Murals of Boquete #1

For several years, I lived in Lake Placid, Florida, a town a little smaller than Boquete, Panama, where I now live.  Lake Placid  is as famous for growing beautiful caladiums as Boquete is for growing the world’s finest coffee.  Lake Placid is even more famous for their unique murals displayed on walls throughout the town.

One day it hit me – - -  Boquete displays some of the most beautiful murals I have ever seen, some as lovely as those in Lake Placid or anywhere else in the world.

Murals have become so popular that you can buy them ready-made to install on any wall, inside or outside. 
Modern murals are a means of communication, to show a political view, a business product or just a beautiful scene or piece of artwork.  Styles vary from abstract, like David is painting on the right, or tromp-l’oeil, “trick the eye” styles like the mural at the top, found at the Streit Estate in Potrerillos.

The Sabroson Restaurante displays a mural of their Executive Chef above the door. If you haven’t seen it, please check it out.

Ancient murals show how people lived, like those found in Egyptian tombs that were painted more than 3,000 BC.   A good example of that style is shown on the historic mural in the Bistro Boquete, below.

Children love to paint murals. At the entrance of the Josefa Montero de Vasquez School, near El Constuctor, students painted a mural of Boquete and surrounding mountains, including the school’s mascot on the right edge, the brightly-colored Resplendent Quetzal. Does such an art project promote school spirit and a sense of belonging?

There are so many murals in Boquete, I will need to continue with several articles on this subject. Keep checking this site for information on how murals are painted, and you’ll see some unusual sights in Boquete that many visitors miss.

Boquete could become as famous for its murals as it is for growing the finest coffee in the world!

If you have seen a mural I may not know about, please tell me and I’ll include it in a future blog.

Bistro Chef’s Mole Contribution

The Bistro Boquete Restaurant

The big Bid 4 Boquete Auction is coming up on Sunday, December 6 at the Feria in Boquete.  Folks are looking forward to the day of fun, bargains and the opportunity to donate to 4 local Boquete charities, Lions Club, Handicap Foundation, Rotary Club and Buenos Vecinos de Boquete.  This year, there will be several “outside events”, including a cooking class presented by Executive Chef, Lauretta Bonfiglio from The Bistro Boquete Restaurant.   These “outside events” will allow for more people to contribute to these charities in different ways.

On Thursday, October 15, Lauretta will teach 14 students the secrets of Mexican Home-style Mole Enchiladas, Chilies Rellenos Con Queso, Toasted Chile Pecan Ice Cream, plus a few more surprises.  The entire proceeds will be donated to Bid 4 Boquete. This is an unique opportunity to cook with Lauretta, to learn some new techniques, to enjoy a full 5-course meal and to donate to 4 charities at the same time.

The event will be held in the kitchen of David and Cora Kent, in El Santuario, just above the castle in Boquete and will begin at 5:00pm.  The first “dish” will be Lauretta’s twist on what she calls “the perfect Margarita”, served in a highball glass!

If you’d like a seat for this charity event, please write to The Boquete Gourmet at boquetegourmet@gmail.com.

To see more information about Bid 4 Boquete, please go to their website at www.bid4boquete.com.  If you are interested in participating in Bid 4 Boquete “outside events”, please respond to any committee member listed on the website.   Thanks for your help!!