Let's assume this is some visiting Panama... arriving Day 1 around noon, staying full of Day 2, leaving Day 3 morning.
Day 1:
-Arrive, check in hotel and get rid of baggage, freshen up, change into comfortable clothing
-Grab a cab to the Panama Canal
-Make sure to buy tickets for the entire canal, including the movie and museum, it will cost $8 and is definitely worth it to get the whole experience
-Head over to Casco Viejo for some appetizers and drinks (while it's still daylight, walk along the water, then I recommend Casa Blanca to sit outdoors and vegetate a bit)
-If you're liking the atmosphere of Casco, do dinner at Manolo Caracol (fixed price menu $2o for dinner, something different every night, always delicious) and then some bar hopping (Indigo, Platea, Havana, Relic)
-If you want to check out another area, head over to Calle Uruguay (club district), do dinner at one of the many options there (I like Habibi's, Gauchos, Market), and check out the nightlife there
Day 2:
-Catch the 8:30 ferry (weekdays) or 8:00 ferry (weekends) to Isla Taboga from the Causeway... take in the scenic views, the beautiful beach, the small town feel, and the cheap food and beers
-Head back on the 4:30 PM (weekends) or 3 PM (weekdays) ferry, and get cleaned up etc. as you wish at your hotel
-Head back over to the Causeway for an evening stroll and dinner (can't recommend one place, they're all great! we often head over to Isla Perico and choose something there)
-If you're up for it (which you should be!, last night in Panama afterall) head over to Zona Viva for some drinks and a great vibe
Showing posts with label panama city. Show all posts
Showing posts with label panama city. Show all posts
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A Taste of India... finally!
Over the last few weeks, I've had a unquenchable craving for Indian food. I looked through several cook books (yes, I'm a bad house wife that uses the aid of cook books for my meals), however the spices required were not easily attainable.
Now there are a couple Indian restaurants in Panama. In August, M, myself, and our guests visited Delicias del India. They will continue to be a stop to by fresh meat (goat in particular). The food was decent... typical tandoori chicken. But it was quite bland and didn't have that extra touch. To be fair it was also very new when we went, so I will probably try it out again.
There is another restaurant that has recently opened called Mawabis (Nawabis sp?). For those in Panama, it is across from Del Prado. From what I hear, it is very good. I have yet to go. We had actually planned to go Sunday for dinner, but as you read further you'll see why plans changed.
A third restaurant is called Masala. It, apparently, is not very good at all. For the most part, people have recommended us not to go. I am sure we will end up going anyways, and when I do I will post a proper review (as with the other restaurants).
I just found out today that Beirut, a Middle Eastern restaurant in the city, serves an Indian menu too. But you have to ask for it. Top secret and whatnot. The suspense is definitely worth trying out :).
There used to be an excellent (from what we've been told) restaurant called Taj Mahal. They apparently did quite well, but not well enough to be make it worth staying apparently. From what we hear, people here are quite apprhensive to try new foods... not sure how true that is. People always tell us they'd love to have Indian. But, nonetheless, the restaurant was said to have mainly catered to ex-pats and tourists.
So... in our quest for spices, we were lead to Kings Food (next to Farmacia Arrocha in Paitilla). And I must say, they had all the spices imaginable, and all the brands we are used to. They also had dry pre-mixed rubs for different dishes as well. They had dry snacks, cookies, and crackers... as well as drinks lie Thums Up and Limca. You will find everything your heart desires in terms of spices there.
But... but, that's not what this is about. We went on a Sunday afternoon, and guess what? On weekends they serve Indian food. And noth just Indian food, extremely authentic tasting, delicious Indian food. M and I went with 4 friends (none of whom were Indian by the way)... and between us had Dahi Vada, Chicken Biryani, Mutton, Masala Dosa, Channa Bhatura, Naan, and Pav Bhaji. It was awesome. I was in heaven that day. The tummy ache at the end of the day (hey, I haven't had so many spices since I moved to the country!) was totally worth it. Sigh.
*As an aside: this Sunday, a British-Indian expat couple whom I met online is taking us to a vegetable market which apparently has a big variety of vegetables, including Kaylan (sp? Chinese Brocolli) and Okra. Will update on how that goes.
Now there are a couple Indian restaurants in Panama. In August, M, myself, and our guests visited Delicias del India. They will continue to be a stop to by fresh meat (goat in particular). The food was decent... typical tandoori chicken. But it was quite bland and didn't have that extra touch. To be fair it was also very new when we went, so I will probably try it out again.
There is another restaurant that has recently opened called Mawabis (Nawabis sp?). For those in Panama, it is across from Del Prado. From what I hear, it is very good. I have yet to go. We had actually planned to go Sunday for dinner, but as you read further you'll see why plans changed.
A third restaurant is called Masala. It, apparently, is not very good at all. For the most part, people have recommended us not to go. I am sure we will end up going anyways, and when I do I will post a proper review (as with the other restaurants).
I just found out today that Beirut, a Middle Eastern restaurant in the city, serves an Indian menu too. But you have to ask for it. Top secret and whatnot. The suspense is definitely worth trying out :).
There used to be an excellent (from what we've been told) restaurant called Taj Mahal. They apparently did quite well, but not well enough to be make it worth staying apparently. From what we hear, people here are quite apprhensive to try new foods... not sure how true that is. People always tell us they'd love to have Indian. But, nonetheless, the restaurant was said to have mainly catered to ex-pats and tourists.
So... in our quest for spices, we were lead to Kings Food (next to Farmacia Arrocha in Paitilla). And I must say, they had all the spices imaginable, and all the brands we are used to. They also had dry pre-mixed rubs for different dishes as well. They had dry snacks, cookies, and crackers... as well as drinks lie Thums Up and Limca. You will find everything your heart desires in terms of spices there.
But... but, that's not what this is about. We went on a Sunday afternoon, and guess what? On weekends they serve Indian food. And noth just Indian food, extremely authentic tasting, delicious Indian food. M and I went with 4 friends (none of whom were Indian by the way)... and between us had Dahi Vada, Chicken Biryani, Mutton, Masala Dosa, Channa Bhatura, Naan, and Pav Bhaji. It was awesome. I was in heaven that day. The tummy ache at the end of the day (hey, I haven't had so many spices since I moved to the country!) was totally worth it. Sigh.
*As an aside: this Sunday, a British-Indian expat couple whom I met online is taking us to a vegetable market which apparently has a big variety of vegetables, including Kaylan (sp? Chinese Brocolli) and Okra. Will update on how that goes.
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