The concept of “craft cuisine” is an interesting one. In part because the craft cuisine movement involves creating food by hand, using intention, expertise, and experience. Craft foods are artisanal in nature, meaning the creator has a level of skill that is beyond the average, making the food, in essence, an art form.
In some ways, it is taking a step back in time to when family recipes were passed down with a certain amount of reverence because of their history and the care that went into them. These recipes evolved and improved through generations of cooks until the result was a blend of perfect flavors, scents, and textures.
Not so very long ago, this was the norm. The family dynamic was different, the pace of life somehow slower and more reverent, and what resulted was home-cooked meals carefully crafted with love and time-honored traditions.
And then the pace of life increased, and inflation made it difficult to survive on one income. Managing our time, and our kitchens, involved sacrificing a certain amount of time and individuality — and often flavour — in exchange for convenience.
So, what is craft cuisine? Simply put, it is an intentional return to grandma’s kitchen, but with a modern twist. It is about creating artisanal foods, meaning those that are exceptional in both flavor and design, but it is also about finding new methods, new flavor combinations, and with a focus on healthy, sustainable ingredients.
It is the answer to a conscious desire in many of us, to slow down, enjoy the special moments in our lives, return to a sense of community, and enjoy gastronomical delights and beverages made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. And to savor them gathered around the table with friends and family.
Costa Rica is a land of abundance. With its warm climate, plentiful rainfall, and sunshine, it is the perfect environment for agricultural growth. Perhaps this abundance has drawn those with culinary aspirations like nectar attracts a bee, or perhaps being surrounded by a vast variety of quality ingredients inspires people to embrace the craft cuisine movement.
Whatever the case, it is perfect for chefs and foodies alike, for nature lovers and environmentalists, for the health-conscious, or for those whose health requires a more organic existence. The selection of fruits and vegetables is mind-boggling, animals are free-range and cared for, so their meat is sweet and tender, and the slower pace of life draws people together where they can explore, create, and dine on the bounty all around them.
The craft cuisine movement in Costa Rica has resulted in a trend toward small craft breweries, boutique coffee houses that roast and blend some of the best beans in the world (locally sourced, of course), and an amazing variety of restaurants offering farm-to-table meals.
The influx of culinary experts from around the globe has led to the fusion of traditional ingredients and flavors with taste sensations from across the globe… and the results are delicious!
Regardless of where you travel, you will find original craft cuisine in the form of traditional family recipes served in open-air sodas nestled beside more modern spaces offering everything from Peruvian fusion to Argentinian grills and everything in between.
Here are just a few examples of extraordinary cuisine created with care, and attention, inspired by the flavors all around us.
We recently did an interview with Roberto Cruz, the chef at Ocotea’s Nectandra Restaurant, and he quite literally embodies the essence of the craft cuisine movement. A breakfast created by Roberto and his staff is a piece of art. Every morsel is prepared with care, every flavor combination is designed for the perfect taste experience.
Nestled high on a hill overlooking some of the most beautiful scenery around, the Ocotea Boutique Hotel is dedicated to providing its guests with a unique experience that immerses them in nature, so they can leave refreshed. Thanks to Roberto’s skill in the kitchen, they can also leave knowing they have tasted the very best ingredients that Monteverde has to offer in flavorful combinations that appeal to all of your senses before taking your tastebuds to heaven.
A popular menu item that easily fits into the craft cuisine trend is wood-fired pizza. The fantastic variety of flavor combinations makes it the perfect choice for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Whether you’re a traditionalist who enjoys your pie with fresh soft mozzarella, basil leaves fresh from the garden, and delicious tomato sauce.
Or maybe you like to go out on a limb and experiment with toppings like asparagus, mushrooms, gorgonzola, and mozzarella, Bon Appetit! in Monteverde has got you covered. Ingredients like artichokes, german sausage, salmon, and arugula grace this extensive menu, so if you’re looking for some unique wood-fired pizza options, this is the place… although personal experience forces me to say that the filet mignon is dangerously addictive.
If you enjoy a bit of culinary fusion, then you might want to try out the Cabure Cafe in Monteverde. While this popular cafe is famous for its delicious handmade chocolates and locally-sourced coffee, it's also a great place to sample a delicious curry! Try fish curry with coconut milk and a mix of vegetables, shrimp curry, or even eggplant!
If curry isn’t your thing, don’t worry, there are lots of interesting choices on the menu, just be sure to save room for some of that chocolate and a rich cup of Costa Rican java!
One of the beautiful things about a place like Monteverde is that artisans abound here. Not just the kind that creates jewelry or wood carvings, although you can find those too… but the kind that creates delicacies that make your mouth water.
Savory, taste bud-tingling cheeses, spicy handmade salamis, sweet jam and chutneys, and so much more. You can spend your day driving around and exploring the quaint little shops and touring the cheese factory, or you can head to the Wine & Grill and get yourself one of these…
Just look at that mouth-watering spread! Add some fresh warm bread and a bottle of wine from their extensive collection and it’s almost… heaven. Right?
Then maybe follow it up with something you may not see at home. Something a little daring.
Pulpo is the Spanish word for octopus and it’s a favourite ingredient here, fished from the Golfo de Nicoya and cooked in a variety of ways… or uncooked in the form of ceviche.
Before we leave the world of craft cuisine, let's touch on another popular part of the trend- craft beer. There are actually a surprising number of craft breweries operating here in Monteverde. Small boutique breweries use local ingredients and a lot of ingenuity to come up with a plethora of extraordinary flavors.
One such place is the Monteverde Brewing Company. Established in 2017, it has grown and thrived. That’s because their brews are made in small batches, with no additives or preservatives, and using only the freshest ingredients to create pale ales, red ales or stout.
Head to the Brew Pub to try a pint, and pair it with one of their house burgers, a blend of beef and pork marinated in… you guessed it! Beer! Because if you’re going to do something, you really should do it right. Right?
There is no doubt that this trend is opening up a world of taste sensations that will continue to inspire us to try new things and to think of new ways to combine our favorite flavors. Because once you open that door and realize that there are no rules, there is only creativity, inspiration, and adventure… anything is possible.
Life is an adventure, and part of that is learning to be open-minded, both in, and out, of the kitchen. How can you possibly go wrong with so many amazing chefs and hundreds of fresh local ingredients?
The first step, of course, is to head to Monteverde and see for yourself. Our staff is ready and willing, not only to make sure you have the best possible experience at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, but with recommendations for tours, activities, and of course…good eats!
Why not give us a call today?
506 4002-2599 (Costa Rica)
1-833-401-3099 (International)