or animals, as well as property damage, resulting from negligence or non-compliance.

Some guidelines may be helpful for safely lending a hand to animals in need. We’ll start in this article with the most common instance of dogs and cats.

Information about horses, monkeys and other kinds of wildlife will appear in the next Howler issue.

When assessing if an animal is, in fact, stray or without a designated home, first identify if the animal is friendly or not by trying to call it towards you. Be cautious, and able to protect yourself. Signs of aggression in cats are flattened ears and hissing, and in dogs their tail is low and not wagging and they might growl. At this point, leave the animal alone.

If the animal is friendly and comes towards you, check to see if it has any type of collar or is running towards a particular home or building. Ask the people around you if they know who owns the cat or dog. If you think that the animal is for sure a stray, always

check whether it is male or female before removing it from the scene. Even a badly injured nursing mom will resist leaving her babies behind and attempt to return to the litter. An incomplete rescue, however unintended, would expose the little ones to die from starvation or the mother escaping and risking her life to reunite with her babies.

For cats or dogs that are stray but seem sociable enough, a box may be adequate for transporting them, or at the very least a pillowcase. Bring the animal to our offices , or any supportive veterinarian or rescue agency, and we will work on finding its owner or rehoming it. We always welcome someone to foster an animal while we look for their owners.

Traffic accidents are a common reason for finding injured dogs on the road, with a high probability of fracture trauma. Any movement can cause severe pain and the natural reaction to bite. Try to immobilize the dog above the neck before lifting it by wrapping something around its head. Look for signs of internal hemorrhage too, by carefully checking the dog’s gum color. Totally white gums means there is little chance of survival, and death will occur within minutes. Just stay with the dog in the meantime, offering a calming presence through petting.

The same advice generally applies to injured cats. In addition, there are instances when a stray cat appears to need help, even when injury or illness is not apparent. It’s best to be prepared if possible before attempting to rescue a feral cat — that is, seemingly healthy but homeless. Using a protective trap or cage is preferable to best ensure the rescue mission and transportation will be safe for both you and the animal. These are available at our clinic to borrow with a deposit.

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HOWLER

DINING GUIDE

A Dining Adventure Awaits with a Boat Ride Through the Tamarindo Estuary

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 19

FEATURED RESTAURANT

Bula Bula : Your Perfect Escape Plan

by Jonathan Hiltz

Bula Bula means happy-happy, but the word bula can also mean hello or goodbye.

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f you find yourself traveling to Guanacaste for the first or maybe the tenth time, you’ll note the incredible number of restaurants and other eateries that exist. Food is so prevalent in the Tamarindo/Playa Grande vicinity that travelers could spend most of their vacation dining their way through the area. Having said that, not all restaurants or dining experiences are created equal. One of them that stands out above the rest is The Great Waltini’s, inside Hotel Bula Bula in Playa Grande.

A unique aspect of this restaurant, if you are coming from the Tamarindo area, is that restaurant-goers can take a boat across the wildlife-abundant estuary to get to Hotel Bula Bula. This awesome ride almost acts as its own appetizer for the fabulous food that awaits when you reach the shores of the hotel.

The menu itself in The Great Waltini’s is described as a “fusion of the Americas,” melding California fresh with Gulf Coast cajun and New England seafood. From St. Louis style pork ribs to Annie’s salad with a fusion of blackened chicken

breast, avocados, veggies and some of the freshest salad greens you can find, the menu is packed full of flavors. The flavors don’t stop there. By far, The Great Waltini’s is worth the trip just for the housemade desserts, the best we’ve ever had in Costa Rica.

The true escape comes with some of The Great Waltini’s most amazing treats that most restaurants don’t offer. One of the best times to visit is Monday night, for the all-you-care-to-eat Mexican buffet. For $15 you get a wonderful array of delicious Mexican dishes, as well as happy hour prices on the bartender’s spectacular margaritas.

The same goes for Wednesday night’s all-youcare-to-eat Italian buffet, loaded up with carbs and finished off with those amazing desserts. This is no place to count calories; instead it is about escaping and enjoying the views, trip and dining experience.

Another special treat that this hideaway offers is that restaurant guests can come any day and enjoy the refreshing pool and amenities. Come for lunch and stay for the whole day!

Are you looking for a longer-term escape plan?

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FOR SALE

“Bula Bula” is Fijian and actually has a few different meanings. In the case of this resort, Bula Bula means “happy-happy,” but the word “bula” can also mean hello or goodbye. This is apt for Hotel Bula Bula at this time, because the current owners are saying goodbye by putting this remarkable piece of paradise on the market for sale.

“It’s a definite life experience,” said Wally Beck, owner and operator. Beck is one of the original owners of the hotel and restaurant and has been running it successfully for the last 18 years. When asked what originally drew him to the Guanacaste region and Playa Grande in general, he simply said it was “the vibe.”

Getting out of the rat race is the one constant that seemingly drives people’s decision to become an expat: removing oneself from the day-to-day minutiae of commuting to the same place, working many hours and then returning home only to do it again the next day. While there are those who enjoy that existence, some of us believe that life is simply too short. If you are reading this and think you’re one of the latter, there’s a reason that Costa Rica is first on so many expat lists.

Beck and many like him are all-toofamiliar with the trepidation and fear that can be related to drastically changing one’s life and taking a leap of faith to do something different. “You just gotta cut the string,” he said, meaning of course that

My wife and I enjoying some of the colorful Bula Bula tales from owner WallyfBeck. #s earch indh owl

despite the unknown, it’s worth it to forge ahead anyway. “I’m still enjoying life, loving Costa Rica,” he said.

Beck went on to add that Playa Grande, where the property is located, is a gated community in between two national parks, Las Baulas and Tamarindo Estero.

One of the great benefits of buying into the country of Costa Rica through an opportunity like Bula Bula is it would allow the new owner to apply for residency.

This privilege comes with great dividends, including not having to leave the country every 90 days, which is part of Costa Rica’s immigration and tourism policy.

If you are looking to take advantage of the Hotel Bula Bula opportunity, Beck says it would best be suited to someone with restaurant and hotel experience.

Nevertheless, he is willing to stay on temporarily in order to ensure a smooth transition and to train the new owner so they can continue running the tight ship that has been sailing along for 18 years.

If you are simply a traveler and want to enjoy a fabulous meal and what is widely considered to be the best margaritas around, The Great Waltini’s in Hotel Bula Bula is waiting for you. After a few drinks, you just might gain the confidence to come and live with the rest of us expats.

See you soon.

Photos: Richie Velasquez

Live your Dream Bula Bula,

the profitable hotel, restaurant and bar is for sale.

10 Rooms

(king size beds)

4 rooms connect for families

128 seat restaurant 18 seat bar After 18 years, it's time for the current owners to move onto their next adventure.

Priced to move at $1,100,000

Contact: Wally Beck 8863-0477 wally@hotelbulablula.com (Tell Wally you saw it in the Howler)

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 21

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

El Oasis Chill Out and Lodge Authentic Asian Food

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

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

MENU SELECTIONS

Appetizers

Spring rolls, rainbow salad and nems

Pots & Bowls: Main road to Playa Grande Hours Daily, 8am - 5pm Phone: 4701-2394 potsandbowls@gmail.com

Coffee Shop and Plants

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

Specialties Coffee, plants and pots Costa Rican boutique Workshops

PLAYA GRANDE

DINING GUIDE

MENU SELECTIONS Choco-Banana NiceCream

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

$9

Entrees Tuna Poke $14

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

Sushi rice, avocado, edamame, wakame, mango

HUACAS

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

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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HUACAS

8 min. drive from Tamarindo, 2km south Villarreal 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

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

Hours By reservation

Black Stallion:

Rustic Outdoor BBQ

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

Meat Lover's Pizza

Mixed BBQ Buffet

$45

House Special Pizza

Seafood Buffet

$45

Pepperoni, ham, salami, bacon, and ground beef

Pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, onions, and sweet peppers

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

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

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

Phone: 2653-0075 restaurante @hotelcapitansuizo.com

Tacos Carne (Lunch)

$15

Tartar Capitan (Dinner)

$13

Specialties Healthy dishes made from scratch with local and fresh products

The Veggie (Lunch)

$15

Linguini (Dinner)

$23

Lomito (Dinner)

$28

All taxes included in price

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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

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VILLARREAL

DINING GUIDE

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

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. Let the sea breeze and sound of the waves remind you that when you’re here you’re always on vacation. At Lucy’s we’re serious about our grub – we’ve got all your classic favorites like burgers and nachos, as well as our signature coastal bites with a touch of Pacific flair. Our one-of-a-kind drinks are the perfect way to cool down after a long day at the beach, and we keep them flowing all day (and night!) long. Lucy's’ daily food & drink specials are boat-to-table and will give you something new to try every day, and 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

The Juicy Lucy

Avocado Fritas

c5,500

Bacon Brie Chicken Sandwich

Cheese Quesadilla

c5,000

Tsunami Tuna Salad

Serious Nachos

c6,700

Blackened Fish Tacos c6,000

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

Fully loaded nachos topped with beans, pico, sour cream, and our rockin’ guac #s earchf indh owl

c7,500

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

Grilled marinated chicken breast topped with bacon, brie, tomato, and spinach

c6,500

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

Blackened local fish topped with mangopineapple slaw and avocado crema

Pao Pao Shrimp Tacos c6,500 Fried or grilled shrimp tossed in a sassy pao pao sauce, topped with cabbage slaw

Flank Steak Tacos

c6,500

Marinated flank steak topped with jalapeño chimichurri and queso fresco

Whole Red Snapper Casado c8,000 Served with island rice, black beans, and a side salad

N’awlins Surf n’ Turf c10,000 Marinated flank steak served with head-on Cajun BBQ shrimp and roasted potatoes

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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

Mon. Apr 1 - Jose Vega, 8-10 Thu. Apr 4 - Jose Vega, 4-6 Fri. Apr 5 - Charly López, 8-10 Sat. Apr 6 - Groobeach C., 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.

Sun. Apr 7 - Charly López, 8-10 Mon. Apr 8 - Jose Vega, 8-10 Thu. Apr 11 - Jose Vega, 4-6 Fri. Apr 12 - Jose Vega, 8-10 Sat. Apr 13 - Caminantes, 8-10 Thu. Apr 18 - Jose Vega, 4-6 Fri. Apr 19 - Groobeach C., 8-10 Sat. Apr 20 - Mystic Trío, 8-10 Semana Santa Mon. Apr 22 - Jose Vega, 8-10 Thu. Apr 25 - Jose Vega, 4-6 Sat. Apr 27 - Caminantes, 8-10 Mon. Apr 29 - Jose Vega, 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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by Sylvia Barreto Benites and Spanish For Expats

DINING GUIDE

Dining and Shopping Food Guide (m) = masculine noun (f) = feminine noun

Useful Phrases ¿Me podria dar un kilo de …? — Could you give me one kilo of …? en salsae — made in a tomato sauce en salsa blanca — topped with a bechamel sauce al ajillo — with a garlic sauce

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

a la plancha — pan roasted

Specialties Pizza, pasta, meat, fish

las carnes (f ) y las aves (f )

el pollo frito (f ) — fried

— meats and poultry

chicken

las albóndigas (f ) —

el pollo (f ) — poultry

meatballs

el ternera (f ) — veal

House Lasagna

la carne de cerdo (f ) —pork

el pescado (m)— fish

la carne de res (f ) — beef

Ribeye c6.500

los mariscos (m) — seafood

la carne mechada (f ) —

la almeja (f ) — clam

la carne molida (f ) — ground meat

las chuletas de cerdo (f ) — pork chops

el cordero (m) — lamb las costillas (f ) — ribs el filete (m) — steak el filete de ternera (m) — beef steak

el guiso, el estofado (m) — stew

el hígado (m) — liver el jamón (m) — ham el pavo (m) — turkey la pechuga (f ) — breast el pollo (f ) — chicken

MENU SELECTIONS c6.500

el atún (m) — tuna el bacalao (m) — cod el calamar (m) — squid el camarón (m) — shrimp el caracol (m) — snail la langosta (f ) — lobster el langostino (m) — king prawn

La Plaza, Playa Flamingo

el mejillón (m) — mussel

Hours: Daily, 7am-9:30pm

la ostra (f ) — oyster

Phone: 2554-4136

el pez espada (m) — swordfish

el pulpo (m) — octopus el salmón (m) — salmon las sardinas (f ) — sardines el tiburón (m) — shark la trucha (f ) — trout

Sponsored by SPANISH FOR EXPATS spanishforexpats23@gmail.com spanishforexpatscr.com (506) #8729 4857 searchfind howl

Marie's:

Local and International

Specialties Check out @mariescostar for weekly special event nights

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 Eggs Benedict

c4.200

Chicken Caesar Wrap

c4.600

Fish Tacos c7.000 HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 27

PLAYA FLAMINGO

pulled beef

PLAYA FLAMINGO

SIMPLY SPANISH

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

$8

Casa Chameleon Burger $19

Guacamole and Salsa

$12

French Toast

$12

Ceviche $14

Moules Frities

$26

Knife & Fork Tortillas

$14

Grilled Chicken Wrap

$17

Grilled Skirt Steak

$32

Chicharrón or vegan huevos rancheros

With greens, avocado & tomato, spicy aioli

Vegan Omelettes

$14

Vegan Bowl

$19

Mushroom Lamb Risotto $33

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

With sweet plantains and coconut milk cream

With asparagus, mushrooms and caramelized onion

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

Quinoa, mushroom and squash picadillo salad, spicy garbanzo beans

Hearts of palm ceviche, avocado & tomato Wok sautéed with garlic butter and chardonnay broth

Skirt steak, chimichurri sauce, salad, french fries

Slowly braised with porcini, portobello and crimini mushrooms

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

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 29

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Onsite, phone or email reservations, 10% discount #s earchf indh owl

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