The minute I finished booking the trip, I knew I'd made a mistake. I'd just booked a day long tour of a Volcano and a coffee plantation from the tour operator at my hotel in San Jose. He'd asked if I wanted the lunch included option with the tour for $10.00 US more.

I'd said no. I'd been in Costa Rica a couple of days, long enough to know that you could get a decent lunch in a local restaurant for a couple of bucks and this was probably another rip off the dumb gringo routine.

It hit me a minute later that the lunch stop wouldn't be in a town or anyplace where I'd have a chance or choice to get whatever I wanted at a reasonable price. We'd more than likely be stopping at some remote roadside place miles from anywhere.

I'd had this stunt pulled on me in Morocco. We were driving from Fez to Marrakech and passed through a small town just around lunch time. We had about an hour for lunch and I was looking forward to grabbing a quick bite in the local farmer's market and then wandering around taking in the sights.

It didn't happen. We drove past the town to an isolated stretch of highway. There we stopped at a solitary motel with a dining room. Here they could, and did charge whatever they wanted.

I don't mind paying for a good meal, but $8.00 US for a greasy hamburger in the third world is pushing it. Naturally the driver must have been getting some sort of kick back. He told us he always stopped there.

Some of the passengers meekly accepted this culinary blackmail, but a few of us rebelled. We sneaked into the orchard in back of the hotel and stole as many oranges as we could. These were washed down with bottle of Coke from a nearby gas station.

Back to Costa Rica. After the Volcano and a visit to the quaint colonial town of Cartago with its magnificent church. We headed out of town for our lunch stop in the Cachi Valley. In this quiet isolated valley miles from anywhere we stopped.

Here on the shore of Lake Cachi was the restaurant, La Casona Del Cafetal. Those on the bus tour with the meal option were shown to a pre set table with our driver. The three of us cheap tourists, myself and a couple from Arkansas were left to our own devices.

One look at the place told me it was exclusive and expensive. The three of us took a table overlooking the lake and were handed menus. Second clue the menus were printed in English and had no prices. I decide what the hey, I had a good supply of Dollars and Colones in my jeans and there was a Visa accepted sign on the front door.

The menu selection matched the view, magnificent. I opted for a chicken breast with a wonderful sauce made of tomatoes chillies and peppers served on a bed of rice with a side salad. This was complimented with a couple of ice cold local beers, although the wine selection did seem good. The meal, like the surroundings and the dining companions was superb.

I didn't pay too much attention to the bill, and paid with plastic. It was a nice place and it had been a great day, so why worry over the cost. If it meant I was eating at fast food joints for the next month to pay off the bill, so be it. This wasn't highway robbery, Berber style. I had a choice this time.

On the way out I grabbed the restaurant's brochure. I noticed that they did private parties and wedding receptions. The maitre de assured me that they did a brisk business in this. I was not surprised. The place was elegant, in a sort of charming rustic way. The setting was perfect for a formal affair, and best of all it was convenient. Only an hours drive from San Jose.

When I got home I received my final surprise. Due to the wonders of modern technology my Visa bill was waiting for. The price for my meal with taxes and tip $12.00 US.

I talked to those who pre purchased the lunch option. They were given a set menu of catch of the day, fresh fish from the lake most likely. Water or a soft drink and coffee was included.

They said it was a good meal and had no complaints. For two bucks extra I had a couple of beers, and the satisfaction of choosing what I wanted to eat. That's a lot better than an $8.00 Moroccan hamburger I think.

La Casona Del Cafetal Restaurant, Cachi Cartago Tel: (506) 533-3280

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Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May