Highly regarded Nosara design firm Lobo confirmed today that they have been chosen for the prestigious redesign of Alex’s Fish Market, one of the most beloved and authentic landmarks in Garza – and soon to be the only remaining authentic spot in Garza. As Nosara Lately reported last week, the recent Outpost Nosara purchase of Perozah is expected to result in the rapid and total gentrification of this quaint little seaside town. In a somewhat bizarre and desperate attempt to avoid the heavily-loaded oncoming truck of karma, Outpost Nosara also – simultaneously – bought Alex’s Fish Market – vowing to preserve the local landmark in order to “ensure the survival of Garza’s authentic vibe.”
Alex’s Fish Market – famous for its green cement walls and understated, tropical appearance – was designed by legendary local architect Donald Loria when Loria was just 15 years old. Outpost Nosara will leave the exterior of the building untouched, and – in a nod to the authentic vibe of Alex’s – will remove just eight of the seventeen freezers currently inside, in order to make room for a wine bar and a small dance floor. The dance floor was not part of the original Outpost vision, but Alex himself – intent upon competing with Black Marlin for the Friday night crowd – insisted on it. Negotiations nearly collapsed over this issue, but when Alex finally agreed to remove two more freezers, the impasse was resolved.
We spoke with Lobo about their upcoming redesign, and they seemed completely unfazed by the challenge awaiting them. Said the enigmatic and mysteriously thin founder of Lobo, Jaime Hawthorn. “We’re going to lean in to the freezers with our redesign – we are not going to hide them. The classic flat white surfaces, the flecks of rust and dried seafood – it’s the canvas that every designer dreams of. We feel the freezers perfectly embody the down-tempo Nordic vibe that has always been just beneath the surface at Alex’s. And at Lobo, we feel our job in this situation is to simply get out of the way and allow this vibe to fully emerge, adding just a few touches to weave the new space together. Natural fabrics. Reindeer skins. Wooden mead cups. A subtle wash of pagan symbols across the green cement walls. Tarps to hide the freezers. And twinkly lights. Can’t go wrong with twinkly lights.”
The Nordic vibe is clearly emerging as the zeitgeist of the New Garza. As we reported last week, legendary local DJ Hawk has committed to a full season of ABBA-themed live shows at the new Garza Conference Center. Volvos have recently been spotted in town. And with the new nonstop service twice per week between Amsterdam and Nosara, the Nordic nations seem quietly poised to do what their Viking ancestors never did: sit on reindeer skins at Alex’s, and chat up chicks from Garza.
