THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 277

Tinamou Cottage Finca Habbus de Kwie, Jaramillo de Abajo 720 3852, coffeeadven-
tures.net . Choice retreat for birdwatching enthusiasts who don't want to be popping into
town. Three snug self-catering cottages are tucked away in a small Dutch-owned hillside cof-
fee estate a 10min drive from Boquete. Reduced rates for internet booking and lo ng s tays.
You'll need 4WD access or arrange to be picked up in town. Meals can be ordered. $112
EATING AND DRINKING
Antojitos Av Central 730 9332. Pleasant and cheerfully decorated open-sided patio
serving inexpensive (from US$7) Tex-Mex favourites: enchiladas, quesadillas, chilli con
carne and plenty of veggie options. Daily noon-8.30pm.
Art Café la Crêpe Av Central, at C 2 Norte 6769 6090. More Paris than Panama, this
cosy US-run French café is as colourful as the art decorating the walls. Enjoy deliciously
light but filling sweet and savoury crêpes (for around $9) or enjoy a more conventional steak,
but leave room for the crème brûlée. Tues-Sun 11am-3pm & 5-9pm.
Café Punto de Encuentro C 6 Sur off Av Central 720 2123. This pleasant terrace over-
looking a garden is a popular spot for brunch, attracting Panamanians and foreigners alike,
who can feast on a varied menu of eggs - with great crispy bacon, French toast, tortillas, pan-
cakes or waffles (most around $4). Service can be slow when it's busy. Daily 7am-noon.
Fresas Mary On the Volcancito road 720 3394. Great little kiosk serving delicious liqua-
dos and batidos and fabulous bowls of strawberries with natilla , a particularly mouthwater-
ing local cream concoction. 10am-7pm; sometimes closed Mon.
Mango's Isla Verde Av “B” Oeste 720 1539, restaurantemango.com . Imaginative
healthy menu including delights such as quinoa tabouleh and goat's cheese linguini, plus de-
licious stone-baked pizzas. Puts on Sunday brunch too (8am-2pm). Mains from around $12.
Tues-Sun 11am-8pm.
Mike's Global Grill C 7 Sur, at Av Central 730 9360, mikesglobalgrill.com . Nice loc-
ation by a stream with outdoor and indoor seating, where it's more of a US sports bar with
a friendly vibe. In contrast the menu is international and eclectic: from burgers to Pad Thai,
falafel to tofu. Friday fried chicken night is popular with the US expats; it's also open mic
then. Free wi-fi. Daily 8am-10pm.
The Panamonte Inn & Spa Av 11 de Abril 720 1327, panamonte.com . Hands-down
the most sumptuous dining in Boquete, laid on by celebrity chef Charlie Collins. Inventive
gourmet dishes can either be savoured seated at candlelit damask-covered tables in the formal
dining room or more casually in the fireside lounge or out on the terrace - though it's a
shame about the TV. A three-course meal for two without drinks is around $70, or try a gour-
met brunch weekend special (7-11am; $6-8). Mains average $14-16. Daily noon-2.30pm &
6-10pm.