Humans aren’t very logical creatures. Sure, we like to pretend we’re rational beings. But as it turns out, our emotions drive more than 80% of our decision-making. You probably already know this, though. Maybe it’s why you bought that plane ticket to Costa Rica in the first place. Or perhaps it’s why you still call Costa Ballena home all these years later.

There was a definitive feeling you couldn’t ignore: an emotional pull to explore this patch of paradise, where lush jungle dissolves into unblemished beaches and sun-dappled afternoons give way to zesty cocktails at sundown. If you know, well — you know.

It’s now been four years since I opened Mosaic, and there’s still a question I hear on a near-daily basis: “What made you want to open a sushi and wine bar in Costa Rica, anyway?” My honest answer? I have no idea. There was absolutely no logical reason why I should open a restaurant in the jungle.

I had no experience working in the industry, save for a quick stint at a pizza place as a teen. Plus, I was already busy enough growing a digital marketing agency. But those pesky, decision-driving emotions are hard to quell once they rise to the surface. Again — if you know, you know.

What started as a whim quickly became an unshakeable mission: Create a comfortable space to relax with good food, great wine, and even better company. My initial ideations for Mosaic were quite different — and much less ambitious — than what we ultimately created.

I suppose that’s a blessing, or else logic might have made its rare appearance and stopped me in my tracks. Once opening Mosaic became a non-negotiable imperative, my next undertaking was to convince my sister-in-law to join me on the adventure.