Host offerings
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.
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: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007ffacd12e2e0>
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.
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.
Melissa was incredibly kind, welcoming and knowledgeable about Costa Rican cuisine. Melissa made us fish, and it's probably the best fish I've ever had in my life. She made it look so simple! It was also really nice to spend some time at the table chatting about Costa Rican culture and learning tips about Jaco from her and her husband, it was really interesting hearing their perspectives and stories. Also, Melissa just came out with a cookbook called "Living Longer, Healthier, Happier Recipes from Costa Rica" we purchased a copy from her, and it's definitely our favorite souvenir to date! It was hands down a wonderful experience - one of the best I've ever had while traveling!
Gina and Brian, Traveling Spoon Ambassador
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 4 people | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Experience + Meal | Not offered | $85 | $85 |
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Experience + Meal | 11:00am - 02:00pm | 5:00pm - 08:00pm |
Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.
