Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Java Juice
CAFE $
(Interamericana; mains US$2.50-6; )
Iced coffees, fruit smoothies, salads and grilled bur-
gers are the fare at this casual cafe in San Mateo, located in front of the grocery store.
Good vegetarian selection.
Casa Vegetariana
CAFETERIA $
(Av 2 Este; meal US$2; 7am-4pm; )
This cheerful Chinese-style mini-cafeteria packs in
the crowds for inexpensive plates of sautéed greens, eggplant, fried rice and beans served
on no-nonsense metal plates. For lunch, go early - everything will run out!
Super Barú
SUPERMARKET $
(cnr Avs Francisco Clark & 3 de Noviembre)
Self-caterers can head to the Super Barú, a large
US-style supermarket.
Cuatro
PANAMANIAN $$$
( 730-5638; cnr Avs Obaldía & del Estudiante; mains US$12-16; noon-3pm & 6:30-10:30pm
Mon-Sat)
Only one spot does great local food in David with sophistication and even
happy surprises. Classic Panamanian basics like cassava, tamales and new corn get gour-
met treatment. Start with hot corn blinis with red onion marmalade. Honey-glazed pork
ribs are tender and fish come in exquisite sauces. The chef, Luis Mendizábal, honed his
craft in top European and Panama City restaurants.
Rincón Libenésa
MIDDLE EASTERN $$$
( 774-2700; Calle F Sur, Interamericana; mains US$4-12)
Located three blocks past the
McDonald's off the Interamericana, this authentic Lebanese restaurant provides welcome
relief from a steady diet of rice and beans. Homemade hummus, tabbouleh and baba
ghanoush will make you stop and wonder if you're in the Middle East - 15 seconds later,
the sounds of blaring reggaetón will remind you where you are.
Drinking & Nightlife
Chiricanos
are not big on bars and clubs, but they go wild when it's festival time. A cer-
tain amount of nightlife centers around the casinos and you will always find livelier
crowds around the 15th and 30th of the month - the local pay days.
