continued from san juan del sur HOME

Some people know her simply as the “Chicken Lady.” She even gets a mention in some of the travel guides such as Lonely Planet (That’s how I knew how to find her before I even got to SJDS).

Every day for seven years Vilma Alvarez has been setting up her charcoal grill in front of her home opposite the west end of the park and serving chicken, pork and beef accompanied by rice, salads and fresh juices. Her covered area can seat a dozen people but many of her customers order food to go.

Vilma the chicken lady (right) and her daughter Lucia will fix you up with their home cooking.

Vilma was born here in San Juan and has four boys and two girls ranging from 26 – 37 years old. Her 27-year-old daughter Lucia helps cook and serve over 25 pound of chicken, 15 pounds of beef and 10 pounds of pork every day. “I provide a good cheap meal” said Vilma. I asked her about the competition that has sprung up around town. “There are 5 of us now. I was the first to do chicken. I try to keep the same quality as when I started.” Vilma uses what she called “Natural Chicken, no additives.”

On one occasion I visited Vilma's I sat with Lucia who disappeared out the back for a few minutes. “Here, try this” she said when she returned, handing me what looked like a flattened golden brown doughnut.

“Its called a Boñuelo, made with grated yucca and dry cheese mixed together and formed into a patty, deep fried then covered in honey.” It was piping hot and delicious.

Vilma and I talked about the totally re- modeled central park in front of her business. “Its much better now, we have a nicer view and it’s much cleaner and tidier.”

I asked Vilma when she was going to retire and let Lucia take over. She smiled and said, “One day maybe, but I will always be watching.

Home: San Juan del Sur