THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 124

Pita-Pan Kosher Bal Harbour, Punta Paitilla 264 2786; map . An illuminated 3-D mural of
Jerusalem welcomes you to this casual cafeteria popular with Jewish families, serving moder-
ately priced appetizing dishes, with lots of veggie options - hummus, babaganush and falafel,
alongside the ubiquitous pasta and pizza and even kosher sushi. Mon-Thurs 7am-3pm, Fri
7am-5pm, Sun 9am-9pm.
< Back to Eating
NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT
There's plenty to keep you entertained in Panama City: from a hip-swinging salsa session to
an evening at the opera; from a flutter at the roulette table to an evening of jazz in Casco
Viejo; from a booze cruise up the canal to a folk-dancing performance. Panama City argu-
ably has the best clubbing in Central America, although many places feel like imitations of
Miami. In addition, there are plenty of bars , casinos and cinemas, plus venues putting on
rock concerts, as well as a smattering of more highbrow culture to keep you busy in the even-
ings.

LAS CHIVAS PARRANDERAS
Increasing in popularity with locals and tourists, chivas parranderas - party buses - are
generally remodelled diablos rojos , some of which flaunt the added danger of being open-
sided, with only a few ropes to prevent rum-soaked revellers from flying out as the bus
lurches round the corner on its city tour. Your $25-30 fee will cover a guide, a band or
DJ and unlimited rum and seco. Tours (usually Fri & Sat 8pm-midnight) need a minimum
number to run, so put your name down in advance. A number of companies now operate
variations on the theme - from a fire engine to a limo - though not all are licensed. Increas-
ingly, VIP chivas are being offered, complete with air conditioning, plasma screens and
even dry ice. More established companies include Chiva Parrandera ( 225 8500), Chiva

Fiestas ( 221 0399, chivafiesta.com ) and Rumbabus Panama ( 229 7066, rumb-

abuspanama.com ) .

ESSENTIALS
Clubs Nightclubs are known as discotecas - ask for the former and you'll end up at a strip
joint. Places open, close and reinvent themselves at an alarming rate: the current hotspots in
terms of discotecas and bars are located in and around Casco Viejo, Calle Uruguay in Bella
Vista, spreading out towards El Cangrejo and Marbella, blasting everything from techno to
reggae and reggaeton to salsa. Most discotecas are open Tuesday to Saturday, and get go-
ing around midnight. Entry will generally set you back $10-20 and may include an open bar
up until a certain time and the usual “Ladies' Night” enticements. Local beers cost around
$4, with imports, spirits and cocktails $5-6. If you're in a group, buying a bottle of spirits
between you (which can sometimes get the entry charge waived) or a cubetazo (bucket of