Casa Elsa
As you know my trip to Costa Rica and Casa Elsa is part cooking adventure, so I’ll have a video featuring that part of the trip very soon. But there is more to travel than food alone, because this is Manuel Antonio National Park, the gem of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Natural beauty is everywhere. In fact this park is so well preserved that it almost perfectly represents the mid-Pacific coastal region of this country much as it must have been when the Spanish conquistador Juan Vasquez de Coronado first came upon it in 1563.
So as much as I love cooking and sharing what I love about cooking with the readers of this blog, as well as the people I meet on these occasional cooking adventures. I don’t want you to forget that this trip is just as much about the beauty of the country as the food I encountered here.
Adding to the natural beauty all around us in Manuel Antonio, there is also the beauty of the 7,500 sq ft ocean view villa we’re staying in. It’s called Casa Elsa and today I thought I’d take you on a tour of this beautiful home. It really is a masterpiece of archtiecture right in the middle of the jungle.
It was designed by Costa Rican Architect Jorge Mojica and is often described as “an orgy of whimsical modern architecture.” Casa Elsa amenities include 4 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, modern kitchen, infinity pool, many large decks and a jacuzzi. There is wireless high-speed internet, maid service, pool maintanence, on site 24-hour security guard and a local concierege to answer all your questions.
But what I love most about this amazing house is that it feels like a modern tree house. It is completely open air. The only rooms fully enclosed are the bedrooms and bathrooms. Everything else is open right onto the rain forest and ocean beyond. The dramatic sloped roof and ceiling protects you from the sun and rain. So whatever the weather you are right outisde enjoying the views au natural! This open air concept includes the modern kitchen. Wait til you see the video of me cooking in that open air kitchen.
But “yikes” you think. Does that mean the house is open to the animals? Why yes it does. In the most delightful way. As long as you don’t try and feed or touch them, the monkeys will pass 
through the house on their daily trek across the forest! Just sit back and enjoy the show. They won’t hurt you, and they are a pleasure to observe. We’ve seen diminutive red Squirrel Monkeys and their bolder cousins– White-Faced Monkeys. Everyday!
The animal show didn’t stop with just the monkeys and their antics. At night there were peccary-like agouti in the trees. We even saw a two-toed sloth creeping its way along a rope suspended across the road to protect these animal as they make their nocturnal journey seeking food.
Have I made you wish you were here? Well guess what? You could be. I chose to sing for my supper… err well cook for it so to speak! But Casa Elsa is available for rent. Go to their web site and see all the details.
I have traveled to some amazing places in my life. I have even been to Costa Rica and Manuel Antonio before. But I have never experienced a vacation home like this one. We are already trying to figure out how we can go back next year!
SERIOUS FUN FOOD
Greg Henry
Sippity Sup
Votati Iohanis Presedinte!
[…] head back to the rented house (Casa Elsa), a beauty of a place where we’ve been before and I once swam naked in the pool, and posted the […]
Ah well…am so glad to know I am not the only one who feels shy.
Ha, I am also not much of a joiner, but I am getting better. Love our community & had a blast with you at camp. Adorable video 🙂
…are so alike we don’t even have to talk about it! GREG
I love the video!!! It is super awesome Greg. I can’t wait to see the antics from NEXT year. 🙂 Very nicely done.
What a great video and touching blog post. There’s no way you’re a snob and from your 2 wonderful panels, I would never think you were shy. In fact, I appreciated your insight and your interview technique. It was so great getting to know you this weekend and I look forward to spending more time with you at future LA foodie events.
I’m with you re: camping! Who know I’d like it so much?
I loved hanging out with you and listening to you speak on the panels. I’m looking forward to seeing you in LA…
xoxo
Jen
Domestic Divas
http://www.domesticdivasblog.com
Fantastic video production, Greg! Looks like it was a lot of fun — lotsa happy faces and fun things to do. =)
Awesome video! Love the music too! I will have to add this to my post for sure!
What fun! Looks like there were some fun activities for the group!
Loved your description of yourself because I can relate to most, if not all of it. My husband, definitely. Very cool, video–I felt like I was there. 🙂
What a fun compilation of the weekend! It was a real pleasure meeting you at Camp Blogaway and getting to know you a little better through all your fantastic posts here on the blog. I can’t wait to follow you and read more of what you have to offer!
The compressed video is a excellent way to give a fast idea of the entire experience without getting tripped up in the details. I am blatantly stealing this idea next year at Kingsford University.
PS: Why are you such a snobby curmudgeon? (j/k, you know we adore you!)
Greg, I understand completely the “extroverted introvert” you. I am the same way, and many have thought me arrogant and snobby. From the beginning I knew that you are a caring and kind soul, and I am very happy to know you and be a part of your clan.
I loved every minute of the video! Thanks for this beautiful souvenir:)
No speaking roles this year? Everyone’s an extra! Well done, Mr. DeMille!
love this, Greg! so much fun! thank you!
What a fun video & I love that pic of us together 🙂
Great, Greg, what a generous soul you are — and such a fun film. I’d never been to camp (it’s a cultural thing) but it turned out to be great.
Greg, you captured the spirit and energy of camp so well with this upbeat recap. Beautiful job. You’ve got mad video skillz!
This is some COOL video! And who took that picture of you and Lori-Recipe Girl? Such talent…LOL! You my friend are awesome, I love learning from you and a BIG Thank You to you for welcoming Kim and I into this foodblogging community with open arms and guidance. We also feel so blessed to call you our friend!
Another amazing production from Sippity Sup!! I am SO glad that you are part of “my clan”!!!
Love it, Greg! It was so good to finally meet you face-to-face and hope it’s not long before I get another chance.
I know what you mean about “getting in touch with your inner joiner.” I’m heading off to BlogHer Food in a few weeks. It’s my first blogging conference. It’s time to go out and do a little face-to-face interaction! Your video reminded me to pack my Flip when I head to ATL! Thanks.
Great video, Greg! Camp was really a lot of fun and a great learning experience.
Looks like lots of fun! Will plan on it for next year!
Loved the video! Did you really feel like our counselor??
I have a hard time seeing how anyone could ever mistake you for being snobby! Yes, you may be a bit shy, but once anyone takes the time to get to know you, they are fiercely loyal. I know from experience. 🙂 Thank goodness there is a Sippity Sup, because I love every second of this video. You my friend are uniquely you, and I feel so blessed to call you my friend!
Fantastic and fun, captured the spirit and, as always, very generous post. MmWha! Have a great weekend!
If only we could have all created Wilton fascinators to wear all weekend at Camp… Oh well, next time Camp Blogaway intersects with a Royal Wedding 😉 Great video, Greg!!