Ceviche Festival Returns to Manuel Antonio This November

A memorable weekend bash will celebrate the many flavors and varieties of ceviche this November, in the second annual Ceviche Festival. The event is scheduled to take place November 13 – 15 at the Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, where locals and tourists are welcome to stop by and enjoy some mouthwatering food along with plenty of family-friendly activities.

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Manuel Antonio looks forward to Ceviche Festival

The festival is the brainchild of the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports and the Travel Show Expo, which saw great success with last year’s event. Besides plenty of ceviche to sample, guests can expect live music performances, games and activities for children, and stands selling locally-produced wares and goods. The festival brings focus to cultural identity through food and aims to celebrate cuisine in Costa Rica, particularly the Central Pacific’s abundant fresh seafood.

Event highlights the region’s numerous seafood offerings

Ceviche, traditionally made with fresh fish, is a light, refreshing dish common on many restaurant menus. In Costa Rica, this popular seafood cocktail may feature any one of various types of locally-sourced fish (snook, mahi mahi, white seabass) but may also be made with shrimp, octopus or squid. The seafood is marinated in lime or lemon juice for several hours, which “cooks” the meat, and is served with diced bell peppers, mixed spices, cilantro and onions. Ceviche variations and recipes are virtually endless, with some chefs adding ginger ale for added zing, and others spicing things up with tabasco and hot chili peppers.

Innovative ceviche creations feature green banana, mango

The event will also feature ceviche dishes made with green bananas, mangoes, peaches and other ingredients that are vegetarian-friendly. The festival will culminate in a ceviche competition, in which a panel of select judges has the distinguished honor of awarding winners in one of several categories. So bring your appetite and head over to the Marina Pez Vela for an afternoon of delicious eats and family fun.  Organizers hope to make this an annual event for many years to come!

Traditional ceviche recipe

To make your own ceviche at home, try this traditional recipe and don’t be afraid to make substitutions or changes according to taste.

Ingredients:
1 pound of white sea bass (corvina)
1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
1 small white onion, diced
½ bell pepper, diced
1 clove garlic, diced
1 handful of cilantro, chopped finely
Salt and pepper to taste
(optional – 1/4 cup ginger ale )

Directions:
1. Put all ingredients in a large bowl and let fish marinate for at least 2 hours. Hint – the longer the fish “cooks” the more intense the flavor.
2. Serve cold on a bed of lettuce with tortilla chips or crackers. Garnish with cucumber or avocado slices.