Tamarindo Talk

A couple of restaurants in Tamarindo are under new management. Kahiki restaurant is now owned by George Van Engelen and son Nico. They now offer delivery for breakfast and lunch and host a happy hour with ¢800 ($1.60) beers, half-price drinks and free bocas every day from 3 to 6 p.m. They’ve got Jesse Bishop playing Fridays to  kick off the weekend. For information, call 2653-4263.

Tamarindo welcomes Tom Bales and Marianne Pratt from Angel Fire, New Mexico, to Restaurante La Vita Bella. While keeping the menu mostly as is, they are adding new dishes to expand on the restaurant’s international theme, plus more wine to its list. Dinner is Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. onward. Happy hour is 5 to 7 p.m. For information, call 2653-0147.

Old stalwart Capitán Suizo continues to host live marimba music Wednesday and Friday nights. For more details and dinner reservations, call 2653-0075.

For an authentic Costa Rican experience, Qué Tuanis Bar and Restaurant, just outside town in Huacas behind Floristería Cristal, offers traditional bocas starting at ¢1,000 ($2) and entrées from ¢2,000 ($4). The place has a big-screen TV and is popular for its karaoke three nights a week. For directions and information, call 2653-6231.

Good news: A Western Union office has opened in Tamarindo. Now you can send or receive money at the office next door to El Corcel Negro in Plaza Conchal.

–Ellen Zoe Golden

ellenzoe@aol.com