On Costa Ricas Caribbean coast, food traditions include a little-known history of Jamaican influence.
Black women, integral to passing down culinary traditions, are the subjects of contemporary paintings and photographs.
And easygoing is more a religious belief than a lifestyle approach.
From left: Carrot “noodles” with garlic shrimp at Salsa Brava; preparing a shrimp dish at Cahuita’s Taste Caribbean Soul Food.Credit:Ozzie Hoppe
It was a meal that nourished my soul.
Thankfully, I had the Costa Rican staple,patacones,to soak it all up.
Selles explained that she created the dessert to pay homage to the community central to her restaurant and identity.
From left: Chef Doria Sequeira Selles serving up smiles at Cahuita’s Taste; lobster with shrimp at Cahuita’s Taste.Ozzie Hoppe
We are Black people, Selles told me.
No matter where we go in the world, were still Black.
We are supposed to love our culture, and our traditions.
From left: Jammin Vegan, in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca; Jammin Vegan owner Brian “Temps” Templeton.Ozzie Hoppe
We should be proud, because this is what we made.
Ingredients like root vegetables and coconut milk and oil are influences from our parents and great-grandparents, she said.
AtJoe SnackPoint & Caribbean Food,the tender meat was paired with rice and beans.
From left: Details at Joe SnackPoint & Caribbean Food; oxtail with rice and beans at Joe.Ozzie Hoppe
Back in Limon,La Nenaproved a worthy final stop.
Guests dining outside Salsa Brava.Ozzie Hoppe
Whole snapper with rice and beans, salsa, and patacones at Salsa Brava.Ozzie Hoppe
Locals enjoying Playa Negra, in Puerto Viejo.Ozzie Hoppe
From left: Wanda Patterson outside her restaurant, Salsa Brava; a passion-fruit cocktail at Salsa Brava.Ozzie Hoppe
From left: Cider on tap at Cahuita’s Taste; string lights at Salsa Brava.Ozzie Hoppe
