also in this section Panama City's inexpensive lunch options

A working man's lunch

by Eric Jackson

Hard times have obliged The Panama News office to move from El Cangrejo to Perejil, and consequently there has been a change in lunch options within quick walking distance. Moreover, there's less lunch money available because of the economic crisis.

One of the first good options that I have found is the Palace --- no, not the pretentious strip joint, but the eatery and bar around the corner from the Arrocha on Via Espana, just before the street's name changes to Avenida Central. It's a little place that's easy to miss, with a lunch hour crowd drawn largely from the stores on Avenida Central and the government buildings around Plaza Porras, the latter just three blocks away. The food is predominantly Chinese-Panamanian, but you won't find chopsticks there.

It's an interesting cuisine. For example, in many ways the roast pork is prepared like that you'll find in most Chinese restaurants, except at the Palace they spice it up with a little bit of chopped fresh culantro, that ubiquitous tipico flavoring. It works well. I'd also recommend their calamari, which comes Chinese-stlye ginger and vegetables and fried rice (or one of several other options) on the side, for but four bucks.

The Palace has daily lunch specials for $2 and a weekly special for $2.25. I've liked the several daily specials that I have tried, and thus I don't wonder why this little hole in the wall has attracted a loyal working class clientele.

also in this section Panama City's inexpensive lunch options
©2001 The Panama News