Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ter, fan and cable TV) and an upstairs deck
wi
th hammocks and chairs. There's a restaurant
and craft shop downstairs and wi-fi access.
$49
Hotel Residencial El Valle
Av Central, by the market 983 6536,
hotelresiden-
cialelvalle.com
.
The unpromising motel-like exterior belies light, comfy and clean en-suite
rooms with sizeable windows, cable TV and wi-fi. A great open-sided hammock deck
provides views across to the hills
. O
ther benefits include bike rental and use of communal
kitchen and laundry. A good deal.
$55
Park Eden B&B
C Espavé 983 6167,
parkeden.com
.
The frilly furnishings may not be
to everyone's taste, but the comforts provided (microwave, cable TV, coffee maker, fridge)
and fabulous tr
ee-fi
lled grounds together with friendly service make this a good B&B. Pack-
ages available.
$121
Restaurante Santa Librada
Av Central 986 6376.
The best budget option, located at the
back of a restaurant and opening onto a small garden. The handful of basic, clean r
oom
s have
cold-water showers; some are brighter than others and mattress quality is variable.
$20
EATING AND DRINKING
Bruschetta
Anton Valley Hotel, west end of Av Central 983 5118.
The lively but cosy
atmosphere here, together with the moderate prices (salads $6-8; seafood dishes from $9),
makes this a popular place. The menu features Panamanian dishes, some international fa-
vourites and pseudo-Italian bruschettas. Since there's only a sprinkling of the sought-after
patio tables, it's worth booking ahead at weekends. Service can be slow.
Daily 7-9.30am &
11am-11pm.
Buon Appetito
Behind
Panadería y Dulcería Cano
.
Tiny Italian-run pizzeria tucked away
behind the bakery, producing fresh, home-made pasta dishes and tasty, moderately priced
(under $9) thin-crust pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. There are only four tables, so be
sure to reserve a spot - especially in the evening. Also does takeaway.
Thurs & Fri 6-9pm,
Sat & Sun noon-9pm.
La Casa de Lourdes
C El Ciclo, tucked behind Hotel Los Mandarinos 983 6450,
lacasadelourdes.info
.
Lovers of fine dining should make the pilgrimage to the spectacular
Tuscan-style villa-restaurant of celebrity chef Lourdes Fábrega de Ward, where inventive
gourmet Panamanian cuisine (such as
corvina
in cashew fruit) is served on the elegant
poolside terrace. Mains from around $20. Reservations a must at weekends.
Daily noon-3pm
& 7-8.30pm.
Panadería y Dulcería Cano
Av Central 983 6420.
Just the place to stock up with some
sticky buns, cakes and bread to keep you going on a hike.
Daily 7.30am-8pm.
Restaurante Mar de Plata
Av Central below Hotel Don Pepe 983 6201.
This great, cheer-
ful café-restaurant is a favourite lunchtime stop for Panamanian families. Tasty traditional
