"We are really enjoying the food, and we are so far away from everything. Where did you get your chef?" This is a rather frequent question asked, and here is our story:
We do not have a chef at Lapa Rios. We are proud of our seven local men who have all learned how to cook, to bake, slice-chop-measure, to be continuously curious and willingly face challenges and constant change; all the while adding new skills and tastes differing from their own culture. This is a group of people courageous enough to leave the farm or village, shift to kitchen work (locally perceived to be a woman's place), and learn from our experienced food manager and from the owner of Lapa Rios. who also loves to cook. This powerful, supportive team has been created over time, through many trials and numerous evolutionary steps.
The concepts explained above apply also for our waitstaff, an incredible group of young people who for the first time are being exposed to upscale service techniques and a foreign language.
Lapa Rios is an ecolodge practicing sustainability through land conservation and education here in the Osa Peninsula. Staff members, almost exclusively from the surrounding communities, are practicing newly-acquired English in combination with progressing work skills. We invite your cooperation and understanding that their education assists this tourism project and provides you a comfortable location in which to experience and learn about the tropical rain forest. Together everyone at Lapa Rios--guests and staff alike--plays a supporting role in continuing sustainable development with land preservation in this pristine tropical paradise.
Know some items are seasonal and unavailable. We access organic poultry and constantly seek organic produce. Due to distance from the growing region combined with local inconsistency, most all food items must be trucked or flown from San José.
If you wish some of the recipes from Restaurant Brisa Azul, along with stories and anecdotes about kitchen development at Lapa Rios, The Lapa Rios Cookbook will be published in 2001. Check the website for ordering information; or pick it up at the reception gift shop.
Overview
We do not have a chef at Lapa Rios. We are proud of our seven local men who have all learned how to cook... More...
"Communicating with our office via e-mail, phone/fax is difficult.
Often hours pass without any phone service to the remote Osa Peninsula.
Please have patience and keep trying."
Overview
