March 2018
Eating My Way Down Calle 33
San Jose's metropolitan vibe is similar to every other big city in America with secret nooks and crannies that make you forget the horns, crowds and non-stop chaos. Calle 33 (Barrio Escalante) is dubbed as Paseo Gastronómico La Luz for a small grocery that once stood at its corner. Today, it's a gastronomical playground with everything from upscale white table cloth digs to street-side plastic chair dining, craft beer to Mediterranean specialties (Sofia Mediterraneo and immediately named when we ask my dentist where is the best place to eat). One after another, restaurants, bakeries and bars provide choices for the hundreds that descend on the this former residential neighborhood on weekends.. Now slated as one of the must-see neighborhoods in San Jose, Barrio Escalante offers culinary possibilities in a comfortable setting. Tours are available for what seems like the world gathering of tastes through Viator.
It's the trendy part of town with outdoor seating areas, live music and artists working on creations while you dine. Granted we might have looked like the oldest kids on the block, sitting and eating and observing from every corner seat we grab is fabulous.
Our first stop and what will be the first of many, the Costa Rica Beer Factory. There's one waiter who speaks English and he becomes our friend. He recommends the Irish Red Ale for myself and for Len, LeBarrio Dent, the French Toast Imperial Stout. From the menu, we let the images make our decisions since our Spanish is sparse. Fried Green Beans and small petite potatoes, both with savory dips. The food and beer, tasty, especially the French Toast Stout. During our final days in San Jose, we return for this particular drink. As with most craft breweries, when the brew is gone, it's gone. We both enjoy the Irish Red Ale, burgers and fried green beans.
At the end of our trek on Calle 33, we find Galway. Could it be we tripped into Ireland? From research, we discover that the name has connection to its Ireland roots, but it's a gem unto itself. It's an ice cream shop - serving creamy goodness with or without liquor. From tequila to Jack, add it to your vanilla and chocolate cream. After our taste, we decide that cream is great enough on its own. However, it's worth the unconventional experience and to see the long lines.
Wherever you find yourself in San Jose, grab a red taxi or Uber and make your way to Calle 33 for some of the best rare food finds and traditional Costa Rica cuisine in the city.
It's the trendy part of town with outdoor seating areas, live music and artists working on creations while you dine. Granted we might have looked like the oldest kids on the block, sitting and eating and observing from every corner seat we grab is fabulous.
Our first stop and what will be the first of many, the Costa Rica Beer Factory. There's one waiter who speaks English and he becomes our friend. He recommends the Irish Red Ale for myself and for Len, LeBarrio Dent, the French Toast Imperial Stout. From the menu, we let the images make our decisions since our Spanish is sparse. Fried Green Beans and small petite potatoes, both with savory dips. The food and beer, tasty, especially the French Toast Stout. During our final days in San Jose, we return for this particular drink. As with most craft breweries, when the brew is gone, it's gone. We both enjoy the Irish Red Ale, burgers and fried green beans.
At the end of our trek on Calle 33, we find Galway. Could it be we tripped into Ireland? From research, we discover that the name has connection to its Ireland roots, but it's a gem unto itself. It's an ice cream shop - serving creamy goodness with or without liquor. From tequila to Jack, add it to your vanilla and chocolate cream. After our taste, we decide that cream is great enough on its own. However, it's worth the unconventional experience and to see the long lines.
Wherever you find yourself in San Jose, grab a red taxi or Uber and make your way to Calle 33 for some of the best rare food finds and traditional Costa Rica cuisine in the city.
Costa Rica Beer Factory
A Costa Rica Beer Factory burger
Galway Ice Cream with or without liquor
