Three a la carte meals are included in the price of the villa at El Silencio, where healthy eating is part of the lodge's philosophy.
The menu is largely vegetarian, although free range chicken and fish caught that afternoon at a nearby stream are offered.
The lodge has its own organic garden, where couples can select from a large variety of greens and vegetables for meals.
The chef is inspired by Costa Rican fare and California cuisine, a la Alice Waters. Salad dressings are blackberry balsamic, Asian citrus and lime-cilantro. One day’s appetizer at El Silencio’s restaurant included peace palm fruit and heart of palm marinated in coconut, cilantro, and curry paste.
An entrée was tilapia filet with orange and rum sauce, served with sweet potato croquette and sautéed vegetables. A lovely desert was lactose-free mocha cake with a spicy chocolate sauce.
Agua dulce, a traditional Costa Rica hot drink, comes with a twist here: coconut milk is added, thereby making this a morning favorite for one of us. The other enjoyed the excellent Costa Rican coffee. Wine and liquor are extra.
