PANAMA CITY AND CHEF DAVE

NOW WE’RE COOKING 

doing my part

Lucky me! Not only does Janet plan trips well, she also likes to cook and for the past couple of trips we started taking cooking classes when we travel. Cooking classes are great way to have some fun, learn a bit about the local culture and get a great meal. In Hanoi we learned how to make Vietnamese Spring Rolls. In Seville we made Valencian Paella. Here in Panama City, she booked a cooking class with Chef Dave who runs something called the Afro-Panamanian Cooking Experience. According to his website his cooking “blends indigenous, African and Spanish influences.”

We made Saltfish or Bacalao in Panamanian, as both a stew and fritters, coconut rice, with a Pico de Gallo salsa and a garlic alioli for condiments. Not only did we learn these recipes but also cooking techniques like simply how to hold the knife or to prepare green bell peppers by pushing in the stems. It was intuitive and fun and we had a great time with our “crew”. The class is four hours long! But it never felt lagging or boring.

Chef Dave 

Dave is originally from Kenya and runs tours to his country, with no more than 10 people in the group. I think Janet is seriously considering this trip. I guess I’ll have to go.

Here is Dave’s Instagram account.

CHEF DAVE PANAMA CITY

CARNAVAL

What is interesting about the cooking class was that we went on the Tuesday of Carnaval. We never considered the Lenten calendar in planning for this trip. Thankfully Carnaval in Panama City is more of a family holiday, and much of the population heads “home” to visit family in the villages. We were completely clueless, and it was not until our hired driver from the airport told us, through his translating app, that the roads were empty because of Carnaval.  

Casco Viejo Street

For years Panama officials have been trying to push Carnaval in Panama City to make it more of an occasion and there is a parade route the same evening as our class, along Cintra Costera park, in the newer part of the city. Our cooking class was in Casco Viejo the old section and though there was a police presence on nearly every street corner Casco Viejo was quiet.

Here’s a link to Carnaval in Panama with a map of the route in Panama City.

CARNAVAL IN PANAMA

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

view from Sama Sky Lounge - Casco Viejo to the right

We were worried Carnaval overflow may hamper our movements in and out of Casco Viejo, so rather than linger in town after the class we decided to go mid-afternoon for some day drinking.

We had the hotel call us a taxi and arranged for him to drop us off and pick us up for the return. He didn’t want to get paid, he charged $12 each way, until the second leg. He was there waiting for us patiently even though we were a bit late getting out of the class.

Diplomatico Rum at
 Sama Sky Lounge

Before our cooking class we walked around Casco Viejo for a bit then headed over to the Sama Sky Lounge. It’s tricky to get to. Find the entrance to the Oasis Hotel on C. Este 9a, walk down a small flight of stairs and take the elevator to the roof. We were rewarded with spectacular views of both the new Panama City and Casco Viejo and our favorite rum, Diplomatico from Venezuela.

SAMA SKY LOUNGE PANAMA CITY

Thanks for reading.

Love Chef Janet and greg

© 2026 by Gregory Dunaj