Exphore has innovative options for restaurants and hotels

Everything from toilets that help save water to bakery- and pastry-making supplies can be found at the Costa Rican Hotels and Restaurants Expo 2013.

The 13th edition of Exphore runs through Thursday at the Centro de Eventos Pedregal in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia, north of the capital, and features 350 stands showcasing businesses that have everything a hotel or restaurant might need.

The selection also includes electronic appliances, furniture and decoration, financing, illumination, uniforms and cutlery.

Last year, Exphore drew more tan 4,300 visitors.

“The event is going really well, with very good attendance. It’s also a great way to make contacts,” said Ivannia García, from Compañía Nacional de Chocolates.

“Our stand has caught the attention of a lot of people. We are a new brewery with a product made 100 percent in Costa Rica and of excellent quality,” said Fabiana Martínez, of Costa Rica’s Craft Brewing Company.

The expo also features the Copa Culinaria, a chef contest organized by the Costa Rican National Chef Association, and Reto Barista, a contest where participants compete to make the best cup of coffee.

The fair runs from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and costs $7 per day.

The Centro de Eventos Pedregal is located in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia, 800 meters east of the railway station. Parking is available for $4 per day.

For more info, visit: http://exphore.com.