A Night out at the Jazz Cafe in San Jose

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A Night out at the Jazz Cafe in San Jose

December 18th, 2008 | Costa Rica - Culture, Costa Rica - Gringo Favorite, Costa Rica - Nightlife | Comments Off

As a trained Jazz musician I am also interested in seeking out Jazz clubs in the many countries I travel to and getting a feel for what each country considers to be Jazz. I especially like it when what is considered to be traditional Jazz is mixed in with the local flavors producing a new fusion of sound that, when played by quality musicians, almost always sounds fantastic.

Now, if you are a Jazz snob and particular about keeping things in line (which is basically an oxymoron in the organized chaos of Jazz) visiting a Latin American Jazz club may not be the best way for you to spend an evening. However, if you, like me, enjoy watching musicians haphazardly play Read more

The Human Rights Project – You Can Make a Difference

November 21st, 2008 | Costa Rica, Costa Rica - Gringo Favorite | Comments Off

The Gringo Report team was recently contacted by the Human Rights Project regarding their new mission: “To exceed the act of inspiring and successfully move people from apathy to activism.”
The Gringo Report has teamed up with the Human Rights Project in calling others to action.
To get the ball rolling, the Human Rights Project has developed a [...]

The Human Rights Project – You Can Make a Difference

November 21st, 2008 | Costa Rica - Gringo Favorite | Comments Off

The Gringo Report team was recently contacted by the Human Rights Project regarding their new mission: “To exceed the act of inspiring and successfully move people from apathy to activism.”

The Gringo Report has teamed up with the Human Rights Project in calling others to action.

To get the ball rolling, the Human Rights Project has developed a beautifully illustrated full color book entitled, The Trouble with the Alphabet, written and illustrated by Caryn West. The book takes you around the world to 26 countries A-Z where children are suffering. Each country featured is also connected to a charitable organization that receives part of the proceeds from each book purchased, as well as all purchases from TheTroubleWiththeAlphabet.com.

Check Read more

Newcomers Club of Costa Rica

August 29th, 2008 | Costa Rica - Gringo Favorite, Costa Rica - Relocation | Comments Off

It is a new season for the Newcomers Club of Costa Rica, and to kick it off the first meeting of the season will be held Tuesday, September 2nd at Swiss Travel in Ciudad Colón. The club is open to all English speaking women living in Costa Rica and is a great place to make new friends and participate in a variety of fun activities.

At the meeting on Tuesday all in attendance will be invited to sign up for special interest groups offered by the club. Coffee, tea, and light finger food will be served at 9:30 am, and the meeting will begin at 10:00 am.

Swiss Travel is located a quarter mile past the first Read more

Burgers, Beer and the NFL

July 21st, 2008 | Costa Rica - Gringo Favorite, Costa Rica - Nightlife, Costa Rica - Places to Eat | Comments Off

Great music, delicious food, super cold beer and quality service are what make The Beatle Bar in Jacó Beach so successful. Hailed as the most famous bar and nightclub in Latin America, this establishment is an international hit, drawing crowds from all around the world. Open 7 days a week, The Beatle Bar has everything from burgers to seafood, and is good for lunch or dinner. If you’ve come for a drink, don’t be shy, step right up to the bar and get your guaro!

American expats are drawn to The Beatle Bar for another reason… Monday Night Football! Four plasma TV screens play the NFL Sunday and Monday games every week throughout the season. Read more

Casados y Batidas in La Fortuna

July 14th, 2008 | Costa Rica - Family Friendly, Costa Rica - Gringo Favorite, Costa Rica - Places to Eat | Comments Off

Delicious dishes and fresh fruit batidas (milkshake-like smoothies) await at Soda La Parada in La Fortuna. This small open-air restaurant is a hit with both locals and tourists because it is clean, well managed, and the food is both good and inexpensive. A laid-back atmosphere dominates at Soda La Parada. Come as you are, grab a seat and wait for someone to take your order.

The Gringo recommends you stick with the Costa Rican fair, as the foreign dishes just aren’t as good. Casados, the typical plate of the country usually consists of a mix of rice, beans, cheese, potato, salad, fried plantain, and meat and the scrumptious batidas, banana being my personal favorite, are Read more