Recently, we were delighted to invite contributing writer Joy Detlor, usually a resident of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, to join us in Monteverde and spend an evening dining with us at Nectandra.  Below, she captures her experience, and we’re happy to be able to share that with the Ocotea audience!

You can’t talk about the Ocotea Boutique Hotel without discussing Nectandra, the restaurant at the heart of this welcoming place in the mountains of Monteverde. From the very beginning, founders Karen and Valeria Fallas knew Nectandra needed to capture the soul of Monteverde, with fresh ingredients, warm hospitality, and an understated elegant atmosphere. 

The idea of Farm-to-Table food is far from new. It’s actually more of a return to days gone by when preparing dinner for your family involved a visit to your backyard garden, days where dishes changed with the season to take advantage of the fresh seasonal fruits and veggies that were available.

“Mom, I am going to take you to the best Italian restaurant in town,” my daughter said, starting the car when I first arrived.  She had lived and worked in Monteverde when the pandemic started and when she visited later on she treated me to the best dinner in Monteverde.

A little while ago, we wrote a blog post about some of the delicious culinary options that can be found in and around Monteverde. One of the restaurants that we discussed was Bon Appetit!which is located not far from our very own Ocotea Boutique Hotel. 

What is Craft Cuisine?

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.

Part 3 of the What on Earth is That? series is going to be all about veggies. If you’ve been following along and learning all about the amazingly varied selection of fruit available at your typical Costa Rican market, it won’t surprise you to find out that the vegetable selection here is just as exciting.