Living in Costa Rica retirement relocation tours.

More About Gallo Pinto

By Jo Stuart

From the number of letters about gallo pinto that have come in, it is obvious that my experience struck a nostalgic chord with many gallo pinto lovers. Rigo informed me that this dish of rice and beans actually originated in Nicaragua, where it is just as popular as it is here. That is interesting because another favorite Tico dish – Tres Leches – a cake made with three kinds of milk – also originated in Nicaragua.. James, whose family is from Cuba sent me what looks like a great recipe for Cuban black beans. Even my son Justin wrote to tell me he loved gallo pinto when he was here and would like the recipe.

Paul, an egg lover, lamented the “lacy edged” eggs he always gets at the bed and breakfast where he stays when he is here. He’d like to introduce Tico cooks to American fried eggs. But my friend Sandy says she that didn’t know anything but fast-fried lacy edged eggs when she was growing up in Texas.

She also said, “there is gallo pinto and gallo pinto.” Unlike most of the other people of Central America, Costa Ricans, as a rule, do not like hot (picante) food so some gallo pinto is pretty bland. When it is prepared with enough onion, garlic and Tabasco sauce then it can be delicious for those with heat-seeking taste buds.

Pearl wondered if things have changed much in Costa Rica since 2002. Funny she should ask about that. I haven’t been downtown much during the past months – I often am not ready to leave my apartment until the afternoon and by then, in the rainy season, the rains have started. Theoretically the rainy season is over and I was downtown the other day walking along Avenida Central. In some places where stores had once been were tall metal fences, behind which, obviously new stores or businesses are being built. In other locations, where once there were narrow dimly lit stores selling stockings or T-shirts, or baked goods, now I saw large brightly lit stores with row after row of the latest fashions in clothes or shoes – with, I suppose, prices to match. This is in the same area where the brand new indoor “commercial center” PlazAvenida is. And speaking of commercial centers, new huge shopping centers are popping up in many communities around San Jose.

As I looked at all of these shiny new things, I wondered why I felt sad rather than pleased. Perhaps it was because I was also looking around at the people on the promenade. Nobody (including myself) seemed to be buying or wearing any of the items for sale. Are these stores preparing for the future? Like the upscale luxury hotels, spas and gated communities?

But there have been some changes that I appreciate. Like the covered benches at the bus stops. It’s really nice to be able to sit while waiting for a bus. But the roofs over them are not very effective in the rain, thanks to the wind that usually accompanies it.

And there is a change that takes place every year, usually at the change of seasons, and that is the trees that come into bloom. There is the pink roble, the brilliant orange llama de bosque, and the yellow malinche. Drive anywhere and you will see these gorgeous trees in their full glory. And not to be undone, the ever present bougainvillea seems to be wearing its most brilliant colors. Mother Nature has been pretty cruel in many parts of the world, including the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, but right now, in the Meseta, she is dressed in her glorious best.

Pearl says that she misses the “pace and peace” she found here, even in 2002. You can still find it here in 2005. Peace is a tradition here, along with gallo pinto.

Jo Stuart is the author of the popular book about life in Costa Rica entitled, “Butterfly in the City.” To order a copy of her wonderful book please contact her at: jostuart@amcostarica.com