After 25 years of sailing, the only things worth while bringing are small zip locs of spices--silly to buy a big jar and use only a few teaspoons. I live in the NYC area and can tell you that the Rite Way Pasea is as good an any sophisticated urban market--gluten free, organic, you name it. And alcohol--any type and great selection is Ticos cash and carry behind Rite Way (a misnomer they accept credit cards)and much cheaper than anything you would buy in the states Also, its a good time to experiment with some of the local ingredients that you may not use at home. I learned, early on, that thinly sliced yucca makes outstanding "potato chips"!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />