Panamonte Culinary School by Charlie Collins

August 18 2009


La Escuela Culinaria del Panamonte es un proyecto que busca mostrar la riqueza culinaria de Panamá. El proyecto está dirigido por el reconocido Chef Charlie Collins, Chef y Propietario del histórico Panamonte Inn & Spa.
El Panamonte Inn & Spa –que este año cumple 95 años- ha sido siempre reconocido y laureado por su excelente cocina tanto por huéspedes como por publicaciones internacionales. La creación de la Escuela Culinaria es la progresión natural de una larga tradición gastronómica.
La Escuela tiene un objetivo turístico importante al ofrecer la experiencia de la alta cocina panameña al mercado turístico internacional y local. Los cursos están dirigidos a turistas que buscan conocer Boquete y Panamá desde una perspectiva gastronómica. De acuerdo a los intereses de los grupos que asisten, se cubrirá además recetas y técnicas internacionales y cocina étnica. Una clase generalmente comienza con una visita al mercado local y a un huerto hidropónico donde los participantes aprenderán sobre la naturaleza y origen de los ingredientes autóctonos de la región y el estilo culinario del Chef Charlie Collins. Luego, los participantes son trasladados a la Cocina Estudio del Chef, donde él personalmente compartirá recetas y técnicas de alta cocina y sus experiencias en el mundo de la gastronomía.
La Escuela Culinaria del Panamonte está ubicada la Finca la Realidad propiedad de la Familia Ruiz, en Palo Alto, Boquete, a sólo 5 minutos del Panamonte. La escuela se encuentra en una casa de 100 años de antigüedad, y que ha sido recientemente restaurada de acuerdo a las necesidades de una escuela culinaria de clase mundial. La casa ha sido reacondicionada con tres estaciones de cocina, entre ellas un horno de leña tradicional ubicado en un amplio comedor. Toda la estancia ha sido decorada con exquisitez al estilo europeo, con recuerdos familiares finamente seleccionados, y donde la luz y el mobiliario hacen de esta Cocina Estudio un lugar acogedor, apto para la experiencia culinaria que ofrece el Chef Charlie Collins.
La Finca La Realidad es una centenaria plantación de café orgánico propiedad de la familia Ruiz de Casa Ruiz, reconocidos productores de café gourmet en Boquete y ganadores de innumerables premios a la calidad internacionalmente. Aquí, la familia Ruiz produce café Geisha una variedad reconocida como una de las mejores en el mundo.
La Escuela ofrece diversos paquetes con hospedaje incluído en El Panamonte, y distintas opciones de tours. Las clases se dictan por previa reservación a grupos de 6 a 8 participantes, lo cual permite a cada estudiante la oportunidad de una clase hands-on y permite al Chef dar una atención individual y personal a cada participante.

www.chefcharliecollins.com/clases

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The Panamonte Culinary School is a project that showcases the gastronomic apex of Panama and the cuisine of renowned chef Charlie Collins, executive Chef and co-owner of the historic Panamonte Inn & Spa and Director of the School.
The Panamonte Inn & Spa –celebrating this year its 95 years- has always been celebrated for its cuisine by international publications and guests alike. The creation of the Panamonte Culinary School was the next step in a long gastronomical tradition.
The School offers the unique experience of Panama’s haute cuisine catering to an international and local tourism market. Depending on the interests of the participants, the training may include recipes and techniques that Chef Collins has adapted from different cultures around the world.
The typical class starts early in the morning with a visit to the local farmers’ market, and to a hydroponic garden, where the participants will acquire the ingredients they will use later in the day. After this visit, the participants are taken thru a scenic road to Chef Collins’ Kitchen Studio, where he directs and guides the participants in a gastronomic journey through the many flavors of Panama. At the School, the participants learn with a hands-on approach about the origin and nature of local ingredients and their role in the innovative perspective on Panamanian cuisine of Chef Charlie Collins.
The Panamonte Culinary School is located at Finca La Realidad, in Palo Alto, Boquete, just 5 minutes from downtown. The School has been set in a 100-year old house, which has been recently renovated to accommodate a world-class cooking school. The house has three cooking stations, one of them is a traditional wood-fired oven located next to the dining room; the other two are professional grade cooking stations. The place has been exquisitely decorated in a European style -like the traditional Boquete homes of old- with carefully chosen furniture and décor elements that create a charming atmosphere fit for the perfect culinary experience.
La Finca La Realidad is a 100-year old organic coffee plantation owned by the Ruiz family, recognized among the best gourmet coffee producers of the Boquete region, and winners of many international awards to excellence. This plantation produces Geisha coffee, a varietal acknowledged by connoisseurs as one of the best in the world.
The classes are hands-on, and dictated to groups of 6-8 persons in order to provide personal attention. Previous reservation is required.

www.chefcharliecollins.com/cookingclass

Panamonte’s New Year Eve Gala Night: Thursday, December 31st

August 18 2009

Welcoming Complimentary Champagne Reception with Hors d’oeuvres

7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Cocktail Lounge

New Year’s Gourmet Dinner Featuring - Selection of three main courses with

Chef Charlie Collins, Executive Chef

9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

After dinner celebration in the Cocktail Lounge, for the adults.

Christmas Day Lunch & Dinner, December 25th

August 18 2009

Featuring Regular Panamonte Lunch & Dinner menu and

Special servings of Roast Turkey and Smoked Ham

Dinner service commences from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Beverages not included

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner, December 24th

August 18 2009

Featuring Roast Turkey and Swedish style Baked Ham

Dinner service commences from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Beverages not included

December 8th: Mother’s Day Lunch

August 17 2009

Celebrate Mother’s Day in family at The Panamonte Inn & Spa!

Lunch service commences from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Includes a glass Sangria or House wine

Junior Suites and Terrace Rooms now open

June 29 2009

The Panamonte Inn & Spa announces the availability of its new luxurious accommodations offering, the Junior Suites, Honeymoon Suite, and Terrace Rooms.
Nested in the famous gardens of the inn, these new rooms have been designed and exquisitely decorated to maintain the Panamonte’s historic architecture, yet offering all the modern amenities to make your Boquete experience an unforgettable and luxurious one.
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Honeymoon Suite
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Junior Suite
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Terrace Rooms

Special Packages at The Panamonte

June 18 2009

LUXURY PANAMONTE’S HAVENLY DAY

Luxurious Accommodations for 2 persons, 2 nights-3 days
2 formal breakfasts
2 formal dinners
LUXURY HAVENLY DAY (Welcome Champagne, Lunch, Herbal Tea, Use of Sauna and Steam room, 4 treatments in the Panamonte spa, Reflexology, Facial bliss, Full Body massage and Ultimate Stone massage)
Round trip David Airport-Panamonte Transfers

PRICE PER 2 PERSONS:

US $1,850.00 Junior Suites
US $1,778.00 Garden Terrace
US $1,288.00 Standard

Rates include Tax & Gratuity. Available from May to October 2009 from Monday to Thursday

HONEYMOON PACKAGE

Luxurious Accommodations for 2 persons, 2 nights-3 days
2 Formal Breakfasts
Bottle of Champagne
2 Formal Dinners
Round trip David Airport-Panamonte Transfers
Hot Stone Massage at our Haven Spa

PRICE PER 2 PERSONS:

US $1,169.00 Junior Suites
US $1,097.00 Garden Terrace
US $665.00 Standard

Rates include Tax & Gratuity. Available from May to October 2009

DELUXE SUMMER PACKAGE

2 Nights – 3 Days in Deluxe Suite or Garden Terrace

2 Continental Breakfasts

1 Formal Dinner with a Bottle of Wine

Gift Certificate for The Haven Spa

Round trip David Airport-Panamonte Transfers

PRICE PER 1 OR 2 PERSONS:
US $1,056.00 Junior Suites
US $984.00 Garden Terrace
US $495.00 Standard Room

Rates include Tax & Gratuity. Available from May to October 2009

4 PERFECT DAYS IN BOQUETE

Luxurious Accommodations for 2 persons, 3 nights-4 days
Panoramic Tour around Boquete
Coffee Tour with Casa Ruiz
Trekking the Quetzal Trail
Canopy Ride
Hot Stone Massage

PRICE PER 1 OR 2 PERSONS:

US $1,800.00 Junior Suites
US $1,692.00 Garden Terrace
US $958.00 Standard

Rates include Tax & Gratuity. Available from May to October 2009

PANAMONTE’S HIGHLANDS PACKAGES

3 nights – 4 days in Deluxe Suite or Garden Terrace
3 Formal Breakfasts
First Night - Cocktail Dinner
2 Formal Dinners
Round trip David Airport-Panamonte Transfers

PRICE PER 1 OR 2 PERSONS:

US $1,354.00 Junior Suites
US $1,246.00 Garden Terrace
US $560.00 Standard Room

Rates include Tax & Gratuity.
Available from May to October 2009

HIGHLAND BED & BREAKFAST
For double occupancy includes
Daily full breakfast for two
$100.00 credit per stay
Minimum stay of three nights required
Additional nights 30% off rack rate.

PRICE US $1,119.00 JUNIOR SUITES
PRICE US $1,011.00 GARDEN TERRACE

Rate includes taxes. No refunds on unused portion of package
Valid May 1 – October 31, 2009

Credit applies to current stay and may not be applied to room or tax charges or refund for cash.

HIGHLAND THREE NIGHT ESCAPE

For double occupancy includes
Two nights and select either Junior Suite or Garden Terrace room.
Third night complimentary.
Additional nights 30% off rack rate
For two three full breakfasts
Dinner for two, one night, with wine.
Coffee Plantation Tour
Minimum stay required three nights

PRICE US $1,010.00 JUNIOR SUITES
PRICE US $938.00 GARDEN TERRACE

Rate includes taxes. No refunds on unused portion of package
Valid May 1 – October 31, 2009

HIGHLAND SPA PACKAGE
For double occupancy includes
Two nights in Deluxe Garden Terrace room
Additional nights 30% off rack rate
For two full breakfasts
Spa gift certificate

PRICE US $892.00 GARDEN TERRACE

Rate includes taxes. No refunds on unused portion of package
Valid May 1 – October 31, 2009

HIGHLAND ENDLESS SPECIAL
For double occupancy includes:
Stay two nights third night free
Additional nights 30% off rack rate
Daily for two three full breakfasts
Minimum stay required three nights.

US $1174.00 JUNIOR SUITE
US $777.00 GARDEN TERRACE

Rate includes taxes. No refunds on unused portion of package
Valid May 1 – October 31, 2009

PANAMONTE’S HIGHLAND TASTING MENU

Prepared and executed by Panama’s award winning chef Charlie Collins, Executive Chef, of the Panamonte Inn & Spa

For double occupancy includes:
Welcoming El Salto cocktail a Panamonte special
Three nights and select either Junior Suite or Garden Terrace room.
Two full breakfasts served on your private patio viewing the Inn’s gardens
Gift Certificate $100.00 to participate in a TASTING MENU valued at $150.00.
Choice of Scenic or Coffee tour.
Minimum stay three nights
Extra nights 30% off rack rate

PRICE PER TWO PERSONS:
US $1433.30 JUNIOR SUITE
US $1318.80 GARDEN TERRACE

Rate includes taxes. No refunds on unused portion of package
Valid May 1 – October 31, 2009

On all packages, guests wishing to stay
an extra day the first night will be complimentary
with a second night 30% off the rack rate

KLM Announces DIRECT Flights to Panama from Amsterdam

July 24 2008

Great news for travelers from Europe! KLM Royal Dutch Airlines now offers direct flights between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Panama City Tocumen Airport, with 3 weekly non-stop flights.

The new KLM flight is operated with Mc Donnell Douglas MD-11 equipment, offering a total of 294 seats; 24 in World Business Class and 270 in Economy Class.

Flight KL757 departs from Amsterdam on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 13:30 and lands in Panama City at 17:40 hours the same day. The return flight KL758 will depart from Panama City Tocumen Airport on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 19:35 hours, to arrive on Amsterdam Airport Schiphol at 13:10 hours the next day.

The new service will offer at both ends numerous connections to beyond flights operated by KLM from Amsterdam and to beyond flights operated by COPA Airlines from Panama City. COPA Airlines has recently joined SkyTeam as Associate Member. www.klm.com.

Birdwatching in Chiriqui

December 09 2007

Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands in general are internationally famous for birdwatching: the area is a world-preferred spot due to its rich and complex biodiversity (some 1,000 species of birds already registered by scientists) and the accesibility of the roads that lead to the best areas wich allows for easy observation of the many birds and -if you are lucky- the elusive but always majestic quetzal.

The best observation spots in Chiriqui are the Volcan Baru National Park, La Amistad International Park and the Cordillera Central by the area of the Fortuna Reserve (this area requires special permits).

The Panamonte Inn & Spa is a pioneer in offering the best possible experience for birdwatchers. Long before this tours were trend, we offered our expertise to scientists and enthusiasts of nature alike. We can arrange tailored or packaged tours for you or your group depending on your preferences and needs. Contact us HERE