Grocery Stores in Panama

Penonomé, Coclé Province, Panamá
www.UncoverPanama.com

Whoa!  Why is someone writing a blog about grocery stores on a travel site?  What a mundane topic.  We all look forward to a fun filled tropical, sunny vacation, what do grocery stores have to do with any of the enjoyable plans we have?

 

As with most people we wonder what our rooms will be like, what is the beach like, what adventures can we have.  After the first day or two enjoying the beautiful beaches, great surf and a few Pina Coladas, our attention turns to more mundane matters.  After all, there is a practical side to every vacation.  If you are not staying in an ‘All Inclusive’ a very logical question is ‘Where do we buy food?’

As with most people we wonder what our rooms will be like, what is the beach like, what adventures can we have. 

After the first day or two enjoying the beautiful beaches, great surf and a few Pina Coladas, our attention turns to more mundane matters.  After all, there is a practical side to every vacation.  If you are not staying in an ‘All Inclusive’ a very logical question is ‘Where do we buy food?’

Several of our friends Stateside have had many questions to ask of us about Panama and often asked are questions like  ‘’Does Panama have ‘Real’ grocery stores?’’  “Can you get fresh fruit and vegetables”  etc. 

The answer is a resounding YES!!!

When we first came to this tropical paradise, we found ‘El Rey’ in Coronado approximately 30 kilometres to the East of us.  At the time, it was the only grocery store around.   Equidistant from us in the opposite direction is Penonome which had no large grocery stores but did have a smaller store called Machetazo.  Nowadays however, it is a very different story and Coronado boasts three good sized modern shopping centres, each with a grocery store.
 
f you need groceries, medications, suntan lotions, and / or just about any kind of general necessity you don’t have to look very hard. A large Super 99 is close by while a brand new shopping centre has been built on the other side of the highway with a large Machetazo which occupies three floors. It not only sells wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables, boasts a butcher’s, baker’s and a well stocked deli counter, but it also sells all kinds of household goods, electronics, clothes and hardware.

While there are numerous wonderful cafes, bars and restaurants in Coronado, tucked away in a corner of Machetazo is a little cafeteria we visit every time we shop there.  Here you can have a really great, inexpensive lunch cafeteria style, including an excellent choice of main courses, salads and desserts.

Penonome has its own Machetazo store just on its eastern outskirts, not quite as large as the newer one in Coronado but amply stocked with the same types of items, and there is a very large, 24 hour, Super 99 across the other side of town.  In between you will find all kinds of shops selling everything you could possibly imagine.  Apart from all of this, in Penonome there is  a bustling fresh produce and meat market, numerous  pharmacies, a casino, a brand new movie theatre, university, hospital, clinics, many wonderful restaurants and bars and it seems like there is a bank on almost every corner.

So when you come here on vacation, there is no need to worry about food shopping, supplies for the BBQ or suchlike. It is all here in spades. Come and enjoy yourself, take in all that is on offer here in this wonderful part of the world and hopefully this ‘Grocery’ blog will enlighten you to the resources available for your shopping pleasure.

Incredible Culinary Experience at Miraflores Locks Restaurant

Story by Tamara Rowe
Photos by Tamara Rowe
www.UncoverPanama.com

Almost every visitor to Panamá will take in one of the great Wonders of the World, the Panamá Canal.  Between the Bridge of the Americas and The Centenary Bridge sits Miraflores Locks, the most visited of all the locks.  This is also the location of the current expansion where two new locks are being constructed.

 Although I have visited Miraflores locks many times proudly touring friends and family as part of their Panamá experience, I was not aware of the elegant restaurant located on the second floor.    

Our friends and lifelong residents of Panamá, Luz and Jorge Patton, asked if we ever had the pleasure of dining at the Miraflores Restaurant & Bar.  They told us this is one of the finest restaurants in Panamá and where they frequently enjoy dining.  Luz was happy to make the necessary reservation for the four of us for the following week.

Upon entering this beautiful restaurant we were given the opportunity to either sit outside on the veranda and watch the ships as they pass through the canal or to dine indoors.  We choose indoor dining enabling us to more appreciate the charm and ambience of this lovely restaurant.  We were easily distracted as we passed by the huge buffet displaying a multitude of mouth watering main dishes, salads and deserts.  Putting imaginary blinders on, we made it to our seats.

No sooner seated and we were warmly greeted by Executive Chef Diego Garcia Vela and to our delight, he informed us he had personally prepared a five course meal for us to enjoy.
Our dining experience began with a lovely glass of white wine accompanied by the most delicious garlic bread.  I could have eaten the entire basket but managed to refrain knowing there were five courses to come.  Our first course was a wanton consume followed by Chef Diego and staff delivering a dazzling display of Tatacki Tuna, ever so lightly seared and accompanied by salsa Nikkei.  An explosion of flavours melting in your mouth!  Next, octopus with a sour tamarind sauce; simply delightful.  Our main course was a clever combination of beef, Serrano ham and feta cheese rolled and presented in a bed of pea puree.  As soon as our coffee and tea orders were taken dessert arrived; a lovely chocolate crêpe Suzette with grapes flambé.  This was an absolutely deliciously memorable dining experience!

Originally from Lima, Peru, the land of the Incas, Chef Diego has always been curious in the culinary arts.  As a young boy, his parents took him to dine in the finest restaurants of Peru and other countries enabling him to experience new and different cuisines.  After completing his education in Peru at the Ibero-American School of Hospitality and Tourism, he followed with several internships at some of the finest restaurants in Lima to gain more knowledge and experience.  He attained a position at Iquitos Fitzcarraldo Restaurant & Bar in the jungles of Peru which afforded him the opportunity to experiment with different techniques using exotic products such as lizard, ostrich and camu camu, a fruit found only in the Amazon, creating new dishes.

Chef Diego joined Miraflores Restaurant & Bar just a little over one year ago and “wants people to come to Miraflores not only to visit the Canal, but to visit also for the cuisine of the restaurant and to have an amazing experience where they can use all of their senses”.

The Miraflores Restaurant & Bar is operated by one of Panamá’s most exquisite hotels, the El Panamá Hotel.  To ensure seating, please make reservations by telephoning either 232-3120 or 232-3122 or visit their website:  www.elpanama.com.

Thank you Miraflores Restaurant & Bar for the warm ambience, flawless service, a wonderful dining experience and thank you Chef Diego for the deliciously brilliant meal, simply stunning in every way.

Whether you are a long term resident or simply a one time visitor to Panamá, I highly recommend that you experience the Miraflores Restaurant & Bar.

Lake Gatún Peacock Bass Fishing Trip

Lake Gatún, Arenosa, Panamá, S.A.
Story by Kevin
Photos by Mike & Kevin

Lake Gatún (Lago Gatún) was created between 1907-1913, by the building of Gatun Dam.  During its creation, Lake Gatún was the largest man made lake in the world. As an integral part of the Panama Canal, which forms a freshwater bridge between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, Lake Gatún carries ships through the Isthmus of Panama. 

To this day there are areas that have been virtually untouched by humans.  The area flooded in the creation of Lake Gatún  encompasses approximately 200 square miles, a vast area with unfathomable opportunities for sport fishing.  

My fishing buddies and I had high hopes of catching multiple Peacock Bass during our fishing adventure at Lake Gatún. Arriving at Arenosa, a small village about 45 miles from Panama City located on the western end of Lake Gatún, our guide was waiting with a 24 foot pontoon boat ready for an unforgettable fishing trip (driving directions & map). We jumped aboard and set off to catch buckets full of fish. Luckily our captain knew his way around the lake and managed to maneuver around all of the former jungles tree stumps.

Arriving to our first fishing hole, we threw our lines into the lake. Two fish immediately caught on the first cast, catching 5 or 6 Peacock Bass in just 10 minutes time. Our captain had us bring in the lines . . . off to the next fishing hole. 

With our lines back in the water, WHAM! 10 more fish in just about 10 minutes. What a great time! With so much action on the fishing poles, everyone had a great time.  And, if no fish were caught within the first 5 minutes of fishing, then our captain whisked us off to another location.

This went on all day. 10 different fishing holes, we caught fish every spot!
Needless to say, the day spent fishing for Peacock Bass went by very fast.  Fun was had by all.  We will defiantly be back for more!
Our guide we used has a dedicated website at: http://pesca-arenosa.weebly.com/.  I highly recommend them.

Related Article: Fishing in Santa Catalina
Kevin
www.UncoverPanama.com

Exploring Aguadulce, Coclé, Panamá, S.A.

Aguadulce, Coclé, Panamá, S.A. 
Story by Wendy and Tamara
Photos by Wendywww.uncoverpanama.com

The town of Aguadulce is located 42 km. southwest of Penonomé, in Coclé Province map.  The main part of this sizeable town is south of the Interamerican highway.  The District of Aguadulce includes the town of Aguadulce, El Cristo, El Roble, Pocrí and Barrios Unidos.  There are an additional 75 communities or regiments for an estimated combined population in 2008 of 46,473 inhabitants.

Since its lunchtime when we arrive, we head for a favourite spot, El Jardin de San Juan Restaurante (Plaza 19 de Octubre, Aguadulce, Tel. 997-2849, open 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.).  As we enter, proprietress Nelva Real greets us with her warm smile.  Although the air conditioned inside seating is quite comfortable, we head for the outside terrace overlooking the lush courtyard.  Tamara has her favourite, Kike’s Corvina, lovely white sea bass fillets covered in a mushroom sauce with papas puré (mashed potatoes) and lots of limon (fresh lime - yes, even though it looks orange, its definitely a lime).  A few months back, we managed to persuade Nelva to divulge her sangria recipe. 

On this visit, Nelva introduces us to her cousin, longtime local resident Mariela Real.  Mariela is a wealth of information and explains some of the history of Aguadulce.  According to Mariela, the original name for Aguadulce (“agua” water and “dulce” sweet), was Trinidad.  The early Spaniards, working at the nearby port, were happy to discover a “sweet water” well and took the liberty of renaming Trinidad to “Aguadulce”.  Mariela directed us to the Museo Regional Stella Sierra, the local museum which displays artifacts, historical painting and details the history of the local sugar and salt industry.  “We must visit” she tells us, and while we enjoy our lunch, Mariela slips out to the museo, returning a few minutes later to let us know she has informed them we will be coming. 

A pleasant stroll across the busy central plaza sits the Museo Regional Stella Sierra (Tues. to Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Admission:  Adults $1, Retirees $0.75, Children $0.25 and Groups $5).  They were definitely expecting us and museum guide, Yilka Berrocal, greeted us warmly.  Housed in a uniquely shaped building located on a busy street corner, the structure was built in the late XIX  Century by Italian Eduardo Pedreschi.  It has been used as a meeting hall and, in 1989, a National Post Office.  Originally founded in 1998 as the “Salt and Sugar Museum”, the museo name was changed on July 28, 2005 to the present day Museo Regional Stella Sierra. 

On the second floor we find history depicted in art, the original church organ, indigenous pre-Columbian artifacts, pottery, and although Yilka has little English and we muddle through with our sparse Spanish, she manages to explain much of the items displayed.  Many Panamanians fought in the Columbian civil war (1899 – 1903), and guns, uniforms and swords are displayed from this time.  We are also provided a wonderful view of the central plaza.  Opening a window to take a photo, we are almost blown away by the strong dry season breeze we remember from our church steeple climb in Natá. 

The main floor of the museo displays a beautiful wall mural depicting the early harvesting of salt, a few other pieces of artwork and the administrative office of the museo.  It’s the museo’s closing time so we say our goodbyes to Yilka and stroll back to our vehicle.  Next stop, Aguadulce’s port. 

Located approximately 10 km. east of the town we find the tiny port of Aguadulce.  Its low tide and not much is happening so after snapping a couple of photos, we head back.  Driving along this nicely paved road we pass a private shrimp farm and cattle quietly grazing in the lazy late afternoon sun.  It’s been a full afternoon and time to head home.

Agriculture and aquaculture are both major contributors to the financial stability of the District of Aguadulce.  Along the Interamerican highway between Natá and Aguadulce, huge fields of sugarcane blanket both sides of the road.  Harvesting begins in January and can continue into late April.  Although machines are used, much is still harvested by hand.  We spot both methods in action and snap our last photos of the day.

It has been a fabulous day.  In just a few hours we have made a new friend, enjoyed a delicious lunch, had a history lesson, viewed possibly one of the smallest ports in Panamá and were awed by the backbreaking manual harvesting of sugarcane.
Thanks for sharing our adventure.  Now, let’s see, where to next?

Related Article: Natá - Explore This Historical Church With Us

Tamara & Wendy
www.uncoverpanama.com  

Natá - Explore This Historical Church With Us

Natá, Coclé Province, Panamá, S.A.
Story by Wendy Brausam & Tamara Rowe
Photos by Wendy Brausam
www.UncoverPanama.com

On a pleasant half day adventure from Penonomé, (the halfway point in Panamá, S.A. between Costa Rica to the northwest and Columbia to the southeast), our first stop is a visit to the famous Inglesia de Natá, one of the oldest churches in Panamá.

The town of Natá, named after an indigenous chief, is located approximately 36 km (map). southwest of Penonomé on the Interamerican highway and was one of the earliest settlements in Panamá.  The church was originally completed in 1522 and has undergone extensive restorations.  A surprising discovery in 1995, while restoring the floor, was the remains of three people. Their identities remain a mystery. 

The present day structure still contains the original columns that support the church’s roof made of hardwood from the níspero tree found in Bocus del Toro Province.  One thing to look for when visiting the church is the hand carving at the Altar of the Virgin which details fruit, leaves and feathered serpents.

If you like a challenge, cautiously climb the steep, narrow stairs that open out into the steeple.  Watch out for the pigeons!  The view is fantastic but quite breezy.   Make sure you bring your camera because the view is truly worth the climb. 

Providing employment for many locals is the Nestlé plant located in the west end of town beside the Interamerican highway.  Unlike the car filled company parking lots in North America, the lot at Nestlé is filled mainly with bicycles.

If you’re travelling through Coclé Province in Panamá, it’s definitely worth a visit to this example of Panamanian history.

Thanks for sharing our adventure.  Now, let’s see, where to next?
Tamara & Wendy
www.UncoverPanama.com

Fishing in Santa Catalina

Written by Kevin Rowe
www.UncoverPanama.com
Santa Catalina is located on the Pacific Coast of Veraguas providence. Best known for incredible surfing and diving, Santa Catalina attracts surfers and divers from all over the globe. It is most comparable to Oahu’s own Sunset Beach. The aquatic life along Isla Coiba is not short of amazing.

Enough about surfing and diving! I traveled to Santa Catalina to go fishing. I have heard many fishing tales of endless catches on fishing trips in this area.  So my wife, son and I embarked on a road trip to the beautiful island town of Santa Catalina. I live in the Cocle Provence, approximately a 4 hour drive to Santa Catalina. That is if you don’t stop at Santiago for last-minute shopping (Santiago is the third largest city in Panama). 

From Santiago we headed south to the city of Sona. The scenery along the way was incredible; rolling hills, green pastors and grazing cattle as far as the eye can see. It reminded me a bit of my home in Idaho, USA. With the exception of all of the palm trees, not many palm trees in Idaho. 

My family and I reached Sona just in time for lunch. We came upon a roadside open BBQ stand, with two items on the menu: chicken or pork. Both cook on a 55 gallon drum barrel.  My wife had the chicken. My son and I had the pork. The food was good and the price was even better.

On the road again, next stop Santa Catalina! Arriving at our destination, we soon discovered that Santa Catalina is a small-island town consisting of a local market and a few small hotels and hostels. We previously made reservations at hotel Sol y Mar. A vehicle with four-wheel drive is needed it to get up the hill to the living cabins. Sol y Mar (Sun and Ocean) is on the edge of town. Cabins include air-conditioning, cable TV and exquisite sea views.

Now to the fishing! Up at 6:00 am to pack a lunch for our fishing trip, we headed to the beach where Capitan David was ready and waiting for us. On the boat we headed towards the Isla Coiba. Just a half-mile offshore the water turned to a deep royal blue. It was a perfect day, plenty of sunshine, no wind and flat calm waters. Trolling along, the scenery is breathtaking.
Just an hour into the fishing trip, we spotted dolphins playing and following along side the boat. Typically when you find dolphins, you will find fish, but keeping up with the dolphins is difficult they can disappear in the blink of an eye. After fishing for about an hour and not having much luck . . . not even a bite. Another hour passes; again nothing! Then we spot the dolphins jumping just in front of us along accompanied by Amberjacks. WHAM! Both polls strike and the reels start singing. We run to the back of the boat and start reeling in the fish.

Finally land both fish, each Amberjacks weighing around 20 lbs. All excited we quickly get our pole back in the water, looking for the dolphins again. They are no where to be found. Back to trolling, watching for the dolphins that were never seen again. No more fish that day, but as the old saying goes, “the worst day of fishing is still better than any day working.”

Luxurious Retirement for a Fraction of the Cost

Written by Christian Busnardo
www.UncoverPanama.com

Depends on whom you ask . . . most retireesare after year-round sunshine, a comfortable lifestyle and theexcitement of living abroad . . . getting all of these things andcutting your cost of living by half makes retiring in Panama a smartchoice, especially in today’s economy. Who doesn’t like a bargain!
 

Living for less in Panama is a hot topic.Ever wonder what it cost to live in Panama City? Learn about safe andaffordable locations, such as Bethania, El Cangrejo, San Francisco, LaLoma, and Hato Pintado, within Panama City at International Living’s “Live Large for Less in Panama City” IL Postcard.

Beach and golf getaways are no longer forthe Panama elite. Over the last decade, Panama has become a popularNorth American relocation destination!

No destination is more popularthan the beachfront golfing community of Costa Blanca, at the RoyalDecameron Resort; a great place to spend weekends, escape cold NorthAmerican winters or live fulltime and enjoy year-round sunshine. CoastBlanca offers beautiful golf-course views, access to several swimmingpools, private beach club and restaurant with a stretch of privatebeach.