Tom and Caroline have lived in Boquete for over 9 years.  They built “The Castle” in Boquete and we were fortunate to be able to buy their former home adjacent to their new house in El Santuario.  They are very special people, known for upgrading lifestyles in Boquete, their altruistic endeavors,  their love of life.

Last night, we hosted Tom and Caroline for their “farewell” dinner on the night before they left on their world trip to India, Australia and other far-away places.  They had been in David for the day and didn’t return to Boquete until dinner time.  I quickly designed a menu especially for them on this special occasion, their “Farewell Party”, so to speak.

The menu I decided on included all my recently-tried dishes; Baked Fresh Mozzarella with Garlic Oil Infusion, Chef’s Salad with Boquete dressing, Whole Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Chasseur Sauce, Twice-Baked Potatoes, and English-style Scalloped Tomatoes.  Caroline is from Herefordshire, England, so it seemed right to prepare baked tomatoes for her.  For dessert, David grilled Rum-glazed Fresh Pineapple Kabobs ala Greg’s www.sippitysup.com.

We chose a robust wine to serve with the beef tenderloin, Santa Rita Vineyard, 2007 Reserva Carmenere.  The rich fruity flavor paired well with the tenderloin and created a meal meant to be savored.  It was a most delightful evening sitting under the roof of our Ramada with our good friends and neighbors, enjoying the sunset and wondrous landscapes below.  A most “gourmet” evening, if I must say so myself.

Entertainment tonight

In the center of Boquete tonight, mariachi music could be heard for blocks away from Antojitos Mexicanos, one of 3 Mexican restaurants in Boquete.  The six-piece group entertained for 2 hours singing romantic songs from days gone by and keeping diners dancing and singing throughout the evening.  This handsome group of 6 very talented guys played trumpets and guitars and sang their hearts out, to the delight of everyone attending the event.

Erick N. Carrera

The Mariachi Nueva Generacion, featuring Erick Carrera, are not only handsome but played sounds reminiscent of The Tiajuana Brass, remember how good they looked and sounded?  If you’d like to get in touch with them to play for your gathering, please email me and I’ll send you contact information.

The dinner was served buffet-style, the menu included chilies rellenos, seafood cheviche, Mexican rice, refried beans with chips or pulled chicken in a very spicy sauce.  Everything was well prepared and served hot by Chef Mariatrini and her staff.  Margaritas and local beers seemed to be the most popular drinks of the evening.

I love Mexican food, and this restaurant is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Boquete.  Don’t leave Boquete without trying it, you’ll want to return again and again.  It’s located on the main street of town, on the right side just before the new Los Establos shopping center.  Thumbs up!!  

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!!