We have new colorful neighbors in Playa Pelada whom I think are going to put Playa Pelada back on the Nosara nightlife and entertainment map. Right across the street from Pancho’s, in what used to be Sarafina’s Restaurant, new owners Joshua Flores and Marica Banes, from Savannah, Georgia, have spiced up Refugio del Sol boutique bed and breakfast, and dubbed its new multi-media entertainment venue as “El Fenix.”
Personally, I am uber-excited about Joshua and Marcia’s plans for El Fenix, at Refugio del Sol. We, locals, have been craving a new, fresh more inter-active entertainment venue in the neighborhood for a long while. Aside from serving old skool breakfast, taste-y lunches, and home-made southern-cuisine-meets-Costa-Rican-fare-style tapas (by the way, they call them “bocas” down here) in the evenings, El Fenix is offering a whole buffet of new, fun, participatory, and unique activities for every night of the week.
Starting December 9th, you and your family and friends can participate in any of the following week-day evening events:
- Mondays: Trivia Night Think you’re smart? Well, prove it! Bring your family and/or friends and compete in groups, on the Wii, for prizes! Every Monday night; starts at 8 pm. Bring your game on!
- Texas Hold’em Poker You got to know when to hold ‘em; know when to fold ‘em; know when to walk away; and know when to run…the early bird Texas Hold’em set starts at 7 pm/later set at 9 pm. There will also be drink specials.
- Wii Wednesday’s Here is your chance to try out Nintendo Wii games from bowling, golf, boxing, and tennis on a large projector screen with family and friends—they even have the brand new DJ Hero–where you get to be the DJ!
- Thursday’s Pre-Banana Sunset Party: Grab some drink specials along with gourmet tapas/bocas and watch the sunset on Playa Pelada before heading over to La Banana (this is the perfect place to “warm-up” with sangrias and have a light delicious meal before La Banana’s Thursday Reggae Nites!)
El Fenix at Refugio del Sol will be open for full breakfasts and lunches starting on December 1; hours 7 am to 2 pm (Monday thru Saturday.)
The Grand Opening of El Fenix and start of weekly night events and tapas bar, is Wednesday, DEC 9. The party starts at sunset and there will be live entertainment (to be announced.) And know that Sunday Brunch and Drive-In Movie Night (on the big projector screen) will be coming soon as well.
For more information about Refugio del Sol or El Fenix, call Marcia or Joshua, at 506-682-0287 (Costa Rica); 912-376-3404 (US) or just pop in and visit.
Nosara's Coconut Telegraph 
I am loving all the fantastic things ya”ll are doing! Keep up the good work! Congrats again!