Food

For food fans, one of the big things about visiting any place is sampling the local cuisine – trying new dishes or new twists on classic dishes, unusual ingredients or simply something made a different way.  So if you are planning a trip to San Jose Costa Rica or any other part of the country, what kind of cuisine will you encounter?

Basics of the cuisine

Some describe Costa Rican cuisine as a mix of comfort food and traditional home cooking with a Latin flare.  The country has many family owned and operated restaurants that are small in size and called ‘sodas’ offering some of the best traditional or modern types of Costa Rican cuisine.

Generally, the food isn’t as spicy as in some parts of the region and the ease of sourcing fruit and vegetables means there are plenty of flavors on offer.  If you read a good guide on the country such as the Travel Excellence Costa Rica Travel Guide you will also see that the tap water in the country is safe to drink so there’s no need to rely on bottled water.

Traditional dishes

Gallo Pinto is a breakfast dish that is comprised of beans and rice that is popular in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.  The basic ingredients are mixed with a range of other ingredients to add the taste including cilantro, onions and peppers.

Casado is more a type of dish than a specific one – it is a combination of ingredients served on a plate and usually includes rice, beans, tortillas, salad, fried plantain and a different meat or fish.  Where you are in the country often dictates what meat or fish you receive and there is usually a glass of fresh fruit juice served with it.

Light meals

Chifrijo is a bar dish that combines rice and beans with either fried pork meat or skins and is topped with a mix of avocado, chimichurri, lime and pica de gallo.  It is served with homemade tortilla or plantain chips and is perfect with a cold drink.

Chicharrones is another popular snack meal that is served at family gatherings and at bars as well as at celebrations.  They are made from fried pork rinds – so be aware of your cholesterol levels!  The dish is so popular that there is an annual fair in Puriscal dedicated to it.

Patacones are peeled and sliced green plantains that are quickly boiled then flattened and fried until crispy.  They are then finished with lime and salt then served with refried beans, avocado, pica de gallo or even shredded cabbage.

Fun cuisine

The cuisine of Costa Rica can definitely be described as a fun one with lots of traditional dishes and fun light meals to enjoy.  Plus, you can always get a good supply of international classics that you will recognize if you are a little unsure about trying something unusual.

With summer coming to a close, we’re heading into the season of dinner parties. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, or Thanksgiving, you might be hosting a dinner party in the near future.

As a good host, you want every single one of your guests to enjoy themselves, and that includes satisfying their stomachs. So, here are some tips for planning the perfect party to cater to all dietary needs and restrictions.

Vegetarian Options

More and more people are choosing the vegetarian lifestyle so it is important to include these guests in your meal preparations. Good thing for you though, vegetarian menus are fairly easy to prepare. Some great dishes include:

• Broccoli and Cauliflower Bisque
• Cheese Souffle
• Stuffed Squash or Eggplant
• Apple Pie
• Mushroom or Butternut Squash Lasagna
• Bruschetta

Vegan Options

A vegan menu is a little harder than a vegetarian menu and will require more consideration. Your dishes must not only be free of meat, but also free of dairy products such as eggs, milk, and cheese. Read up on a vegan lifestyle if you’re unfamiliar with what it entails. Some safe dishes include

• Potato Stuffed Artichokes
• Carrot Ginger Soup
• Roasted Chickpeas
• Cheese Dip with Vegan Cheese

Gluten-Free Options

The number of gluten-free eaters has tripled in the past five years. Therefore, it’s virtually impossible nowadays not to have at least one gluten-free guest. This one isn’t easy though, as many common menu items include gluten. However, here are some delicious ideas you can consider adding to your dinner party:

• Gluten-free pasta
• Deviled Eggs
• Potato Frittatas
• Roasted Turkey
• Prime Ribs

Another tip for gluten-free guests is to serve wine instead of liquor or beer as these most likely have gluten included in their recipe.

Ketogenic Options

Another huge diet that has taken off is the ketogenic diet. Characterized by low levels of carbohydrates and a reduction in sugar, the keto diet is pretty easy to cater to. However, without the use of sugar, it can be hard to find keto-friendly options for desserts. Here are some ideas for you to surprise your guests with:

• Sugar Free Peanut Fudge
• Chocolate Mousse with Stevia
• Low Carb Jalapeño Poppers
• Keto Pigs in a Blanket

Many of these dietary options are easy to cater for as long as you pay attention and know the exact restrictions for each diet. You should also make sure that everything is labeled during the party, and be sure not to mix dishes. You should not put meat dishes on the same plate as the vegetarian options.

Other than that, these tips are sure to help you plan the perfect party to satisfy every guest’s tummy.

We all know the importance of consuming enough water daily. But, do you know the importance of drinking the right type of water? Or how much better purified water is compared to the general tap water you’ve been drinking for years? Thankfully, you can easily purify the water in your home without hassle.

The following are several ways to do this.

1. Water purification systems

Installing a water purification system in your home is the best and most convenient way of ensuring that the water you are using on a daily basis does not contain any harmful substances. This method won’t be too expensive and when done by a reputable company, won’t be of any hassle. It’s the easiest way of guaranteeing a clean supply of water.

Get in touch with an expert like Jim McMahon from Cleanairpurewater.com who is a professional ecologist with extensive knowledge on what makes water unhealthy, and what you need to do to make yours more drinkable. He deals with all customers individually, starting off with a phone call, to ensure they get what they need.

2. Boiling

Boiling is one of the oldest forms of water purification and is considered to be a fail-safe method to purify water at home. The process doesn’t require any special instruments, simply heating water until it reaches its boiling point and then letting it boil for five to seven minutes will kill most of the impurities and make the water drinkable. Adding a pinch of salt to the water will give it a little taste as boiling kills oxygen in water.

3. Iodine tablets or liquid tablets

Small amount of iodine tablets or liquid iodine is sufficient to purify water and kill all contaminants that are harmful for your health. As iodine is also a chemical, using it in small amounts and only as a temporary purification solution is recommended if you want to ensure you stay healthy.

4. Solar disinfection

This is an inexpensive way of purifying water when you do not have the option of boiling water. As hinted by the name, the sun’s energy is used to purify the water. Fill plastic bottles with water and put them in the path of direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours to kill all impurities before consuming it.

There are numerous methods of purifying water to make it drinkable. While installing a water purification system is the easiest way of purification, there are also some free options to consider such as boiling the water (however these could be seen as more of a hassle as you have to wait for it to be done each time). Use the method that is easiest for you and don’t side-line the importance of having purified water in your home!

Summer is coming and many will be looking to fire up the grill. Most people dream of having a perfect barbecue that their friends, neighbors and family talk about for ages, but few know how to create such an event. In order for you to make thing memorable, you need to have a plan so that by the end of the day people are applauding your perfect barbecue. Here is that plan.

Get Your Grill in Top Shape

The key preparation item for the perfect barbecue is to properly prepare your grill. To ensure the best taste for the meats you cook, be sure your grill is clean of any food particles and rust. So scrub it until it shines and has no residual smells. This is really important because delicate meats like grass fed lamb, can easily pick up the tastes from a dirty grill. So you want it clean to enjoy the lamb’s amazing flavours. Then apply a coat of cooking oil to get it ready for grilling. If you’re cooking on a charcoal grill, using wood chips is a simple trick to add extra flavor to your meat and veggies.

Set a Killer Menu

Set out your guest list and when you know how many will attend and what types of foods they prefer, you can make your food list. Remember, the menu is the main attraction at a barbecue so make sure your food rocks. This starts by contacting your organic butcher and ordering a range of meats that will satisfy all of your guests. Keep things simple for the most part with the staples of hamburgers, beef ribs, and chicken thighs and drumsticks. Think out your marinades because some will require giving the meat an overnight soak. Match your meat up local or exotic vegetables from a farmer’s market. Look for vegetables with interesting colors and tastes in addition to staples like corn and potatoes.

Now that you have the staples covered throw in some gourmet selections that will appeal to the more discerning guests. How about some a beef brisket or steaks made with aged beef. Don’t be afraid to push the envelope and serve them things they might not expect from your backyard barbecue. In the end it will have everyone talking.

The Side Salads Complete the Menu

What completes every barbecue meal is a range of side salads to accompany what you grill. There are variations on the traditional green, potato and macaroni salads and cole slaw recipes to make them special. How about adding grilled chicken to your potato or macaroni salads, or instead of the standard lettuce options in your green salad, choose arugula, endive, micro-greens, or shredded purple cabbage. A little bit of minced basil, sage, thyme, or your favorite fresh herb can add a new dimension to your salads. Also look at tofu, tempe and dried fruits as options. The goal is to bring more complex tastes to the traditional fare, so again be creative.

Keep the Drinks Coming

The second most important thing to have at your perfect barbecue is a variety of drinks for all of your guests. Yes, you need to have plenty of beer and wine and soda, but also you need to create some special cocktails for the occasion. Since there will be a crowd, look to make drinks that you can provide in large quantities rather than individual servings. Break out the pitchers and make a few summer punches with different alcohols as the base. Make one each for rum, vodka and gin and add fresh fruit and lots of ice. Expect they will be very popular so keep extra amounts prepared and ready to serve quickly.

Pick the Right Music

The summer has its own vibe and it needs to be reflected in your music selection. Set up a continuous playlist of all the great summer songs from the generation of your guests. If all ages are attending, mix things up but be careful about music that has profanity or off-colour topics. You should intermingle styles and genres as long as the music makes people smile and dance.

Plan Some Activities

Everyone loves to have fun in the summertime so your guests will be delighted that you’ve set up games for them. Think croquet, horseshoes, corn hole, bocce ball, or badminton in the backyard. You can also have friendly card games for those who like a little competition (but no poker or gambling).

There you have it. The recipe for the perfect barbecue. Enjoy!

Monaco is uniquely located to enjoy some of the finest wines on the French Riviera and beyond. Its proximity to the Italian border and fantastic links by road, air and sea also ensure that those who reside in the Principality get the best selection of imported wines too. Monaco’s luxury real estate market has always attracted foreigners with its tax-free living and abundance of sunshine, but wine connoisseurs are also flocking to the Principality to pick up the best vintages and partake in decadent degustations.

1. Wine Palace

Wine Palace Monte-Carlo is undoubtedly the most popular wine house in the region. In fact, it is so luxurious that it has been upgraded to palace status and the wines proffered in its hallowed space are fit for royalty. Situated in the exclusive Yacht Club de Monaco, Wine Palace has an unrivalled cellar offering more than 2,300 wines, champagnes and spirits in a sophisticated setting.

Both Old World vintages and New World modern wines are available and have undergone a rigorous selection process. Sample the wine on the elegant terrace or within the chic interior with its plush burgundy leather seats. Enjoy sumptuous tasting platters of salmon, charcuterie and cheese chosen to perfectly accompany each recommended wine. The highly-renowned interior design company Sabrina Monte-Carlo supplies the glassware and tableware. Wine Palace Monte-Carlo is a firm favourite with yacht owners and sommeliers since it can deliver to your home or yacht at no extra charge.

2. Caves et Gourmandises

This is the shop to visit for rare Italian and French wines. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will certainly help you make a selection if you are overwhelmed by the choice. It is in a good location at Boulevard Albert Ier by the port and has a seated area for champagne and wine tasting with various condiments and accompaniments. Caves et Gourmandises has a wonderful selection of local Provence wines and delivery is free in Monaco and Nice.

3. Dionysos Wines

Having opened just two years ago, this wine cellar is the newest in the Principality. Dionysos Wines is situated at 4 Rue Princesse Caroline in La Condamine district. The contemporary boutique wine shop offers courses and wine tasting events with different themes in its stylish tasting room. The expert sommelier can advise you on the best wine and gift boxes for all occasions and personalities and there is shelf upon shelf of enticing options from as far afield as South Africa and Australia. They offer free delivery in Monaco and its surrounding communities.

4. Caves Nicolas Monaco

Nicolas is in a central location at 29 Boulevard de Moulins. It is a liquor store that savvy locals visit when they want to pick up something special from a good selection of wines and spirits. The fifteen-year-old store is well established and part of a European chain. It offers seasonal tasting, gourmet tips and online ordering.

5. Maison del Gusto

This virtual delicatessen is an online shop dedicated to supplying the most refined international products to customers. Its unique approach and sophisticated gourmet gifts have earned it numerous admirers. Maison del Gusto can certainly find the most exclusive and elusive wines from France, Spain and Italy, which are ideal for impressing guests.

Try the Spanish tapas gift box (€400.00) with small plates for a culinary experience from Iberia’s top producers coupled with the 2011 Macán and Macán Clásico Riojas. If you get bored of fine wines, try the 32 Via dei Birrai, the first Italian artisan brewery (and non-Belgian beer) to earn the prestigious Houblon Belge distinction.