Rancho Mirian

Rancho Mirian is a local soda just before Zoo Avenue on the way into Alajuela. After being here for a couple of weeks Rob and I were getting a little more confident in reading the menu. I was using my phrase book to figure out one of the items and the staff was very helpful. So we waited to see how we had done. The drinks came first, cafe con leche (coffee with warmed milk) for me and a fresca for Rob. Simple enough and then they brought out the soup, sopa negro, which I though was black bean soup. I was close but not totally correct. It is a dark bean soup, lots of cilantro and an egg poached in the broth. At first appearance Rob thought it was something out of Fear Factor but actually was quite good, added spice as to the advice of others. The only thing we didn't care for was that the yolk although cooked was still runny, fine in an egg cup with toast fingers but not in my soup.

Main meals were excellent. Rob had steak and onions served with fries, refried beans and a nice salad. I went safe again had my casado con pesado and once again did not disappoint. Fish was slightly different again, flakier texture with a slight garlic flavour. Dessert was rice pudding, our first time having it here and NO RAISINS!!!! It was very delightful, sweet with a definite citrus flavour.

Total cost: c8100-$16.20 including taxes and tips

The cooks busy at work

Sopa Negro

Lomito con papas, frijoles and ensalada

Casado con Pescado

Rice Pudding