Neither Stan nor I have had a gin and tonic in years but ours sure tasted good in the nighttime air with our new friends Jill and Gary last evening. Apparently we didn’t get our fill of English conversation earlier this week in our park trek. We all had plenty to say yet – enough to last us through drinks, dinner at Marzola Parrilla and still one more glass of wine on the plaza. The evening could not have been more pleasant. The four of us plan to meet one more time on Saturday evening before they leave for a 6 weeks stay in the area of David and Boquete. Both of these cities are on our must-see list during our stay. We may just plan that trip while they are there. More on that later.
Drinks were atop the Casa Casco in Casco Viejo, Old Towne. I hope to take Cody and Richard there when they visit. The air was light and breezy and inspired an exhilarating feeling just to be alive. The eclectic décor of the restaurant, Marzola Parrilla was as engaging and pleasing to the eye as the food was to the appetite. The entire surface of the colorful walls was heavily decorated in items of wild and funky Argentine curiosity. Chairs were on the ceiling and heavy ancient telephones were on each table. With so much to absorb we concentrated on conversation and good food. After almost 10 days of a pure chicken diet since we arrived in Panama, steak — mmm Argentinian beef steak — was a delicious change. Mine came with a slab of grilled eggplant. It was every bit as delicious and flavorful as the steak.
Changing gears if you will. On our daily walks, I noticed a small café open only for lunch. Try to picture a boxcar with one side that lifts up to form a roof-like shelter and folds down to close up tight at night. Red tile roof above. With only three tables, this little café had a steady line of local customers both seated and doing take-out. We stopped by a few days ago to investigate. The abuelo and abuela were busy prepping and cooking. A younger lady who might be a daughter or daughter-in-law greeted us. She understood that we were simply trying to learn about the café and what food might be served. She grabbed her phone to call a young man who explained in clear English that the old folks cook a different menu every day for a reasonable price. For example, he said they cook fish on Friday.
I cannot say Stan was super excited about this venture but I did not forget. He indulges me. We went there today. They remembered us and greeted us warmly. The place was full. In our pitiful but progressing Espanole we ordered dos platos de pescado. As we waited the younger woman brought us una cerveza, on ice, if you can believe it, with her complimentos. It was muy refrescante! The delicious fried whole corvina fish seasoned with herbs was mild, crispy, meaty and plentiful – so was the rice with black beans and the tiny accompaniment of a seafood stew. They took photos of us; we took photos of them. New friends!!! I do not know the name of the café – but I will learn. I plan to visit there at least once a week while we are here. Two plates – $17.00. What you talking about?
Happy to see that you are enjoying yourselves in true Weeks’ style! Our love to you both!
Thank you! You know we love you right back!!
casa casco sounds great! please take us there!
Definitely!