Paella Paella

One of my very favorite things to do for a special occasion (usually my birthday) is go to a tapas restaurant (no, I did not just say "topless" restaurant, but every time I tell people "I went to a tapas place last night," they usually give me a funny look and say "Really?" Try saying it and you'll see what I mean! Just wanted to set the record straight).  In fact, of the last 10 birthdays as an adult, I think at least a third of them have been spent eating tapas and drinking sangria. Yumm!


Friday night, a friend invited me to venture around Heredia, about 20 minutes north of San Jose, to try this Spanish restaurant called, La Lluna de Valencia, with some of her friends.  I was feeling pretty wiped out from the week, but after coming home, finding the electric gate not working, and realizing I had no way to get in to my apartment and nothing else to do, I said sure, and I am SO glad I went out with her. (PS: long story short - I did eventually get inside my house. Thank you, Lord!)


After briefly getting lost (I've gotten used to that every time I drive now!), we found it - and what an experience it was! The chef and co-owner, Vicente Aguilar, is a C-H-A-R-A-C-T-E-R. He sings along with the live music, talks to everyone in the room at each of the 20 or so tables, and really knows how to make a restaurant feel like a homey, family-style dinner!


We had excellent tapas (papas a la brava, pan con aceite de ajo, pulpa a la lluna), homemade paella, sweet sangria, and an incredible creme brulee that was carmelized right at our table. Delicioso!


Nearly five hours after we sat down, we finally made our way back home...great food, new friends. Fun way to spend a Friday night! 

Serving the paella at our table

Fresh seafood paella with mussel, clams, scallops, and shrimp

Vicente shows everyone how to drink red wine from "la bota," from his nose into his mouth

I give it a shot - fun!