Thanksgiving in Costa Rica and Where to Celebrate Turkey Day in Tamarindo
Thanksgiving in Costa Rica is pretty much exclusively celebrated by a) US expats living here, b) Americans visiting Costa Rica on vacation, or c) Costa Ricans/other nationalities that happen to be good friends with either of the above and want to celebrate along with them.
Historically turkeys have been obscenely expensive in Costa Rica (we’re talking up to $70-150 USD or more for a single bird), but the past few years prices seem to have gone down a bit (to about $50-60 a bird). This year, Automercado is selling 6.5-7 kilo turkeys for 3,795 colones per kilo (starting at about $48 each).
They also have already roasted 5.5-kilo turkeys for about 55,000 colones ($107). So if you’re on a budget, you might be better off either a) buying a chicken and pretending it’s a turkey, or b) eating out at one of the many local restaurants offering specials catered towards people feeling nostalgic for a good ole’ American-style Thanksgiving.
Here is a list of restaurants in Tamarindo offering Thanksgiving specials. It’s probably cheaper than doing it yourself at home, and best of all there’s no stress/no mess to clean up.
Pangas – Celebrate Thanksgiving with your feet in the sand at Pangas restaurant. They’ll be featuring a special Thanksgiving buffet including salad bar, squash soup, smoked & roasted turkey, maple/cayenne glazed Chilean smoked salmon, cranberry sauce, gravy, scallop stuffing, green beans, tiquiske & potato mash and sweet potato puree.
For dessert they have mini pecan pie and pumpkin pie. Cost is $38 per person and there will also be live music — reservations required. Call 2653-0024 to secure your spot. First seating is between 3:00 and 6:00pm, second seating between 6:30pm and 10:00pm.
Seasons by Shlomy: Seasons by Shlomy is doing a three-course meal for Thanksgiving for $30 (cash only!). Sangria and pumpkin spice martinis are $7 a glass. The menu features melt-in-your-mouth options like Gala Apple Salad, Stuffed Turkey Roulade and Grilled Salmon.
Choose your appetizer, pick an entree and then finish with a choice of Autumn Apple Dessert, White Chocolate Mousse or Cinnamon and Orange Créme Brule. Be sure to make a reservation by calling 8368-6983 or emailing them at seasonstamarindo@gmail.com. This year, they are also offering a “Thanksgiving To Go” option, also for $30 per person or you can just buy the entrees ($20 each) and sides ($2.50-$5 each) separately.
Longboards BBQ. Longboards is smoking turkeys again this year! They are smoked for 14-16 hours, served with homemade turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and banana pudding for dessert. Cost is $25 per person and includes turkey with gravy, two thanksgiving fixin’s and dessert. Starts at 2pm.
Dragonfly – Dragonfly Bar & Grill is offering a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 26th! This will consist of a three-course meal for 13,500 colones, with choice of appetizer and dessert, and all the fixings you know and love with turkey. Their usual menu will also be available.
To book a reservation call 2653-1506 or email dragonflybarandgrill@gmail.com. You can find them behind Banco Nacional, next to Bolas Locas Mini Golf on the same road as La Baula Pizzeria.
Doña Lees – Doña Lee’s does a traditional turkey dinner (turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, etc) each year. They are on the same road as the Tamarindo Gym, past the bank and the Botella de Leche hostel.
Tamarindo Church – Tamarindo Church is having a pot luck, where everyone brings a yummy dish to share. You’ll see them on the left hand side of the road after the car washes as you’re driving out of town (as if you’re driving from Tamarindo to Villa Real).
Beach Community Church in Brasilito is also having a pot luck. Click here for more info. They are asking that all families bring two dishes to share. You’ll want to be there by 3:30 pm and be ready to eat by 4 pm. Please them know in advance if you are coming (and how many people are in your party) so they come up with a general head count.
Tico to Go: – And of course, don’t forget you can call for express delivery from Tico To Go. Order from any of the above restaurants and they’ll deliver it to your doorstep for just $5! No muss, no fuss, no hassle. Visit Tico To Go’s website or call Derek at 800-8426-8646 (don’t put a 1 in front of it!) or just 8426-8646.
Credits:
Blog by: Genna Marie of Tamarindo Family Photos
Photo credit: marfis75 via photopin cc
Thanksgiving in Costa Rica and Where to Celebrate Turkey Day in Tamarindo
Article/Property ID Number 4992
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Andrew Makarik
to@welovecostarica.comAndrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.
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