Valle Escondido Newsletter

‘Napa Valley’ coffee tour in Boquete

Put coffee and adventure travel together in one sentence and you'll think "what"?. Well that is exactly what you will find in Panama.

Panama, once famous as the cross road for world commerce, has now become synonymous with Coffee. In 2007 La Esmeralda Estate sold their Geisha bean, at auction, for $130 a pound green. All of a sudden, the eyes of the coffee world were on Panama. Think coffee and what comes to mind; Kona, Jamaican Blue, Ethiopian, or Costa Rica. Now Panama had the spotlight.

Few people realize that outside Panama City, and the canal zone, is a valley of wondrous riches.

Boquete Volcano

In the province of Chiriqui, near the border to Costa Rica, is a once active Volcano. The Volcán Barú Boquete (also Volcán de Chiriqui) is the tallest mountain in Panama; 3,474 meters (11,398 ft) high.

This once active volcano has created a valley with a micro-climate like no other in the world. Boquete is often called the Valley of the Flowers, as they grow year round here.

What makes this mountainous area so unique is that its many valleys create unique micro-climates, with six or seven in less than six-square miles. It is a perfect climate for coffee; and also wildlife.

An Adventure to Reach the Coffee

However, since the discovery of this fabulous coffee is so new, just to get to some of the estates requires a 4x4 vehicle, and during the rainy season, sometimes even that is not enough.

So, here comes the coffee and adventure part. With a Kona coffee tour or a Napa Valley wine tour, you can just get in your car, take a drive, and you're there. But in Panama, to sample single estate coffee from these special small micro-growers, requires a guide, hiking shoes, and/or a rugged truck.

So you can combine coffee and adventure in the same travel experience. You just have to come to Boquete, Panama. If coffee is not your thing, Boquete also has the Resplendent Quetzal, Howler Monkey's, Sloths; an abundance of wildlife that can also be seen on your trek to taste some of that award winning coffee.

To read more about Boquete, Panama and adventure travel, check out Boquete Mountain Safari Tours

Panama Info.com article.
Boquete offers amazing coffee farm experiences.  We just went with  Boquete Safari Tours on their  a new Three Coffee Estates tour, which perfectly  showcases the Boquete coffee experience. The tour takes you to three very different estate coffee farms to taste three kinds of coffee and experience three uniquely Boquete coffee farms. One farm is a simple one by a humble  farmer who is a kind of local genius, another a more sophisticated farm by a longstanding Panamanian grower and finally a  small totally organic farm run by an American couple who grow and harvest according to the lunar cycles just Latin America’s ancient civilizations have. At each farm you do a professional tasting to savor the different coffees and take short farm tour.  The tour takes you all around upper Boquete and the mountain views and scenery are beautiful. Highly recommended

Carol Delonis
507-6613-1472 Panama cell
Carol@BoqueteSafari.com
www.boquetemountainsafaritours.com

Mystery guest revealed

Saturday night was a real treat for the many who attended a special event with our mystery guest. Unfortunately, he had to remain a mystery up until this appearance for fear of reprisals for an incident that took place in Panama nearly 20 years ago.  Mr. Kurt Muse gave a stunning account of his harrowing experience of being captured, taken from his family and put in a Panama prison just before the American invasion of Panama in 1989. He not only survived this ordeal, but became the first American civilian ever rescued by the famous delta force. A true life adventure novel has been written and a movie is in the works. Be sure to read the book, "Six minutes to freedom" and learn about this heroic American and the many people who risked their lives to free him.

Amazon reviews:"Grabs you at the first paragraph and refuses to let go. This true story reads better than any fiction and is impossible to put down. Harrowing, entertaining, inspiring, and very, very readable." -- Col. Lee A. Van Arsdale, US Army Special Forces (Ret) Former Delta Force Squadron Commander

"Crackles with such tension and fear that you'll read this with your heart in your throat. This is everything a great thriller should be ... but it's all true." --Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Vanish

"What a read! A courageous family caught in a vortex of international politics, a cliffhanger drama of survival against all odds." --Jeffery Deaver, New York Times bestselling author of The Twelfth Card 

"A dramatic portrayal of idealism, courage, integrity and fortitude, concluding with one of the most spectacular true-life action sequences ever set down on paper." --John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, New York Times bestselling authors of Mindhunter

Kurt, his wife Annie, Thalia and me.

Want to visit Buenos Aires?

If you have ever dreamed of visiting Argentina there is no better time than now. The dollar is strong, making it one of the least costly cities of quality in the world. Buenos Aires is really a city of art. Whether it is food or paintings and statues, the city is comparable to Paris in many respect. Now you can visit Buenos Aires and stay in one of the best private residence the city has to offer, in the best location and at a super rate. We have a penthouse (5th floor) in the famous Recoletta neighborhood of the city. My company bought the property in 1997 and rebuilt it back to its turn-of-the-century glory. This property is very near the Alvear Palace and the quality of the furnishings equals that prestigious hotel's presidential suite. If you would like to visit BA and stay in this glorious property at half the normal rate just let me know. Here is a link where you can get more details and view the photo album.

Mystery guest to speak at Valle Escondido

Valle Escondido has been fortunate over the years to have a number of famous people visit this beautiful valley. This coming Saturday we will be hosting another important visitor who has been kind enough to offer an hour or so of his time to share his experiences and information on an upcoming movie project that he is involved with. He has asked that we do not publicize his name or invite the press. He also asked that we limit the number of people who may attend to 100. The meeting will be held in the Bamboo room in Valle Escondido Saturday the 17th, from 5-6 pm. There is no charge to attend. Please send an email to eventos@valleescondido.biz confirming the names and number in your party who will attend. I am sure you will enjoy this very much!

Merry Christmas from Valle Escondido

From all of us at Valle Escondido, we want to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Special mothers day dinner Dec. 8th

What’s Up in Boquete?

I am sure you are aware of the flooding we have experienced in Boquete last week. It is important to understand that although the flood was devastating to those who were directly affected, for the most part the damage was contained to a relatively small area of the community and the town of  Boquete was mostly unaffected. The hotels, restaurants and activities of the area are all still operating.  I have met with the mayor and he assured me that the fair grounds are being cleaned and the fair will take place in January as scheduled. We could use all of your help in getting this message out to the general public as the negative impact on tourism for the town will be more severe than the flood in the long term. Here is a press release in  English from the Boquete Business association. A Spanish version  can be found here. Download Nov-28 Comunicado de Prensa Boquete Hoy

For Immediate Release

What’s Up in Boquete?
It’s business as usual in Boquete as the town puts the spotlight
where it belongs: on its beauty and its people

BOQUETE, PANAMA: Boquete was in the spotlight this past week, not for its natural beauty, award-winning coffee and friendly people, but because of the damage caused by the Caldera River. The dramatic footage and photos don’t tell the whole story: Boquete didn’t experience long-term flooding. The river grew quickly during a short period of time and affected some structures in its immediate vicinity. The fact is, the majority of Boquete, including the downtown, roads, tours and activity businesses and most restaurants and hotels, were untouched.  The people of Boquete and the business community have come together to invite the public to experience Boquete today.  

“It is business as usual in Boquete,” says Charlie Collins, Owner and Executive Chef, Panamonte Inn and Spa. “Of course, it has been a difficult week for the people of Boquete and our hearts go out to the families affected. My family has been in Boquete for three generations and some things never change: the things that Boquete has always been known for—its natural beauty, relaxing environment, fresh air, friendly people and welcoming spirit—were 100% unaffected.”

Earlier in the week, media, websites and blogs were reporting on the situation in Boquete. But the photos and footage was limited to a very small section of Boquete, the rest of the town was untouched. 

“Everybody saw the photos and footage, but it’s important to remember: the story didn’t stop there,” continues Chef Collins. “The Boquete community rallied together to help the people in the areas affected by the river. The speed at which those vulnerable points were fixed was truly amazing. It speaks volumes about the character and spirit of the people in Boquete.” 

‘What’s up in Boquete?’

o    Airport service to David and the main road connecting David to Boquete was unaffected
o    All the main roads and the downtown were untouched
o    Traditional Boquete activities Panamanians have always enjoyed—visiting gardens like Mi Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador, stopping for strawberry drinks, enjoying coffee, sharing the beauty with family and loved ones—never stopped
o    Great restaurants and hotels are open for business
o    All the exciting outdoor activities Boquete is known for are still available: hiking, rafting, ziplining, rock-climbing, horseback riding, bird-watching, hot springs and coffee tours

“All of the traditional activities that Panamanian families have enjoyed over the years never stopped,” says Lissette Ameglio, Fresas Café. “The gardens of Mi Jardin es Su Jardin and El Explorador. Stopping for a delicious strawberry batido. Enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Relaxing with your family. Boquete is the perfect place to do this. Now the sun is out and we want people to experience the beauty of our special town today.”

For more information about what is happening in Boquete, please visit www.boquetetoday.com/ and Experience Boquete Today! 
For more information, please call: Jessica Real, 6-615-2965

Brazil night in VE, a great success!

 

Last night we had a real treat here in Valle Escondido. Performers from Brazil provided the entertainment and the food for a very fun night that I am sure everyone will remember. This was not your typical dinner and show, this was a real party where everyone was involved and having a great time learning to samba and watching the professional dancers. Be sure to click on the photo album here.

New riverside deck and breakfast menu for Higueron

You may have noticed our new riverside deck at the Higueron restaurant and the remodeled interior. Now we have developed a new breakfast and lunch menu that we are sure you will enjoy. Not only is there an expanded choice of items, but the prices have been significantly reduced on many of the typical favorites. Today I will post the breakfast menu in English and Spanish. Later I will post the new lunch menu.
Come on down to the old banyan tree by the river and enjoy breakfast or lunch with friends and family. Click on menus to enlarge.

 

Boquete charity auction Dec. 7th

One of the 4 charities that will benefit from a charity auction/sale on December 7th is the Lion's Club. The Lion's clubs in David and Boquete are currently devoting all of their resources to flood relief. They will receive 1/4 of all auction proceeds. The other 3 charities are also involved in flood relief but not to the extent of the Lion's Club. Therefore, if you want to help out (and have a fun day and go home with good stuff) come to the auction on December 7th at the Boquete Fairgrounds. It starts at 2 pm.  We currently have more than $17,000 worth of new goods and services that will be auctioned. In addition all proceeds from the sale of baked goods, snacks, coffee, alcohol, beer, wine, organic produce, handmade indigenous crafts, books, haircuts, palm reading, 50-50 raffle, a coffee tour, etc will go into the fund. For those of you wondering how to help . . . this is a great way.

Columbus day dinner

Sunday, October 12th is Columbus Day and Chef Melissa has prepared a special dinner menu.

Help needed in the Comarca Ngobe-Bugle

I just received this note from John Miller, Boquete Outdoor Adventures asking for some immediate help with supplies or funds. You can reach John by email john@boqueteoutdooradventures.com

You may have heard that last week there was a severe flood on the Rio Fonseca in the Comarca Ngobe-Bugle.  A number of people lost their lives and many lost everything they owned (including houses).Apparently an entire community was washed away.

We are in contact with Dennis Vilorio. He is a Peace Corp volunteer based in Soloy in the comarca. There are two other volunteers in the area (Brenda Barta and Brian Henry). They lost their house to the flood andescaped it by climbing a tree. Dennis was able to return to Soloy only yesterday.

Sinaproc is in the area helping out and looking for stranded people (and bodies). But there is much more that needs to be done. Here is what Dennis sent me: "I just spoke to Orlando Guerra from Sinaproc. He said that what is needed most is food, water, underwear (all sizes), rubber boots for adults (they have plenty for kids), kitchenware, diapers, personal hygiene products (pads for women, soap, toothpaste, etc.), detergent or laundry soap, scrubbers, and rubber gloves. They're bringing in water every day, so I think the other items are of more importance. He said you could send everything to the school in Gevai. Sinaproc will be there every day (they're sleeping in the school) until 5 pm."

We (Boquete Outdoor Adventures) are asking that you donate any of the items mentioned above or money. We are setting a deadline of Sunday, September 14th. On Monday, we will deliver the supplies to the comarca. If we receive enough donations prior to Sunday, we will make a trip sooner. Please be generous and help out. Many of these people had very little to begin with. If you wish to donate food, please stick to basics (rice, oil, canned goods, canned milk, etc.). If you wish to make a monetary donation, we will buy supplies with it.

Donations (food, clothing or money) can be dropped off at our office in Plaza Los Establos. If you do donate money, please email and tell me how much you are donating and when you dropped it off at the office (if I am
not there). If you have any questions, please call me at 6474 0274 or call our office at 720-2284.

Please help out now. The need is great and it is immediate.

New menu for Thursday wine night!

Each Thursday, Chef Melissa comes up with a fantastic new menu for Thursday wine night. Be sure to put this on your calendar. Click to enlarge menu.

New Sabor menu for Thursday wine night

Every Thursday is special wine night at Sabor Escondido. Enjoy some delicious wines at a 25% discount along with a special menu designed just for this event each week. Chef Melissa has a great menu for you this wee which can be purchased a la cart or as a complete meal. Check it out! Click image to enlarge.

The rains of September

Well, rainy season is upon us and about every afternoon we get some rain. According to our friendly weather man, Lloyed Cripe, we are above normal.  A new resident asked me if this was normal because he is from northern Florida and says it is about the same they had there. You can go to Lloyd's website to view the latest data and here is another website where they have collected data for the last seventeen  years in the area for rainfall.
It is important to understand that there are microclimates here in the Boquete area where you can get twice the rainfall of what is reported or in our case considerably less. Valle Escondido is considered the banana belt of Boquete because it is usually dryer than the rest of the area due to the position of the valley.

Calender of events for August

Jessica and Chef Melissa have put together a weekly calender of events, all of which include eating a drinking. Just because it is slow season does not mean we locals can't have some fun and some great deals! They have put together some almost nightly events for your enjoyment. You can also visit Chef Melissa's blog and learn more about her experiences here in Valle Escondido.

This is special desert month when you can enjoy a complimentary desert with your meal at Sabor Escondido. If you have tasted Chef Melissa's chocolate cake, coffee flan or hot apple pie, you know that the other additions will be very special!

Every  Sunday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm, there will be an event they call "Sweet Sunday". It will include special deserts and teas and will be served at the Cafe Con Leche.

Chili Tuesday will feature Chef Melissa's special chili along with bargain priced beer at the Cantina from 4pm to 6pm.

Two for one Happy hour at the Cantina on Friday afternoon from 5pm to 7pm.

Every Thursday evening at the Sabor come and enjoy a special "Fusion" menu from 7pm-10pm.

On Saturday nights from 6pm-9pm at the Cantina, enjoy 75 cent Panama beers with your friends.

Click on the image of the calender and print it out as a reminder!

The Passionate Chef

The hardback book found in most hotel rooms in Panama is called Panama Days and this latest edition feature our own Chef Melissa De Leon. You can click on the images to enlarge.

At last.. the new Sabor menu!

Well, it has taken a while longer than expected, but we are now serving the new menu in Sabor. Chef Melissa has struggled finding all the needed ingredients locally and that is the major cause of delay. It seems it is easier to write a new menu than to find all the needed ingredients. In any case, I have tried a number of these new dishes and I can tell you that they are fabulous. The menu has been expanded significantly and we are working to add more things as clients request, so please feel free to let the chef know your personal preferences. Click the images to enlarge!

Sabor becomes critics choice!

The blogger from Boquete Panama Guide gives Sabor Escondido two thumbs up and it all comes down to the difference a chef makes. Chef Melissa De Leon has made some big changes with our two restaurants and judging from the compliments we receive, our homeowners and visitors really like the changes.

Excerpts;

I took Tricia, a professional critic with me, one with years of working in the hospitality industry and listened carefully to how to judge both restaurant and the food. The ambiance of Sabor Escondido, what from the outside looks like a circus tent is surprisingly nice at night and the service from the staff was excellent. We were well attended without being overwhelmed.

Following advice from Melissa who came out to personally greet each table we decided to try both appitizers and entrees, something unusual for me.

Melissa to you I say bravo and I am looking forward to the opportunity to come to try again soon.

For the rest of the report go to Boquete Panama Guide

Chili Tuesday at the cantina

    Come have some fun and meet some new friends at the cantina this Tuesday. Chef Melissa has come up with a great homemade chili and corn bread to go along with .75 Panama beer. Come on down from 4pm-6pm and give it a try!