Eye On Panama

Casita Margarita, Pedasi

EyeOnPanama.com — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:37:20 +0000

Casita Margarita is a 5-bedroom boutique hotel in Pedasi, Panama. Situated at the end of the picturesque Main Street right in downtown Pedasi, the location is ideal. Guests can easily drive or take a taxi to several nearby beaches, walk to restaurants, the town square and other points of interest.

The structure itself is a remodeled former home of a local carpenter and his family. Their grandmother was named Margarita, so we thought it fitting to name the hotel in her memory.

We did our best to maintain the authentic look and feel of the Los Santos Province’s rustic style. The home is Panama’s version of Spanish Colonial - tile roofing, locally made floor tiles, and lots of exotic hardwoods. We did our best to retain that feel while performing a lot of updating to provide guests an elegant yet comfortable experience.

The Search for the Perfect Burger in Panama

Naira Trix — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:16:02 +0000

Recently, during my daily perusal of the NY Times I saw a lengthy article on the makings of a perfect burger. While I usually spend my free time thinking about meatier things (such as the G-8 summit currently taking place), I figured if burgers were a good enough subject for the Times I could spend some time on them as well.

Until a couple of years ago burger-philes such as me, were shit out of luck here in Panama City. The offerings were rather poor and my burger escapades were populated with overcooked franchise fare. Meanwhile high end meat restaurants seemed to look down on the lowly burger preferring to focus their efforts on the USD40 cut of prime beef.

While I love a good burger I am loathe to actually make one myself. So I was over the moon when a few restaurants opened in the city that actually took their Burgers seriously.

Market, with its simple elegant interiors and bustling atmosphere, is not the typical burger joint. In fact it specializes in all types of beef dishes, but in my humble opinion the pinnacle of their menu is their burger. The focus here is the beef.

I often crassly tell my friends at dinner (especially the vegans) that when I eat a Market burger I feel the cow should be proud of itself; it died for a good cause. The chef at this place has mastered the perfect lean/fat ground beef ratio (70/30?) required for that melt in your mouth, small orgasm burger experience. No densely packed frozen meat, this stuff crumbles just right. I would love to actually ask them what their secret is (are they searing the meat and then baking it?!?).

What I love most about Market (even more than the burger itself) is the consistency. I eat there a lot (enough that the waiters are either smiling or smirking when they see me as in…”you again?”) and I have NEVER had a bad burger there. Even when travelling in large groups as young singles are wont to do the burgers have been satisfying for all the foodies at the table.

While the beef is excellent, the variety of toppings is limited. There are four different burgers at Market with the blue cheese and bacon laden Executive being the most gourmet of the lot. For burger purists, such as myself, this is actually a blessing; but given that burgers HAVE gone gourmet and variety is the spice of life you might be left wanting more condiments. If that’s the case you can now head over to Panamas first Burger lounge…

Burgues, is located on the same street as Market which is an odd choice, but hey if you ever plan to burger hop it will be a short walk. The decoration here is noteworthy as it mixes the now ubiquitous modern minimalism with some quirky details such as the slightly over the top chandeliers and gilded frames surrounding the many flat screens (which display an impressive collection of silent era porn. Kudos on that!). But back to the beef. Burgues does offer a lot of choices with regards to toppings you can toss on your patty. Starting with the basics you move from the common varieties (Mexican version) to the slightly rarer (stuffed) to the flat out over the top (Babaghanoush?) the options are very enticing. So much so, that this purist went for a stuffed burger, while my two fellow foodies went basic.

My cheese and bacon stuffed burger was delicious, the cheddar just oozed out of it with promise of flavor. Unfortunately as tasty as it was the beef got somewhat lost in the mix and the patty itself was a little dry when you factored in for the dripping cheese. Even though one of my friends still put Market firmly on top we found that overall however the burgers were satisfying and with the top notch quality of ingredients (the cheese, bless em!) this place is on its way to becoming the go to for burger joint, they might just have to toy with their ratio (60/40?). J

A word on Franchise burgers!

Before this article went to press (or net) a very good friend of mine whose opinion I respect made a sort of apologia in favor of the local franchise burgers. Namely she mentioned the Friday’s burger which is supposed to be made with prime Angus beef. My recent experiences with their burgers haven’t been great with all the patties having the tell tale densely packed nature of a frozen burger (not to mention the processed cheddar, blegh!) When ground beef gets too densely packed it gets that unsightly flaky dry appearance that just screams “I’ve been deprived of my life juices”. BUT foodie friend claims to have had some better experiences recently so they may be on the up and up. The quality of the food at TGIF in is so inconsistent though, I hesitate to give this burger my full backing (even though I indulge in TGIF comfort fare as much as the next person!)

For my money, Market is still the best. A burger joint ought to be defined by the basic cheeseburger and honestly at 6.95$ it doesn’t get any better than Market in this city. Order it medium and marvel at the fact that a hunk of beef can produce such pleasure.

If you don’t agree with Market being tops, bring it! Let me know where to go, I’m always up for a burger J.

Next I’m on the hunt for the best steaks in Panama. I have been to several of the well known steakhouses and had some great cuts, but specifically I’m looking to find a place where they dry age their meat at least 21 days. Suggestions are welcome!!

Note: Before I get some rants on this: I haven’t tried the San Carlos burger joint people murmur about… but I will follow up. Apparently that is the best burger outside the city (and depending on whom you ask: the whole country).

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Los Cuatro Tulipanes — Casco Viejo Apartment Rentals

EyeOnPanama.com — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:41:18 +0000

Tired of the sterile hotel rooms and malfunctioning electronic swipe cards? Already been to the Marriott or the Hilton or the Radisson in every other country? If you’re looking to experience Panama City – the real flavors, sounds, and colors – outside the windows of a tour bus, experience Los Cuatro Tulipanes Boutique Apartments in Casco Viejo Panama: Panama City’s alternative to generic luxury accommodations.

With the help of Los Cuatro Tulipanes, choose from a small fleet of luxury apartments, ranging from one bedroom to three, all fully furnished and wired for the ultimate traveler. Whether a corporate visit or that long-awaited vacation, these apartments located in the UNESCO World Heritage neighborhood of Casco Viejo combine the pleasantries of hotel living with the privacy and intimacy of being a local. All Los Cuatro Tulipanes apartments include daily maid service, a full-time concierge, and proximity to Casco Viejo’s top new restaurants and bars – a long cross-bay cry from the towering skyscrapers and drab streets of downtown Panama City.

Experience Panama City as savvy travelers have now for years by staying in Casco Viejo. Breezy plazas, cobblestone streets, and a sense of old-world charm. Casco Viejo might very well be the most interesting neighborhood in the Americas, and Los Cuatro Tulipanes Apartment Rentals is the medium to take advantage of it all.

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Articles about Casco Viejo:
Cartagena, Colombia vs Casco Viejo, Panama Historic Districts
Orient Yourself to Casco Viejo
Walking Tour of Casco Viejo

Business in Casco Viejo:
Super G
Cafe Havana
La Puerta De Tierra
Ego y Narciso

Relic- The New Top Party Spot in Panama

EyeOnPanama.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:19:28 +0000

Finally a chill bar to go hang out at in Panama City! Relic is unique because it simply and tastefully delivers on all fronts. It mixes a good location with a pleasant ambience. It plays eclectic music at appropriate decibel levels and has proper mood lighting. It offers just the right amount of space to socialize and serves a variety of drinks at reasonable prices. Most bars, clubs and casinos in Panama City do a few things right, but can never quite get it all together in one shot. The prices may be OK, but it’s too loud, or they have a weak alcohol selection. Others charge too much and restrict their clientele demographic. Relic aims to please the masses, and please it does.

In the everyday-more-trendy neighborhood of Casco Viejo, Relic occupies the basement and courtyard area of Luna’s Castle hostel. Entering from the street and descending a spiral staircase brings you to the dimly lit and A/C cooled bar area. Antique-inspired lamps, original exposed-stone walls and natural driftwood tables and stools create a dark yet comfortable feel. Asymmetrical mirrors coupled with a glass liquor display behind the long and high bar top add a sophisticated look. Two glass doors open up to a wide courtyard filled with sculptures, plants, tables and benches, letting you breathe fresh air, visit with friends and enjoy the starry night sky.

Website: RelicBar.com

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La Musa De Chai- Puerto Rican Fusion Cusine

EyeOnPanama.com — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:32:38 +0000

La Musa de Chai - Art. Music. Cafe.

We have definitely been blessed, here at EyeOnPanama.com, to have such an incredible reader base. You all let us know about fantastic places around Panama all the time, and it is our treat to share with the rest of you the gems that we encounter along the way. With that said, La Musa de Chai is one of those gems.

La Musa de Chai means the Muse of Life- Chai meaning alive in Hebrew. While the owners dont actually speak Hebrew, but they do appreciate the deeper symbolism and meaning of the word. They also love Chai tea (they have a really good one).

The decor, theme and personality of the cafe is based on the individual and combined inspirations of the husband and wife owners; good food, Puerto Rican culture, art, books, games, music, sports and humor. The menu is described as a “quick bite menu”, with gourmet sandwiches and tapas, making it easy to order several and share between friends and family (this way you get to try many of the dishes, as most are delicious!).

With great food must come great drinks, and La Musa de Chai not only has the classics, but some exotic libations as well. Spiced red sangria is the house specialty, and their white sangria and lychee martinis are not to be missed. They carry a good selection of Puerto Rican drinks also, of which the P.R. rum and coconut milk was really good.

La Musa de Chai is committed to a combination of awesome food, good personalized service and a great laid back atmosphere. Check them out sometime soon.

La Musa De Chai’s Facebook Page
Phone: (507) 394-7445

Check Out La Musa de Chai’s Specials

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Via Argentina, El Cangrejo
Panamá, Panama, (Frente al Banco HSBC — In front of HSBC)

La Musa De Chai in the news:
La Prensa

Mon - Wed:
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Thurs - Sat:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Bilingual: Yes, fluent in both English and Espanol
WiFi: Yes
Parking: Street

Price Range: 0-$10

Panama Food Restaurant Reviews

Services:
Takes Reservations
Walk-Ins Welcome
Good For Groups
Good For Kids
Take Out
Delivery
Catering
Waiter Service

Specialties:
Lunch
Dinner
Coffee
Drinks

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Take a look at their menu:

Antojitos

Tuna Tartare bañado en gengibre con aguacate/ Ginger marinated tuna tartare with avocado $8.50

Spring rolls de chorizo con queso mozarella y salsa agridulce/ Chorizo spring rolls with mozarella and sweet and sour sauce $6

Bolitas de mofongo con alioli picamte/ Mashed plantain fritters with spicy alioli $5.50

Hummus servido con pan tostado/ with toasted bread $4.50

Bacalaitos con salsa tártara de cilantro/ Cod fritters with cilantro tartar sauce $3.50

Pinchos de filete servidos con salsa de albahaca/ Fillet skewers served with albahaca sauce $7.50

Langostinos con puré de yuca & camote con mojo de aguacate & papaya/ Sprawns with mashed viandas and avocado & papaya mojo $9.75

Emparedados/ Sandwiches
Servidos con chips de yuca hechos en casa /Served with homemade yuca chips

Tripleta puertorra/ Triple meat sandwich $6.50/ 1/2 $4
¡Pal’ hambriento! Jamón, bistec y pollo. ¡Yumm!/ For the truly hungry! Pork, biftec and chicken. Yumm!!

Un cubano de verda’/ A real Cuban sándwich $6.75/ 1/2 $4.25
Pernil y jamón ahumado en la receta original traida de La Habana/ Roast pork and smoked ham in the original recipe brought from La Habana

La Musa Marina/ The Marine Muse $5.50/ 1/2 $3.50
Filete de corvina marinada con jengibre a la plancha con mayonesa de especies / Grilled ginger marinated corvina fillet with our spiced mayonaise

El pollo a la Chai/ Chicken a la Chai $7.25 1/2 $4.50
Tierna pechuga de pollo con queso mozarella y pesto de la casa / Tender chicken breast with mozarella cheese and house pesto

Hamburguesa con queso / Homemade cheeseburger $6.50 bacon $.50
Hamburguesa de 8 onzas hecha en casa / 8 oz homemade hamburger.

Sopa y Ensalada/ Soup & salad

El jardín de la musa/ The Muse’s Garden $5.50 / chica $2
Nuestra ensalada mixta con vinagreta hecha en casa/ Our mixed house salad with homemade vinagrette

La Musa en cuchara/ A spoonful of Muse $3.50/ chica $2
Calienta el alma con nuestra sopa del día/ Warm your soul with our soup of the day

Dulces Tentaciones/ Sweet temptations

La Musa de Char/ Char’s Muse $3.50
Nuestro postre especial del día/ Our special dessert of the day

Flambée de frutas con helado de vainilla/ Fresh fruit flambée with vanilla ice cream $4

Bebidas calientitas/ Hot drinks

Té Chai de La Musa/ Chai tea of The Muse $1.95
Delicioso té de especies con leche/ Delicious spiced tea with milk
Expreso $1..25 Capuchino $1.50 Té/ Tea $1.25

Bebidas Naturales
Limonada/ Limonade $2
Jugos naturales $2
Ponche tropical/ Tropical Punch $2.50

Batido y licuado

¿Cuál es tu Musa? / What is your Muse? $3.50
Combina tus frutas de temporada con nuestra selección de ingredientes/ Combine your favorite seasonal fruits with a variety of ingredients

Dolce Coffee House

EyeOnPanama.com — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:28:30 +0000

The Dolce (pronounced ‘dol-che’) Coffee House on Via Argentina is completely unique here in Panama City. Owned and operated by Ma’ (that is what everyone calls her- we don’t even know her real name) and her son Jason, this is one cafe that must not be missed if you find yourself in need of a good home-cooked meal.

It seems like coffee shops in Panama City are a dime a dozen, but Dolce Coffee House brings something special to the table (pun!). Yeah, sure, the coffee is good, but where in Panama can you get a bad cup? No, the real reason to go (and return again and again) to the Dolce Coffee House is their home-made-with-love comfort food and pastries. The Shepard’s Pie is delicious, and the Macaroni and four-cheese is just like mama used to make back home. They are always making their most popular dishes, but they also have a slightly ADD chef in Jason, who is always making and rotating in and out new and tasty dishes. The cookies and brownies are by themselves worth the walk.

Another reason to visit Dolce is their special events, where they put on a spread for all sorts of different occasions. You can count on a proper Thanksgiving feast each and every November (October for the Canadian nationals here!), complete with roast turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and all the fixins’.

The decor of Dolce could be called by some “Urban Country Bumpkin,” but I call it homey. Wooden tables and chairs, a comfy couch perfect for enjoying your coffee and waiting out a Panamanian Agua Cero (heavy rain), and several bookcases where you can exchange your just-finished novel for free adorn the restaurant. The whole package comes together to make an environment that is relaxing and comforting, especially if you are having a bit of home-sickness.

Hours:
8am - 10pm Monday thru Saturday
8am - 6pm Sunday

Website: Click Here to go to Facebook Fan Page

Email: dolcecoffeehouse@gmail.com

Phone Number: 394-2300

Language: English and Espanol

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Super G — The Spot To Be

EyeOnPanama.com — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:30:48 +0000

Super G, also known as Super Gourmet, has been a landmark in Casco Viejo for several years now, originating in Bocas Del Toro, where its sister store, which has been around for the better part of a decade, still remains. With its chill vibe, abundant air-conditioning, free wi-fi, and a deli that serves up some of Casco’s best sandwiches and salads, it is one of our favorite places to stop for a quick bite while exploring the old city. And we are not alone. In fact, Super G attracts its customers from all over Panama City, from Howard to Tocumen.

While Super G’s delicious deli treats and fresh cookies and pastries are reason enough to make the trip, we must not forget that Super G is also a well-stocked grocery, carrying a wide selection of meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, wines and liquors, cooking supplies, snacks, and much, much more. In fact, one of the reasons Super G has such a loyal customer base is that it carries products that you cannot find anywhere else in Panama. They have recently added gourmet espresso coffee, frappes, fresh fruit juices and batidos, as well as hand-made cigars to their product selection.

Owner Blayne Ladner is often hanging out in his store, chatting with friends and bringing his sense of Southern hospitality to Panama.

Unknown to most, Super G also does catering for events, big and small. Having a working lunch at your office and need to feed your staff? Let Super G take care of all of the preparations and deliver to you a delicious, nutritious medley of gourmet dishes and drinks. Going on a picnic? Super G can set you up with a basket of goodies that will make your day at the beach even more perfect.

Hours:
7am -7pm Monday - Saturday
10am -3pm Sundays

Website: http://www.supergourmetcasco.com/

Email: blayne@supergourmetcasco.com

Phone Number: 212-3487

Language: English and Espanol.

Super G referenced articles:
Orient Yourself To Casco Viejo
Walking Tour Of Casco Viejo

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Cafe Havana - Getting Classy in Casco Viejo

Cabanga — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:50:13 +0000

The newly opened Cafe Havana offers an excellent selection of drinks at fair prices in a convenient new location in Casco Viejo. The main draw to Havana’s is the wide variety of rum and specialty drinks, but there are also plenty of different beers and wines available to satisfy the thirsts of all customers. Havana’s offers the full gamut of Caribbean-style libation options. Well drinks with the house liquors won’t break the budget, while even the most discriminating of connoisseurs will be satisfied with some of the highest-shelf bar options that you can find in all of Panama. Cafe Havana also has a number of different food items, for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Fitting into the historical colonial architecture of Casco Viejo, the decoration and design inside Havana’s creates a warm ambience that reminisces to the classic elements of the music, history and culture of Cuba. From the old photos, advertisements and artwork covering the walls to the chairs, tables and bar within, Havana’s creates a classy and comfortable environment perfect for relaxing and enjoying good drinks and conversation with friends.

Best Nights: Weekends, but can be good mid-week due to hotel spill over

Cover: No

Dress Code: Casual

Crowd: Alot of Westerns because of the nearby hostel and hotels, well-to-do Panamanians

Music: Latin/Salsa

Price: $2.50 for a National beer and $5-up for specialty drinks

After Hours: No and closes at 2am.

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Cerrito Tropical B&B Inn

EyeOnPanama.com — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:04:44 +0000

Cerrito Tropical Bed and Breakfast Inn on Isla Taboga is an incredible place to spend a few days escaping the city. And when I say escaping, I think most of you know what I mean. Escaping the city traffic (Taboga has maybe 5 cars on the island), the noise and pollution, the heat, the over-stimulation. Occasionally it gets too much. Which is why we find ourselves enduring hours of traffic to get out to places like Santa Clara and Farallon every other weekend, and even more time trying to return to the city on the Pan-American parking lot on Sunday afternoon.

It does not need to be this way, my friends. Recently, we found out about a little B&B on Isla Taboga (which is only a one-hour boat ride away from the city= no driving nor traffic coming back) that offers all of the escape, peace, security and relaxation that one could want on their weekend retreat.

The Cerrito Tropical B&B Inn on Isla Taboga is by far the best choice for vacation accommodation on the island. Located up a hill overlooking the city, surrounded by Mango trees, where cool breezes and beautiful views of Taboga Bay create an environment that is both relaxing and rejuvenating; you can spend a day, a weekend, or an entire month or more enjoying and exploring an island rich with history, culture, and nature. You can pass your days exploring Taboga’s beaches, snorkeling among the abundant fish that call Taboga home, trekking around the island on trails that pirates like Captain Morgan, Captain Townley and Spanish Conquistadors used to roam, or you can just sink into a hammock and read for hours, relishing the serenity so easily found on this local treasure.

The Cerrito Tropical has several different options for their guests, all of which come standard with a full breakfast of fresh tropical fruits, eggs, toast, juices, rich Panama coffee and gourmet teas. Prices start at $75 for one of their 3 B&B rooms, and they also have one and two bedroom apartments available for larger groups and longer stays (rates vary seasonally. Their in-house chef prepares some delicious meals for their guests and visitors; he offers choices from sea bass filet with savory creole sauce, fresh jumbo shrimp in garlic butter, to home-made hamburgers & seafood burritos – a vegetarian plate too. The staff is super friendly, and always willing to go out of their way to make your stay at Cerrito Tropical comfortable and relaxing. For the more adventurous guests, the staff will organize a boat excursion where you can tour the island, find the best snorkeling, or go fishing.

For more information about Cerrito Tropical, and to contact them to make reservations, please check out their webpage at http://www.cerritotropicalpanama.com/index.html.

Cerrito Tropical

Contact Info:

Cynthia Cudmore-Mulder and Hiddo Mulder

Website: www.cerritotropicalpanama.com

Email: info@cerritotropicalpanama.com

Phone Number: (507) 390-8999; (507) 6489-0074

USA Fax: 1-313-486-8316

Language: English and Espanol, and by written correspondence (not onsite) Dutch, German, French.

Mailing Address:
PO BOX/APDO 0832-2565 World Trade Center, Panama

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Prive — Be Privy to Prive

Cabanga — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:45:26 +0000

Standing out against the club-heavy draws of Calle Uruguay, Prive is a mellower alternative that provides good music and good times without sacrificing quality or style. Prive creates a swanky environment with white lighting and clean and modern interior design. Different from the clubs, Prive does not charge a cover to enter, but it does enforce a dress code and does not take it easy with the prices. But in Prive you get what you pay for, and though it may cost you, they will be certain to provide you some of the best martinis and specialty drinks in all of Panama.

Prive is a good spot to mix into the evening, great for a couple drinks after dinner, before hitting up the town for dancing late into the night. On most weekend nights you will find a live DJ keeping the party moving, but they usually create a lounge scene with down tempo lounge and electronic music just to keep heads bobbing. With this in mind, Prive works as a good spot to meet people, as it is quiet enough to start up and maintain a conversation, giving you time to find recruits for some heavier partying later on.

Best Nights: Weekends, and Tuesday

Dress Code: Yes. Dress to Impress or the door man( Raul) will turn you away

Cover: No

Crowd: Yuppi and Ye-Ye

Music: Lounge/House

Price: $4-10 a drink

Bottle Service: Yes starting from $60

After Hours: No. Generally dies down at 2am

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