Celebrating a friend's grand opening

So I posted before about the compound I live on, and the two other expat families that live here as well. One of the families that lives with us has a dad that is a chef. He has been both an executive, corporate chef and restauranteur throughout his career. Recently, they decided to open The Pelican Gastropub and Cafe in Playa Chiquita very near to where we live.

It is situated in a heritage building, formerly Edna Brown's house. Edna was a member of one of the founding families of Old Harbor, or Wolaba. Puerto Viejo literally translates to Old Port. She lived there as well as owned and operated a restaurant which served as one of the only spots outside the town proper where one could stop for beer and a meal. Edna's was quite a happening place.

We had the good fortune of being around as it was being built out, seeing his vision come to life using all local builders and companies. They furnished the restaurant with local vendors, decorated with local craftsman and artists. From the murals, light fixtures and paintings to the menus, glassware, and beers that they carry-- It all is done with an eye on celebrating the beautiful art and artistry of the Caribbean coast and Costa Rica at large. We watched everyday driving by, as local construction crews painstakingly built it. This town and its surrounding areas are so small, that even to us newcomers, many of the crew were familiar faces. We watched each day as it got closer and closer to fruition.

But Friday was its official grand opening. And to that end, they invited the entire community to celebrate, offering free food and alcohol with a backdrop of local bands playing. The community was invited to come and see this beautiful and amazing space that they had built. And boy, the community show up en masse. At one point, I needed to run to the store, and when I rolled back up, the crowd coming in reminded me very much of a house party from my college days. There was so much excitement and buzz that you could feel it as you walked into the place.

Good vibes at the grand opening!

Because they are friends and neighbors, and everyone needs a helping hand on opening day, my husband and I volunteered to help however they needed. My husband being a chef of 25 years was quickly put to use in the kitchen. And because I was a server and bartender back in the day, I helped out in the front of the house. It was so much fun to be a part of and to get to know my community a little bit more.

As the hours rolled on, I finally was able to come up for air. It occurred to me that almost every single person that I knew in the Puerto Viejo area had come out to support the restaurant. I didn't realize that I knew so many people already in this town. There was so many familiar faces, so many laughing smiling people that were just there to have a good time and enjoy the culmination of all the hard work it took to put this place together.

I had so much fun helping out. It was just a cool thing to be able to help friends throw a successful party.

Now I know I might be biased, but I also know my way around food. This place is really really good. My favorite, hands down, is the buffalo cauliflower. It's what I order almost every single time I come in the restaurant. They also have smoothies in a variety of flavors, and again my favorite is the pineapple strawberry. The blend of flavors works so well together and it just is quintessential tropics. Another must try is their signature cocktail, The Pirates of the Caribbean. It's a rum cocktail, with Silver and Malibu rums, Blue Curacao, and pineapple. It is a tropical vacation in a glass. I'm not a big drinker, but this delights the senses and it's hard not to get one every time I go.

Tato making the Pirates of the Caribbean cocktail.

They also have a solid vegan and vegetarian menu that has more offerings than most restaurants. The Pelican offers steaks, seafood and curries. I've currently decided it's my new mission in life to make my way through the menu, trying something new each time I go. If you are in the area, it's really a must try.

Have you tried it already? What's your favorite dish there? Let me know in the comments. Happy eating!!

https://www.pelicanpubcafe.com/