Introducing the new Primi restaurant in Panama City. Primi´s gastronomic offerings definitely have Mediterranean and Spanish accents. The use of premium and fresh ingredients is the basis for the preparation of all the dishes. The remarkable - and organic – Panamanian produce is pampered with care and simplicity so that each product remains its original flavor, with the master touch of the kitchen. The restaurant has a cosy eclectic room, a modern bar and a cool terrace, several environments that allow for a range of options to the most demanding client. It also boasts two private rooms - bathroom included – for those meetings that require some privacy.

Primi is located on Calle 66, #73, San Francisco, in Panama City. Telephone: 396.8398. Primi is open Monday through Saturday from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm lunch, and then from 7:00 pm until 11:00 pm for dinner.

Please visit our website at www.primi.com.pa. Thank you for thinking of Primi. (more - photos, map)   Click Here To Read The Full Article (1 words)

Fenicia Restaurant & Hookah Lounge is a great choice for excellent food and atmosphere. We have a wide variety of dishes ranging from authentic Lebanese cuisine to some of the best sushi in town, as well as great American Angus steaks and much more.

Fenicia Restaurant & Hookah Lounge is distinguished as having the best hookahs in town with a menu of over 35 flavors that our customers enjoy every day. We not only offer an extensive menu of food and hookahs, we also offer a diverse selection of national and international liqueurs, beers and wines. Every day we have promotions and events, such as our world renowned DJ Jamie Van Goulden every Saturday from 10:30 PM and on, bringing you the best live mixes.

If you're looking for great food in the best environment, you'll find it at Fenicia Restaurant and Hookah Lounge.

To learn more about the Fenicia Restaurant & Hookah Lounge, please visit our Facebook page, visit our website at www.restaurantefenicia.com, call us at 269-0188, or via email to nelson@restaurantefenicia.com. We open at 11:30 am every day to cater to our lunch clients, we close at 1:00 am (in the morning) Sunday through Thursday, and we stay open until 3:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights. We are located in downtown Panama City, basically behind the "Rey" supermarket on Via España, across the street diagonally from the Continential Hotel.



   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Chris Burillo from Panama Food Box Delivery brought our first load of fresh fruits and vegetables over to the house this morning. I handed this off to my wife Rossana, because she knows what we have in the house, what we need, and what she wants to cook with. Rossana is a "soup wizard" and cooks up any number of wonderful recipes. She ordered up a mix of half fruits and have veggies for soups, and she made a good point. It's hard to stay on a diet and eat well when you run out of something and have to make a special trip to the grocery store to pick up just one missing ingredient. She's really happy with this new service -we're ordering about $20 bucks worth of fruits and veggies every week. It's certainly convenient, that's for sure...

Contact: Chris Burillo - Visit their website: www.chrisburillo.com. Email Chris: cburillo@chrisburillo.com or call cell phone 6493-5524.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

Introducing Panama Food Box Delivery: The first food box delivery service in Panama City. We offer a collection of different food box combinations, including tropical fruits, vegetables and roots. You can order food boxes for yourself only or as a regular fruit and vegetable supply for your whole family. To ensure freshness we select your vegetables and fruits the day before the delivery, and in some cases the very same day! It tastes better when it’s fresh!

Food Box Options: We currently have 18 fruit boxes, but you can customize all of them by replacing any item for another or adding additional items. It’s your choice! Just let us know what you want in your box.

Food Box Add-ons: Add-ons are really a bargain! Check out this week’s add-ons:

How does it work? Ordering with us is really simple:

• Step 1: Check out our food box collection in our website www.chrisburillo.com !
• Step 2: Choose the food boxes you are interested in and call us or send us an email requesting the boxes you want. Remember to mention if you’d like any add-on to your box.
• Step 3: We will call you to go over your order and to take the delivery address information, and that’s it! You have placed your order
• Step 4: Make your payment in cash the day of the delivery.

Thinking about throwing a boat party? – Surprise your guests with fresh green coconuts, pineapples, papayas, and citrus fruits while touring the Panama Bay! Kick-it-up another botch and order strawberries and cherries too!

Contact: Chris Burillo - Visit our Website: www.chrisburillo.com. Email me: cburillo@chrisburillo.com Mobile (on-the-road): +507 6493-5524

   

Street markets have become an option to save a little money, faced with the rising costs of basic food items. Some people have told TVN news they want the government to freeze the prices of basic food items, or to re-establish price regulation. For their part, producers (farmers) asked for more support so they can stay in business. (TVN)

Editor's Comment: These "free markets" are basically just places where the farmers sell their products directly to consumers, cutting out the middlemen of store owners. They are established with the support and help from the government. These kinds of things started during the administration of Martin Torrijos, probably because he thought he could do some economic harm to guys like Ricardo Martinelli, who owns a chain of supermarkets. Surprisingly, Martinelli has greatly expanded the program because it's a good thing for the poor in the country. There are not many people giving Martinelli the credit he deserves for these kinds of programs, and other similar types of projects as well, that have a direct and substantial impact on the day-to-day lives of the poorest people in this country. Martinelli "gets it." The rich have the money, but the poor have the votes. Most of what he's doing in this administration are things aimed to help them, not the rich.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received today via email: "Hi Don, really appreciate Panama-Guide! I was wondering if you would do an article on "proper" tipping practices. We have lived in Panama for a couple years and I am still very confused on it -- I want to be kind and not a rude gringo, but I also don't want to be a stupid sucker throwing away money. I searched the archives, but didn't find much. I think many would appreciate your help on this subject. Thanks for your consideration, and keep up the great work. MD."

Editor's Comment: Great question. In the United States people generally tip more than in Panama. But at the same time in many places the cost of food or eating out is less here than there. I can only speak from personal experience because there really is no accepted standard - some Panamanians tip more, some less, some not at all. About 10% seems to be about the standard, especially in the larger restaurants and places that cater more to rich Panamanians and foreigners than poor locals. So, I sort of start off at about 10%, but then adjust that depending on the level of service provided. If the service sucked, then I have no qualms whatsoever with getting up, paying my bill, and leaving with no tip whatsoever. If the service was excellent then I'll leave more than 10%. Restaurant workers and people in the food service industry work really hard and they count on the tips to make ends meet. At the same time, in my opinion anyway, tips should be both earned and deserved. The jobs in bars and restaurants that cater to foreigners are most sought after, because the service personnel know they are better tippers. The bottom line is - just do what feels right - and you can't be wrong no matter what. And of course if the waitress is smoking hot, then all bets are off. Just hand her your wallet - which would be cheaper than marrying her. (grin)

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

The Produce Market, currently located in the village of Curundú, will be moved to the old Antenna Field in Chivo Chivo in October 2013. The Secretariat of the Cold Chain, which is in charge of the project, said construction of the new structure is about to begin. The new produce market for the sale of fruits, vegetables and meats will be called the "Merca Panama" will cost $124 million dollars to build, will be occupied by current tenants from the current Produce Market and associations in the agricultural sector. Fernando Duque, Secretary of the Cold Chain, said the system, in its first phase, will have four four post harvest handling facilities and a network of eight public markets across the country. The implementation of this new business logistics platform, according to Duque, will ensure the supply of fresh and processed foods with quality assurance for consumers. The construction and fitting out of produce markets in David, La Chorreram and Colon, also have already been tendered. (Siglo)

   

Bocas Celebrates Thanksgiving ! HEAR YE HEAR YE Thanksgiving Buffet Feast at the Cosmic Crab Cafe Isla Carenero Thursday November 24 2- 7pm Roast Turkey Harvest Salad, Spicy Pumpkin Soup Mashed Potatoes & Cabernet Giblet Gravy Rosemary Roasted Parmesan Encrusted Potatoes Herb Bread, Cheesy Jalapeno Corn Bread, Orange Cranberry Muffins Apple Walnut Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Roasted Herb Garlic Cranberry Ambrosia with Apples,Oranges,Pineapple & Walnuts Sesame Glazed Carrots & Green Beans, Broccoli Casserole MacNificent Macaroni & Smoked Cheddar Cheese Grilled Corn Casserole, Wild Rice Pilaf Brownie & Ginger Cookie Pumpkin Pie Strawberry Apple Rhubarb Crumble Granny Crabtree's Homemade Apple Pie $16.95 including complimentary glass of Fruity Cinnamon Sangria, Spiced Pumpkin Apple Cider with Rum, Beer, Wine or Soft Drink ($5.00 Children 5-10 yrs) ….And for a VERY special Holiday Treat try our Spiced Pumpkin Pie Martini, Homemade Apple Pie Martini OR Chocolate Pecan Pie Martini $5.00 OVER THE WATER DINING WITH HOLIDAY AMBIANCE Reservations Recommended 757 9157 careeningcay@yahoo.com Careening Cay Resort / Cosmic Crab Cafe Isla Carenero Bocas del Toro Panama Joan & Stephen Crabtree    

(From- The Visitor) Where to celebrate this special day in Panama - Thanksgiving celebrations are taking place throughout Panama City. This United States tradition is perhaps the most widely accepted North American holiday in Panama, where this special day is embraced and celebrated by many in Panamanian society. Here is a look at some of the options that diners have to enjoy turkey and gravy on Thursday, November 24 – Thanksgiving Day:

InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa Located across the Bridge of the Americas, Playa Bonita is an attractive beachfront resort that will offer a Thanksgiving buffet from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for $28.50 per person that includes a glass of champagne. Call 211-8500 extension 6026 for reservations.

Crowne Plaza Panama - The Crowne Plaza Hotel, located near the El Carmen Church, will offer a Thanksgiving buffet from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and includes "open" wine and sangria, making this a venue to drink up! Reservations can be made emailing banquetscrowne@cppanama.com or by calling 206-5555.

InterContinental Miramar Panama - The Miramar, located between Balboa Avenue and the Cinta Costera on Panama City's sparkling waterfront, will offer live music to accompany the traditional Thanksgiving stuffed turkey buffet at the Bay View Restaurant from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at a cost of $26 per person. Those who want to begin celebrating Thanksgiving just a little bit earlier can stop in for a Thanksgiving lunch buffet too, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Make reservations calling 214-8888 extension 6073.

Gamboa Rainforest Resort - Gamboa Resort, located on the scenic waters of Lake Gatun along the Panama Canal just 25 minutes from downtown Panama City, will offer a special Thanksgiving buffet dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at its El Corotú Restaurant for $25 per person. This price includes a glass of wine or champagne. Call 314-5000 for reservations.

In Boquete - Thanksgiving dinner is a treasured tradition at the Panamonte Inn and Spa in Boquete, looked forward to by local and foreign residents alike. The celebration begins with cocktails and appetizers at 6.00 p.m. followed by a raffle at 6.30 p.m.and buffet dinner at 7.00 p.m. Cost is $43.00 per person.

In Boquete, in addition to Panamonte’s dinner, both Sabor Escondido (in Valle Escondido) and The Rock are offering Thanks giving dinners for c. $25 per person.

Holiday Inn - Located in the City of Knowledge just minutes from the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center at the Panama Canal, the Holiday Inn is celebrating its "Thanksgiving Inn" dinner from 6:30 to 1030 p.m. for $23.60 per person. Reservations can be made calling 317-4000.

The Executive Hotel - Located in the banking area the Executive Hotel offers a 3 course Thanksgiving dinner consisting of a starter, main dish of glazed ham and stuffed turkey with three side dishes, dessert of pecan pie followed by coffee or tea. Cost is $16.95 per person

Hotel El Panamá - Situated on Vía España, the venerable Hotel El Panama will celebrate Thanksgiving with a lunch at $23 per person and dinner at $26 per person.

Hotel Riu - This elegant new hotel on Calle 50 is offering a Thanksgiving buffet for lunch from noon to 3 p.m. at a cost of $24.75 per person and dinner in the Pastes Restaurant with a special menu from 6.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. at a cost of $32 per person.

Plaza Paitilla Inn - Located in Punta Paitilla, the Plaza Paitilla Inn presents a Thanksgiving lunch in their Corales Restaurant at $15.95 per person.

Marriot - The Marriot Hotel in the banking area offers a Thanksgiving buffet lunch from 12.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. for $23.50 per person and dinner from 6.00 p.m. to midnight with live music at a cost of $32.00 per person.

Sheraton - Located on Vía Israel and Calle 77 San Francisco, the Sheraton Hotel celebrates Thanksgiving with a buffet lunch and dinner. Lunch from 11.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. and dinner from 6.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. both at a cost of $27.95

Editor's Comment: And don't forget about the earlier article posted about the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Thanksgiving day feast at the Balboa Yacht Club for $15 a head. Gobble, gobble.

Copyright 2011 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

#Panama - The traditional "arroz con guandú" (rice and peas), prepared in many homes in Panama, may be conspicuously absent from Christmas and New Years celebrations this year. It is anticipated that because of the “antracnosis” fungus in the guavas of these plantations, the price per pound could exceed $5. Humidity is a factor that stimulates outbreaks of the disease, which in turn is causing a shortage of peas across the country, said Edwin Silvera, the Director of Legumes of the Ministry of Agricultural Development. Today, peas are being sold at traffic lights in Panama City in half pound bags for $2. In supermarkets peas are being sold in the can for between $1.20 and $ 1.50, depending on the brand, which is enough to cook about two cups of rice. Given the high levels of inflation, it is advisable to replace the products for the holiday season that are more expensive than normal, said Yakarta Rios, the President of the Committee on Ethical Consumption. They suggest people could buy the peas now, ahead of time, at more affordable prices and keep them in the freezer. An acceptable alternative for the pocketbook and the palate is canned peas, Rios said. (Dia a Dia)

Editor's Comment: So, the unusually high levels of rainfall caused an increase in the levels of infestation of this fungus, which damaged the crop and is now causing prices to rise. Watch carefully. Between now and Christmas this will be used as an example of "inflation" and political opponents will blame Martinelli. Hey man, this is important stuff. You can't mess with "arroz con guandú" at Christmas time. Really, it's like saying no pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.