Travel Reference
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5
Casco Viejo
Mercado de Mariscos
MARKET $
(Av Balboa; mains US$2.50-14; lunch Mon-Sat)
Above a bristling fish market, an unassum-
ing restaurant is
the
place to get your seafood fix. Come early as service at peak time is
painfully slow. Gems include whole fried fish and cavernous bowls of 'Get Up Lazarus'
soup (a sure hangover cure).
Outside, stands ladle out delicious US$2.50 plastic cups of
ceviche
(seafood marinated
in lemon or lime juice, garlic and seasonings)
,
including classic concoctions,
Mediterranean-style (with olives) and curry.
La Petite Bretagne
CREPERIE $
(Av Central; mains US$8; 10am-5pm Tue-Fri, to 10pm Sat, to 3pm Sun)
Revitalizing a
formerly sketchy corner of the Casco, this adorable cafe ladles up authentic buckwheat
crêpes from Brittany. Preparations are light and fresh eg fresh salads come with tart pas-
sionfruit dressing. The caramelized onion tart manages an airy crust - it's melt-in-your-
mouth good. But don't skip dessert, namely an endorphin-enducing velvety chocolate
fondant.
Granclement
ICE CREAM $
(Av Central; gelato US$2.80-4.20; 1-3pm & 4-7pm)
Pure pleasure defines these intense trop-
ical fruit gelati and intense, creamy flavors such as basil, orange and chocolate, and
ginger. A few scoops of these fussy Italian creations will sweeten a leisurely stroll
through the Casco.
Café Per Due
ITALIAN $
( 6512-9311; Av A; pizza US$5-12; 9am-10pm Tue-Sun; )
Our pick for a quick bite, this
casual Italian-run eatery serves scrumptious thin-crust pizzas. Check out the bacon and
blue cheese or the fresh tomato, basil and garlic. Mozzarella is not skimped on. For pri-
vacy, try the tiny brick courtyard with a couple of tables.
