Traditional Costa Rican cooking class and meal with a modern twist

Meet Melissa
Melissa believes food is a way to share love, a way to learn about someone's culture and to connect with people. She grew up eating traditional Costa Rican food that her mom cooked for them at home. Melissa learned these family recipes from her mother and then perfected them with time. Today she re-creates traditional meals and adds a modern twist to make her own recipes. Melissa is very keen on showcasing the rich culture and heritage of her country through its food and that is why she published her first cookbook: ‘Living Longer, Healthier and Happier - Recipes from Costa Rica’. Her first cook book is a true reflection of her passion.

What to expect
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (4-10 guests) Melissa lives with her husband and their well behaved dog in a beautiful home close to the beach and city center. She will prepare some traditional Costa Rican dishes that she grew up eating with a modern twist; using local, seasonal and fresh produce. Through her food, Melissa wants people to know that Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a great cuisine too. A few dishes that you might try at Melissa’s dining table or outdoor patio are casado (chicken in salsa, rice and black beans), ceviche (a seafood dish typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices), cooked sweet plantains and mango and avocado salsa.

Cooking experience: (4-10 guests) Join Melissa in her kitchen for a hands-on cooking class that will last for two hours. Before you start your cooking class, snack on some delicious mango salsa and then learn to cook 2-3 dishes, that might include ceviche (a seafood dish typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices), Costa Rican casado with chicken ( a tasty dish of chicken, vegetables and rice) or picadillo (a fragrant stew). After the class, sit down at Melissa's dinning table to enjoy a the meal you helped prepare.

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Sample menu
This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.Casado (chicken in salsa, rice and black beans)
 
Ceviche (a seafood dish typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices)
 
Cooked sweet plantains
 
Mango and avocado salsa
 
Picadillo (a fragrant stew)

Pricing (per person)*
 
1 person
2-4 people
5+ people
Cooking Experience+ Meal
Not offered
$130
$130
 
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 
Lunch
Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
11:00am-2:00pm
5:00pm-8:00pm