Welcome to Monthly Highlights & Spotlights of November
Anthony Livoti’s San Jose’s Hot Topics – November 2024
UPcoming Concerts & Events in San Jose
Explore Live concerts and Comedy events HERE
Explore JAZZ CAFE of Escazu events HERE
Living in Costa Rica’s Central Valley and the greater metropolitan areas around San José offers residents a unique blend of international influences and local traditions. It’s common for North American customs to make their way to Pura Vida culture, and this month is no exception. You’ll find Costa Ricans embracing the excitement of Black Friday deals, the much-anticipated end of the rainy season, Thanksgiving celebrations, and seasonal dining experiences. This month’s newsletter covers all of this and more, including a spotlight on the Filipino Restaurant & Cafe in Avenida Escazú, along with important updates for homeowners and expats in the Central Valley area.
Black Friday Promotions: Where to Find the Best Deals
As Black Friday approaches on November 24th, some of Costa Rica’s major retailers are gearing up for incredible promotions. These deals often include early sales that begin in mid-November, perfect for getting ahead on holiday shopping. Here are some stores to keep an eye on:
- Monge: Known for electronics and home appliances, Monge is offering discounts of up to 50% on items like smart TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. Look for early bird promotions on their site or visit a nearby store to shop in person. Monge Black Friday Deals
- Gollo: Gollo also has a range of electronics, kitchen appliances, and furniture marked down significantly. They are promoting 24-hour delivery, so shoppers can get their Black Friday deals fast. Gollo Costa Rica
- Aliss: A favorite for home decor and furniture, Aliss will have big discounts on bedding, living room furniture, and kitchen essentials. This is a great option if you’re looking to refresh your home with lots of Christmas decorations available for the upcoming holiday season. Aliss Costa Rica
- Siman: This store offers deals on fashion, furniture, and tech items with discounts of up to 40% on select products. It’s perfect for those looking to update their wardrobe or find new home accessories. Siman Costa Rica
- Pequeño Mundo: Known for budget-friendly home goods, Pequeño Mundo offers Black Friday discounts across all categories, including holiday decor, garden items, and everyday essentials. Pequeño Mundo
- Walmart: In Costa Rica, Walmart focuses primarily on groceries, offering a vast selection of high-quality food products. Additionally, they carry clothing, toys, homewares, gardening supplies, and a variety of electronics and home appliances. Customers can look forward to excellent Black Friday sales, making it a prime shopping destination during the holiday season. Walmart
- Universal: This department store is gearing up for the holiday season with enticing discounts. Customers can enjoy a 30% discount on Christmas decorations, 15% off on trees and lights, 25% off on Lego products, and up to 70% off on selected toys. These promotions are valid until November 27, providing ample time to find festive items at great prices. Universal Catalog
- Ekono: Ekono will open its doors early at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, offering discounts across all departments. Additionally, shoppers who visit between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. will receive an extra 10% discount, making it a fantastic opportunity for early risers to snag even better deals. Ekono is a good department store for affordable children’s clothing and men’s and women’s fashion. Ekono
These stores will have promotions online and in-store, so be sure to mark your calendar and plan your shopping!
Thanksgiving in the Central Valley
Thanksgiving isn’t widely celebrated in Costa Rica, but many restaurants in the Central Valley cater to expats by offering special dinners. Here are a few places around San José, Escazú, and Santa Ana where you can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Restaurants will begin advertising and sharing more information closer to Thanksgiving so keep an eye out the week before:
- El Novillo Alegre: This Argentinian steakhouse in Santa Ana is known for its grilled meats but is also offering a Thanksgiving dinner with a Latin twist. Perfect for a cozy holiday gathering. El Novilla Alegre
- Gringo’s Sports Bar: Located in Jaco, Gringo’s serves an annual Thanksgiving feast featuring roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings, along with live music. So if you want to celebrate on the coast but not far from the city, this may be the perfect location. Gringos’ Sports Bar
- Tap House Costa Rica: Renowned for its American-style cuisine, specializing in BBQ, burgers, and an impressive selection of beers. They offer over 30 types of beer, both on tap and bottled. The menu features items like 100% Angus beef burgers, BBQ ribs, and pulled pork. They have locations in City Place, Santa Ana, and Avenida Escazú. Tap House
If you’re interested in any of these options, make sure to reserve your spot early, as Thanksgiving dinners tend to fill up quickly in these expat-friendly spots.
This Month’s Featured Restaurant
Filipino Restaurant & Cafe
This month’s restaurant spotlight is on Filipino Restaurant & Cafe, conveniently located on Avenida Escazú. Renowned for its authentic and flavorful Filipino cuisine, this charming eatery offers a delightful array of dishes that highlight the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines. Guests can savor classics like adobo (a savory stew made with meat, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices), lechon kawali (crispy fried pork belly), and pancit (a noodle dish often served during celebrations).
The cafe boasts a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot for casual lunches or dinners with friends and family. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Filipino food or a newcomer eager to explore unique flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit destination in Escazú for a delicious and memorable dining experience. Website
Real Estate and Expat News: October Recap
For homeowners and ex-pats, October brought several important updates:
Digital Nomad Visa Update: Costa Rica is also refining its Digital Nomad Visa, designed for remote workers looking to stay longer in the country without the need for residency. This visa is increasingly appealing as it allows professionals to immerse themselves in Costa Rica’s vibrant culture while continuing their work remotely. The government aims to streamline the application process, making it more accessible for those wanting to experience life in this beautiful country for an extended period
November Weather in the Central Valley
With the rainy season wrapping up, November typically brings a refreshing shift in weather. Days will be mostly dry with mild temperatures, particularly in areas like Escazú and Santa Ana. Mornings and evenings may be cool, so pack a light jacket if you’re planning on spending time outside. This is one of the best times to enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica as the landscape is still lush from the rains, but the skies are clearer and temperatures comfortable.
Thank you for reading my article today!
Stay tuned for more updates and insights in our next newsletter. If you have any questions or need assistance with real estate in Escazu, Santa Ana or the Central Valley, don’t hesitate to reach out!
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