Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 995-2894;
www.pedasisportsclub.biz
; Av Central s/n; s/d/tr incl breakfast US$55/66/77;
)
Usually booked first for diving packages, these 10 newish motel-style
rooms may lack character but they are impeccably clean and cool, with air-conditioning,
wi-fi, satellite TV and hot-water showers. There's a pea-sized pool perfect for dips and
equipment checks.
Casa de Campo
B&B $$$
( 6780-5280;
www.casacampopedasi.com
; Av Central s/n; d incl breakfast US$94; )
Hospitable and simply lovely, this chic renovated colonial B&B says getaway. The main-
street location is deceptive: out back there's a pool and lush landscaped grounds. Long-
time locals, hosts Obedin and Koby are truly gracious and helpful. Guests share a family
table for big breakfasts of Panamanian
tortillas de maíz
and eggs or fruit and cereal with
fresh bread.
For a soothing day trip, ask about their private cliffside retreat.
Eating
Pasta e Vino
ITALIAN $
( 6695-2689; mains US$5; 6:30-10pm Tue-Sun)
The essence of simplicity, this Italian-
run restaurant has two chalkboard offerings nightly: pastas, a wine list and salad. Food is
simple but authentic, like the pesto with black olives and fresh cheese. It's all about ser-
vice: you are actually in Danilo and Elena's living room. The yellow house is three
blocks past the plaza on the road to Playa El Toro.
Fonda Mama Fefa
PANAMANIAN $
(Calle Los Estudiantes s/n; set meal US$2.25; 5am-2pm Mon-Sat)
Matriarch of creole cook-
ing, Mama Fefa usually runs out of lunch by noon (though you can linger longer). Cheap
and cheerful, these huge
platos típicos
include meat or fish, rice, salad and a drink. De-
votees share the space at a few outdoor tables. Take the side street abutting Dim's Hostel
for a block and a half, it's on the right.
Maudy's Café
CAFE $
(Av Central s/n; mains US$3-6; 8am-5pm Mon-Sat, closed Sep-Oct; )
A Dutch-
Panamanian venture into the deep end of blended drinks. Pineapple-mint or banana beet
with carrot and OJ are refreshing zingers in one serious juice bar. You can also get fruit
salad, baguette sandwiches or fruit sorbet at open-air tables flanked by resident parrots
and with kids' toys underfoot.
