No Thongs in the Grocery Store

All Supermarkets Are NOT Equal

We were introduced to a Tico named Julio who lives in the complex we’re going to move in to. He lives between here and Quebec, where his girlfriend lives. He’s fluent in Spanish, French, and English! After talking with him for a little bit we started to ask for his suggestions concerning different things like buying a car and how to open a bank account. Another topic he covered with us was where to shop for groceries. We had already heard a little about it from Julie, our landlord, but he was thorough!

Maxi Bodega is owned by Walmart and like all Walmarts in the US, they advertise that all of their stuff is inexpensive (although only a small percentage is) and the quality is low.

Pali is considered to be a little nicer than Maxi Bodega, but it isn’t well-lit. It’s a great place to buy canned goods.

Mega Super is just a step above Maxi Bodega. Julio called it a “lower class” grocery store.

Mas x Menos is the best. It’s a “middle class” grocery story with better quality and mid-range prices. Julie says this is where she buys her boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Auto Mercado is “high class.” If you’re can’t find something at Mas x Menos, you will probably be able to find it at Auto Mercado (esp. perticular things you like from the US like Grey Poupon). Their prices are more expensive though so don’t shop there for everything.

For Fish there is a shop called Martec that they recommend on the north part of Jaco, next to Chuck’s W.O.W. Surf Shop and a new bakery.

There is also a new butcher that he recommends in Esterillos Este (just north of Bejuco). I doubt I’ll use it much (I decided I’m done with eating anything with 4 legs as it doesn’t sit well with me) but good to know for Jim.

There is also the Mini Super which is like a small general store. They are all over the place and have basic food items, and carry many things that a gas station store would. Many are attached to a family’s home. We have one just next door to where we live. We trade in our empty large bottles of Cristal water for full ones there and also walk over when we are in the mood for an ice cream.

There is also a Farmer’s Market every Friday in Jaco and Saturday in Quepos, where it has been suggested to load up on produce!

On the drive between the coast and San Jose there are many Farm Stands with great prices. When far up in the mountains last year we tried some lovely strawberries and just the other day we were offered a lychee. So sweet and delicious!