From Airstrip to Table: Fairchild C-123 at El Avión in Costa Rica

Dining in the Clouds: The Unique Experience of El Avión Restaurant in Costa Rica

Hey there, fellow travelers and food enthusiasts! If you're ever wandering through the lush, tropical wonderland of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, you absolutely must check out El Avión Restaurant. This place is not just about great food – it's about an unforgettable experience where history, ambiance, and delicious cuisine collide. Imagine sitting inside a real airplane, enjoying a fantastic meal while soaking up breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and dense jungle canopies. Intrigued? You should be!

Dining in the Clouds: The Unique Experience of El Avión Restaurant in Costa Rica

The Fascinating History of the Fairchild C-123 at El Avión

Let’s dive into the backstory because it’s a doozy! The star of El Avión is a Fairchild C-123 cargo plane, and boy, does it have a tale to tell. This plane is linked to one of the biggest scandals of the 1980s – the Iran-Contra Affair. Picture this: the Reagan Administration, in a wild plot twist, set up a secret network to sell arms to Iran. The goal? To fund the Nicaraguan Contras and get US hostages out of Lebanon. The mastermind, National Security Council official Oliver North, cooked up this elaborate scheme, inflating arms prices to generate extra funds for the Contras.

inside the Fairchild C-123 at El Avión

As part of this covert operation, the CIA bought several aircraft, including two Fairchild C-123s. They even built a secret airstrip on a massive American-owned ranch in northwest Costa Rica! The whole mission took a nosedive on October 5, 1986, when the sister plane of El Avión's C-123 was shot down over Nicaragua. The cargo operation hit a dead end, and the surviving Fairchild C-123 was abandoned at San José's International Airport.

Fast forward to August 2000: this abandoned plane was bought, taken apart, and transported in pieces to Quepos. The fuselage made its way via ocean ferry because it was too big for the local Chiquita Banana railroad bridges. After a bumpy ride up the Manuel Antonio hill, the Fairchild C-123 found its new home – transformed into the unique restaurant we know today as El Avión.

The Unique Ambiance of the Fairchild C-123 at El Avión

Walking into El Avión, you're greeted by an unforgettable sight. The fuselage of the Fairchild C-123 has been lovingly restored and turned into a cozy bar. Here, you can sip on a refreshing cocktail and soak in the historical vibes. The restaurant itself is spread around the plane, blending seamlessly with the stunning natural surroundings.

Whether you choose to sit inside the plane, at the bar, or out on the spacious deck, you’re in for a treat. The deck, especially, offers jaw-dropping panoramic views. Think shimmering ocean, vibrant sunsets, and the soothing sounds of waves and exotic birds. Dining here is truly a feast for all your senses.

Culinary Delights at the Fairchild C-123 at El Avión

Now, let’s talk food! While the setting is enough to draw you in, El Avión’s menu will keep you coming back. They serve up a delicious mix of traditional Costa Rican dishes, seafood, and international cuisine, so there’s something for everyone.

Kick off your meal with some appetizers like ceviche, made from the freshest local fish marinated in zesty lime juice, or indulge in patacones – crispy fried green plantains with a savory dip. For the main course, you can't go wrong with a classic casado. This traditional dish features rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein. Or, dive into a seafood platter that’s bursting with ocean-fresh flavors.

Vegetarians and vegans, rejoice! There are plenty of tasty options for you too, like the vibrant quinoa salad or a rich and flavorful vegetable curry. To wash it all down, El Avión offers a selection of Costa Rican beers, international wines, and tropical cocktails that perfectly capture the essence of the region.

The View

More Than Just a Meal

El Avión isn't just for history buffs and foodies; it's for anyone who loves a good story and a great meal in an extraordinary setting. It's where history meets the present, where everyday dining becomes an extraordinary adventure, and where every visit is a journey through time and taste. So, when you find yourself in Costa Rica, make sure to add El Avión to your itinerary. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on dining in the clouds at the Fairchild C-123 at El Avión!

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the Fairchild C-123 at El Avión