We’re seeing a focus on sustainable, health-conscious dining. In today’s society, many people are more conscious about the ingredients that they are eating and putting into their body, so restaurants are trying to keep that in mind when coming up with new dishes and menu listings, especially with a focus on sustainable produce given the eco-conscious consumer. With this in mind, for the menu at The Gilded Iguana restaurant, I wanted to highlight cuisines and dishes authentically rooted in Costa Rica’s culinary landscape, specifically using ingredients from the region, which I know is very important to the hotel and the guests visiting. My vision is for every dish to resonate with originality and the fresh spirit of Costa Rica.
I am also seeing the return of experiential dining, such as tableside cooking experiences, at many hotel restaurants. I think guests like to feel as if they are part of the experience, which is why many restaurants are allowing guests to cook their own food and/or chefs are cooking it directly in front of guests, so they can experience the unique cooking techniques firsthand. At The Gilded Iguana Restaurant, I offer a tableside Volcanic Stone Grill & Steak experience. This is a unique option where you choose the cut of meat you want – the meats are then served lightly seared and guests will then finish cooking their meats tableside on volcanic stones, extracted from the imposing Arenal Volcano. I think guests enjoy this because it’s unique and hands-on.
– José González, Executive Chef, The Restaurant & Bar at The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel
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