Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 138

The Mayor of Playas del Coco

Anyone who has ever visited our amazing town of Playas del Coco, knows of the bar Zi Lounge. It is the most happening club in Costa Rica, and one of the more popular places to hang out. It is a constant party, and some of the biggest bashes south of Texas have occurred inside this madhouse. It is famous for creating some of the wildest and most outrageous themed parties; featuring live music or DJ and naked painted models; and the owner led the way with trays of Jager bombs and Chili Guaros being passed around for free. Every event was special and unique, and you just couldn’t get enough; always excited about the next one.

So, it was a huge shock to hear, that Zi passed away, just the other night.

Foad Shirazi was a legend. He had the most amazing smile and the biggest laugh you had ever seen or heard; he was the life of the party. He would stand up in the center of his universe, overseeing his Empire, making sure every single client was having the time of their life, and being treated like his number one customer. Everyone who ever met him, felt like they were his best friend. He made you feel important and you truly felt his love. He was a special human being.

Zi had the biggest heart of any person I have ever met in my life. No one has done more for this town and supported the local community, than he. If there was a charity that needed help, he was there. If a school needed funding, count on Zi. Whatever was asked, he was the first to assist. He was the true Mayor of Playas del Coco. The town will never be the same.

People from all over the planet are mourning his loss. There is a huge hole in the world today.

Costa Rica has lost a great man.

I have lost a fantastic friend.

RIP buddy. I love you man.

I know you are up there, buying everyone a round of Jaeger Bombs. Cheers.

Michael Simons

Taste of Papagayo Awards 2019 for the best restaurants in Papagayo Costa Rica

If you were lucky enough to attend this year’s Taste of Papagayo, you were treated to the best of the best food and entertainment in the entire Papagayo Region.  While all the 20 restaurants who flaunted their wares did a wonderful job bringing their best dishes for you to try, three restaurants were awarded as the best restaurants in Papagayo Costa Rica. But more on that later.

Everyone who came was eligible to vote for their favorite restaurant.  As an added bonus, if you were 1 of 200 people who went through and tested every restaurant’s food you got a limited edition Tank Tops Flip Flops Taste of Papagayo 2019 T-Shirt.  Needless to say, there were no shirts left at the end of the evening.  Check out this video put on by the host Hotel La Puerta del Sol that is a nice summary of this years event

Eco Coco received 15% of the admission ticket sales and also the proceeds from the sale of custom Tank Tops Flip Flops shirts.  In all $1,325 were raised at this great community event.  Eco Coco’s Mission is to inspire the community through environmental education and community projects to be environmentally aware, respectful of natural resources and to generate a positive impact on the environment.  Check them out and get involved in your community!

Even though the real winners were those that got to taste all the wonderful food and enjoy the great live music and have a few laughs with their friends and families these restaurants came to WIN!  So without further ado watch the awards video where top three winning restaurants are recognized for their great effort and even better food.

First Place went to Maracuya Restaurant and Beach Club for the second year in a row.  Chef Nicolas and his professional team did it again!  You can find them just on the other side of Ocotal Beach at the Beach Club at Bahia Pez Vela.  They are open every day from Noon to 9 PM and offer a wide variety of mouthwatering chef-prepared dishes and specials served right on the beach.  You will not be disappointed if you make the trip.  Check out this video where Maracuya accepts their first place people’s choice award and invite you to join them for a tasty meal.  Congrats!

The second-place award for the best restaurants in Papagayo Costa Rica went to a brand new restaurant in Playa Hermosa called the Buzzed Monkey BBQ & Grill.  As you might guess they offered mouth-watering BBQ meats and southern food inspired sides and specialty dishes.  Join them from 11-8 PM Wednesday through Saturday.  They are located in the Hermosa Heights Commercial Center in Playa Hermosa.  Welcome to the community Buzzed Monkey!

Our Third Place People’s Choice for the Taste of Papagayo goes to Masala Indian Restaurant located in downtown Liberia, Guanacaste, just across the street from the Guanacaste Museum.  Masala serves authentic, homemade Indian food using only fresh ingredients and prepares all their tasty sauces right in their kitchen.  Open from 11:30-10 PM, Masala is the only authentic Indian food restaurant in Guanacaste and will treat you to an exquisite Indian food experience.  It is definitely worth the trip to Liberia!  Great Job Masala.  See you soon.

We want to congratulate all the restaurants who participated and for Hotel La Puerta del Sol and The Garden Bar for putting on such a great event.  And of course, we want to thank all of you for coming out and enjoying a great day of food, music, and good fun.

See you all next year for the Taste of Papagayo 2020!

Come on Down Baby!

Michael Simons

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 137