Silvia Abarca: A Costa Rican Culinary Success in the United States
Pérez Zeledón native celebrates nearly a decade of success with Lapa’s Costa Rican Bistro in Florida.
Silvia Abarca, a small business owner from Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica, has established herself in the United States with Lapa’s Costa Rican Bistro, located in Bonita Springs, Florida, approximately two hours from Miami.
Since its inception nearly 11 years ago, Abarca has been sharing authentic Costa Rican cuisine with a growing clientele.
Abarca's culinary journey began long before her move to the United States.
Inspired by her grandmother, she developed a passion for cooking that would later shape her career.
In 1998, after a visit prompted by a friend, she moved to the U.S. to explore new opportunities, eventually deciding to bring her four children to pursue this path.
Having lived in the U.S. for almost three decades, Abarca worked in various restaurants before envisioning her own.
In 2014, encouraged by her family’s shared desire, she launched Lapa’s Costa Rican Bistro.
At the time, Costa Rican cuisine was not well-known in the United States, with Abarca noting that only about 10% of her customers were Latino.
The bistro features a menu filled with traditional Costa Rican dishes such as chifrijo, arroz con pollo, olla de carne, and gallopinto, alongside items like nachos and guacamole.
Abarca has successfully adapted the menu to appeal to American tastes, focusing on homemade flavors and the freshness of ingredients.
Challenges accompanied Abarca's endeavors, particularly during the initial years when she longed for her family back home.
Recognizing the difficulty of starting a business in a foreign environment, she expressed the need for resilience, as customer expectations proved high.
Despite navigating the difficulties, including the COVID-19 pandemic and weather disruptions, Abarca maintained her commitment to culinary excellence.
Customer feedback facilitated continual improvement of the bistro, allowing Abarca's family to establish themselves in the community.
Their dedication has led to significant success, buoyed by the increasing global recognition of Costa Rican culture and cuisine.
Social media also played a crucial role in promoting the restaurant.
As Abarca approaches the eleven-year mark of her bistro's operation, she acknowledges the evolution of her culinary dream, stating that with support from the community and help from a skilled Mexican chef, Audiel Trejos, she has been able to create a beloved dining destination that represents the essence of her homeland.
Since its inception nearly 11 years ago, Abarca has been sharing authentic Costa Rican cuisine with a growing clientele.
Abarca's culinary journey began long before her move to the United States.
Inspired by her grandmother, she developed a passion for cooking that would later shape her career.
In 1998, after a visit prompted by a friend, she moved to the U.S. to explore new opportunities, eventually deciding to bring her four children to pursue this path.
Having lived in the U.S. for almost three decades, Abarca worked in various restaurants before envisioning her own.
In 2014, encouraged by her family’s shared desire, she launched Lapa’s Costa Rican Bistro.
At the time, Costa Rican cuisine was not well-known in the United States, with Abarca noting that only about 10% of her customers were Latino.
The bistro features a menu filled with traditional Costa Rican dishes such as chifrijo, arroz con pollo, olla de carne, and gallopinto, alongside items like nachos and guacamole.
Abarca has successfully adapted the menu to appeal to American tastes, focusing on homemade flavors and the freshness of ingredients.
Challenges accompanied Abarca's endeavors, particularly during the initial years when she longed for her family back home.
Recognizing the difficulty of starting a business in a foreign environment, she expressed the need for resilience, as customer expectations proved high.
Despite navigating the difficulties, including the COVID-19 pandemic and weather disruptions, Abarca maintained her commitment to culinary excellence.
Customer feedback facilitated continual improvement of the bistro, allowing Abarca's family to establish themselves in the community.
Their dedication has led to significant success, buoyed by the increasing global recognition of Costa Rican culture and cuisine.
Social media also played a crucial role in promoting the restaurant.
As Abarca approaches the eleven-year mark of her bistro's operation, she acknowledges the evolution of her culinary dream, stating that with support from the community and help from a skilled Mexican chef, Audiel Trejos, she has been able to create a beloved dining destination that represents the essence of her homeland.
