Experience the Essence
of Costa Rica's Cuisine
in Brooklyn, New York

Experience
the Essence of
the Blue Zone
in Brooklyn,
New York

A Culinary Story of Longevity

Through a thoughtfully curated 8-course tasting menu, you’ll explore Costa Rica's vibrant flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients. We will be sourcing authentic Costa Rican produce and other ingredients. This is more than a meal—it’s an invitation to experience the Nicoyan way of life, where food is nourishment, community is sacred, and every bite tells a story. 

Menu Inspiration

This menu is inspired by the traditions of Nicoya. Rooted in the foundation of corn, squash, beans, plantains, and tropical fruits, each dish is crafted to celebrate flavor, texture, and sustainability while honoring the region’s deep cultural heritage.

At the heart of this experience is nixtamalized corn, an ancient process that enhances both its depth of flavor and nutritional value. A dairy-free take on natilla reimagines Costa Rica’s beloved creamy, tangy staple and smoked Bagaces-style aged cashew cheese evokes the complexity of traditional dairy.

Expect smoky elements, fermented flavors, farm-fresh mushrooms, and bold spices. Each bite is a tribute to the land and its bounty. This menu is a story of tradition and evolution, where Costa Rica's ingredients are served through a modern plant-based lens.

Meet the Chefs Behind this Event

Chef Paulo Valerios

As Executive Chef of Huacas Restaurant in Costa Rica, Paulo redefines modern Costa Rican cuisine by blending tradition and innovation. He honors Guanacaste’s rich culinary heritage through dedicated research, local ingredients, and techniques passed down by Costa Rican grandmothers. Passionate about preserving Costa Rica’s culinary identity, he collaborates with farmers and artisans, ensuring every dish tells a rich story of history, culture, and sustainability.

Chef Mario Bucccellati

A New York City-based private chef and restaurant consultant passionate about creating connections through food. He hosts The Eight Eat Experience, an immersive long-form dining summer series featuring ingredients from his garden. He refined his craft studying plant-based cuisine in Tuscany and honed his skills at Dirt Candy and Avant Garden before serving as Chef de Cuisine for City Roots Hospitality. In 2020, he created Mariolino’s, an Italian food delivery service born from the lockdown.

Chef Zsuzsi Barta

From crafting tasting menus in Budapest to being a private chef in Brooklyn, Zsuzsi brings a global perspective to plant-based cuisine. She spent many years in Costa Rica, serving as the Executive Chef of Restaurante Almendra and founding Earthly Kitchen, where she developed innovative, sustainable plant-based products for supermarkets. She was also the Executive Pastry Chef for City Roots Hospitality, where she created the pastry programs for multiple Manhattan restaurants.

About the Venue

Le Petit Monstre is nestled in the heart of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. It's a vibrant patisserie that creates handmade vegan pastries, cakes, tarts, pies, and doughnuts, alongside savory plates and fresh-brewed coffee.

Founded by Elle Barton, who shares the same ethos at their sister establishments The Dreamery and Izzy Rose, a vibrant plant-forward cocktail bar. Le Petit Monstre embraces progressive values and a commitment to seasonal locally sourced ingredients.

They will be providing house cocktails, mocktails, local wines, and craft beers for purchase that pair perfectly for every course throughout the dinner.

Le Petit Monstre is located at:
82 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205.

Reserve Your Seats

Experience a thoughtfully crafted plant-based tasting menu inspired by the flavors and traditions of Nicoya.

This multi-course dinner highlights seasonal ingredients like nixtamalized corn, squash, plantains, and tropical fruits, reimagined with modern techniques. With limited seating, this is an intimate opportunity to explore vibrant, smoke-kissed, and fermented flavors in a setting that blends tradition with innovation.

Are you ready to explore Nicoya's culinary traditions and the techniques that make this place a treasure of longevity?

We look forward to serving you.

$ 175.00 

Frequently Ask Questions

Where does this experience take place?

The event is taking place in a beautiful Brooklyn patisserie called Le Petit Monstre located at 82 Washington Ave, Brooklyn NY 11205.

How do I get there?

Taking the Subway
The closest subway stations are ​Clinton-Washington Ave on the G train, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from Le Petit Monstre as well as Fulton Street Station on the C train, which is about a 15-minute walk away.

Driving by Car
Street parking is available in the area but can be limited and subject to local parking regulations. For more reliable options, consider nearby parking garages:​ 475 Clermont Ave Valet Garage (approximately a 15-minute walk) or 525 Clinton Ave Valet (about a 14-minute walk away)

How long is the event?

This event is about 2.5 hours long. We kindly ask guests to arrive promptly at 6:00 pm. This is an 8-course meal with storytelling behind each dish to share the knowledge of ingredients, cooking techniques, and health practices that are commonly found in Nicoya, Costa Rica. We have allotted some time after the dinner for everyone to socialize with the chefs, then we will conclude the event at 8:30 pm.

Will there be drink options?

Yes. Le Petit Monstre will curate Cocktails, offering Local Wines, and Craft Beers for purchase to go along with the dinner. For those seeking an alcohol-free experience, Le Petit Monstre will also be offering a thoughtful selection of Mocktails that pair well with each of the courses.

Why won't my order go through?

If this is your first time purchasing a ticket on this site, the confirmation email may have gone to your spam folder. If the problem persists, please click the contact button below and we will work to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

What is your cancellation policy?

This event is non-refundable due to demand and limited seating.

No exchanges for other dates.

All sales are final.

Still more questions?

Contact