dining

Also in this section:
A visit to Panama City's main municipal farmers' market
The Casco Viejo's Brooklyn Cafe

The Brooklyn Cafe
by Eric Jackson

Plenty of people who read this page will know first-hand about the historic ties between Brooklyn, New York, and Panama City, Panama. There is a reason why this country's capital city a neighborhood called Brooklyncito, and it has to do with a large part of the Afro-Caribbean community in Brooklyn which traces roots through Panama. These folks are the descendants of those who built the Panama Railroad and the Panama Canal.

These ties of history and kinship are the same reason why we now have the Brooklyn Cafe in Panama City's Casco Viejo, right down amidst the rejuvenating cultural center. The proprietor is a Panamanian woman who returned here from Brooklyn. The migration, you see, goes both ways.

This establishment is an oasis when the tropical sun has been beating upon you during a walking tour of nearby Plaza Francia. Take your pick of cold bottled water, fruit juices or soft drinks to restore the fluids and reduce the body temperature. It helps that the place is air conditioned.

But then, if your energy is flagging after a long day's work and you still have one more event to attend in the evening, or if you need that jump start in the morning, you'll want a cup of their very hot and very good capuccino or expresso.

Especially so, if along the way it's essential that you check your email. This is not the cheapest Internet cafe around, and it only has two computers. However, they are two computers with very fast connections (bring your own headphones) that are well maintained. Put a dollar in the slot, plug in your ear buds and tune in to your favorite Internet radio station and while you read all those urgent messages during this pit stop.

The Brooklyn Cafe also does finger food, mainly in the form of baked empanadas and sweets.

The place is becoming something of a neighborhood hangout, and the odds are good that the TV will be on when a Panamanian is fighting for a world championship or the national team in whatever sport is on the field with video cameras watching.

I'll let Brooklyn residents decide whether the Brooklyn Cafe is "really Brooklyn." Suffice to say that it's a nice little addition to Panama City's Casco Viejo.