Thanksgiving is not, strictly speaking, a Panamanian holiday. Nonetheless, Panamanians have embraced this most North American celebration with gusto, and the Día de Acción de Gracias as it is called, is observed in many homes, restaurants and hotels. At the Panamonte Inn, in Boquete, ThanksgivingDay has been observed for over 40 years by the Elliott-Collins family owners.
This year, November 24, 2011, will mark the 5th Annual Inga Collins Thanksgiving Benefit Dinner. A portion of all proceeds from the event will be donated to the Rotary Clubs of David and Boquete, to assist with their efforts to improve the health, education and housing of Chiricanos. Doña Inga Collins has announced that she will personally match the sum raised by the event up to $2,000. What a lovely way to say, “Thank you!”
Events at the Panamonte are well-known for their elegance, exquisite seasonal decorations and flowers, gracious hospitality and creative menus. Thanksgiving at the Panamonte Inn is always a lavish affair, with a buffet of foods that represents the best food traditions of North America, Panama, and Sweden. This year's event promises to be even better than in years past—if such a thing can be imagined. To begin, there will be two buffet areas: one in the lovely turn of the century dining room and another outside the El Salto Lounge. A tented area will house the garden buffet and fairy lights will twinkle throughout the trees, lending even more festivity to the occasion.
What does a Thanksgiving Buffet at the Panamonte look (and taste!) like? And what sets it apart from other Thanksgiving buffets? “That's easy,” says Chef Collins. “Quality and variety. We will have three styles of turkey—Southern style with cornbread dressing, All American with french bread and herbed dressing, and Catalan turkey stuffed with a sausage and fall fruit dressing. There will be mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, wild rice, candied yams, Swedish baked beans, salads...” Chef Collins grins and raises his hands in the air. “The menus goes on and on. We'll have roast pork, pumpkin ravioli...and I haven't even started on the desserts, yet!”
The evening will begin promptly at 6 PM with champagne in the El Salto Lounge. At 6:30, those in attendance will be eligible for a surprise raffle drawing—Specialty of the House Gift Baskets for Him and for Her, designed by Charlie Collins. Dinner will begin at 7 PM.
The Panamonte is offering two other very special, exclusive dining options this year:
Option 1 is for a private party of 10-12 on the Terrace Patio outside Suites 1 and 2. The party will be served by a dedicated butler and a bartender. The menu will feature an amuse bouche (the chef's special touch), a served appetizer, a full Thanksgiving buffet (the chef himself will carve the turkey), a fine wine selection, and a dessert table that will be served by, Douglas, the pastry chef. Comfortable seating, superb service, haute cuisine...this is a truly luxurious option for a special family gathering.
Option 2, a smaller (perhaps more romantic?) choice is for tables of 2-4 persons on the tucked away patios of Suites 3 and 4. A private butler will cater to the guests needs. Privacy, first class personalized service, and a five course meal of unsurpassed gourmet delight...that is a LOT to be thankful for!
This year, in order to insure guests' satisfaction, all tickets will be pre-sold. At the time of purchase, you may reserve the table that you wish for your party from a floor plan that will be available. If you have a preference for indoor or garden seating, purchase your tickets early so that you can select the dining area you desire. Tickets can be purchased in Boquete through the Panamonte—call 720-1324. In David, contact Rotary member Rosela Nasta at 775-5485, or stop by her place of business, Lava Fast on Avenida Obaldia in David. Tickets for the dining room or garden buffets are $43.00 per person. The deadline for purchasing tickets is November 17th.
To reserve one of the Luxury Private Dining options, contact Sandra Naranjo at 720-1324. These are strictly limited and only available by prior arrangement.
If you would like information about one of the Panamonte's Special Thanksgiving packages that includes hotel reservation and breakfast, call 720-1324 for details.
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