Known around the world for satisfying the most demanding palates, special coffees from Panama have earned a place in the international market with prices matching their quality and meeting the criteria of the most expert tasters. (more)

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Judges from the Netherlands, Taiwan, United States, Japan and South Korea will choose from among 46 lots the best coffee in Panama, in a tasting that will begin tomorrow in the western province of Chiriqui, said the organizers today. (more)

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Denver, CO (Restaurant News Release) Smashburger, the rapidly expanding better burger restaurant concept, and QSR International LDC, a leading multi-brand quick service restaurant developer, today announced a new partnership agreement with Diqueos Tagaropulos and his company, Inversiones Platinum Brands S.A., to build five new Smashburger restaurants in the Republic of Panama over the next six years. This agreement will continue the market growth for Smashburger in Central America and represents the second territory in the region, with locations in Costa Rica in Moravia, San Jose and the Juan Santamaria International Airport scheduled to open this spring.

Inversiones Platinum Brands S.A. currently operates Wing Zone, a U.S. based chicken wing fast-casual restaurant chain. Inversiones Platinum Brands opened Wing Zone’s first international location in Panama in 2010 and now operates five restaurant locations in the region. Smashburger is the second restaurant concept for the company.

“We are pleased with the progress of Smashburger’s international expansion, with Panama representing our fifth international country, and are fortunate to work with leading franchise partners to develop and grow our global presence,” commented Dave Prokupek, Chairman and CEO of Smashburger. “It is an honor to welcome Inversiones Platinum Brands to the Smashburger family and to help them build the leading better burger brand in Central America.”

Richard Eisenberg, President of QSR International stated: “As we continue to execute upon our expansion plans for the Central and South American region, we are excited for the opportunity to partner with Inversiones Platinum Brands and look forward to recruiting other well qualified restaurateurs to our franchise system as we continue to build a strong, passionate following for our leading better burger brand around the world.”

Diqueos Tagaropulos, President of Inversiones Platinum Brands S.A. added: “We are proud to be selected by Smashburger and QSR International to be the exclusive developer for the brand in Panama. We are excited to replicate the success of the Smashburger brand model, which has set a new standard for fast casual restaurants across the globe.”

As Smashburger continues expanding throughout the United States and internationally, Panama marks the latest international country for the young brand. The first Panama location is expected to open in 2014. Recognizing there is still significant opportunity and global demand for its burgers, Prokupek adds “we are dedicated to continue growing our better burger concept all over the world and expanding through new partnerships including Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, as well as Central America, South America, the U.K. and Asia.” (Press Release)

Housewives are getting ready to prepare the traditional Christmas dinner. In search of the best prices channel 2 TVN News AM visited several supermarkets where, according to the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition (Acodeco), the best prices are offered for basic family food necessities.

In these shops we found Christmas hams starting at $17.00, turkeys from $16.00, rice from $2.09 for five pounds and the popular "guandú" at $3.95.

A food that cannot be missing from the Christmas table is the traditional "rosca" of egg bread that is available at an affordable price, as well as the popular apples and grapes, all within reach of the budget.

In total you can expect to spend about 80 dollars on the purchase of the basic ingredients of Christmas dinner, for about 4 people. (TVN)

Editor's Comment: During the evening news broadcast yesterday TVN ran down the results of their price survey for the "basic family food basket" and found big differences in prices for the exact same goods, depending on where you shop. The cheapest prices are at the Xtra supermarkets nearest to the poorest neighborhoods, while (not surprisingly) the highest prices are at the Riba Smith and Super99 supermarkets closest to the most exclusive neighborhoods of Panama City.

The Authority for Consumer Protection and the Defense of Competition (ACODECO) conducted an investigation to determine whether chicken eggs being sold in the country comply with the required technical specifications.

The group of technicians from the ACODECO wanted to determine if the eggs being sold as jumbo, large, medium, and small met the technical specifications.

The investigation was conducted in 118 supermarkets and packaging plants, where they checked a total of 33,202 dozens of eggs, of which 7,492 (22.09%) were rejected.

According to ACODECO, the majority of the eggs checked were measured to see if they were either large or medium sized.

According to the investigation, the two companies producing jumbo eggs, Melo failed 28.57% while Toledano failed 58.82%.

Of the 10 companies selling large fresh eggs, the companies with the highest rates of compliance were: De Patio (92%), Melo (78.12%); Toledano (75.61%), Del Dia (73.68%); Edanjo (40% ); and Granja Teresa (14.29%).

Four producers (Finca Bremer, Caribeño, Athenas and Avícola Chong) scored 0% compliance.

As for medium eggs, of the nine companies producing, only two (Del Dia and Edanjo) complied 100% with the technical regulation.

They were followed by by Melo (95.65%); Toledano (69.09%), Caribeño (57.14%); Guayacanes (38.46%).

The companies Granja Teresa, Bremer and Rodeo had 0% compliance. (Prensa)

Editor's Comment: The way they are talking about this is somewhat confusing. For example, they measured eggs being sold by the Toledano company as medium sized eggs. In their investigation they determined that in fact only 69% of those eggs were actually medium sized according to the technical specifications, while 31% were not (because they were smaller.) In doing this report, some poor bastard had to measure 398,424 eggs. Why so many? Did anyone ask ACODECO what they did with all those eggs after they measured them? (urp) Que huevo...

Good news for Foodies and Gourmands in El Cangrego. Ruben Dario Ortega Vieto, of recent Luna fame, has made his way over to El Cangrejo and signed on as the Executive Chef of the Veneto, Wyndham Grand Hotel and Casino. Looks like this Panamanian UberChef is going to make another impact on the dining scene in Panama City, bring gourmet to this landmark hotel. Imagine banquet events without rubber chicken and groaning buffets .. gourmet holiday parties, weddings and more.

His pedigree includes of course Luna, but also stints at La Posta and at various posh eateries in Washington DC where he honed his culinary talents at the likes of the Bistro Bis, The Elbow Room Restaurant, Ritz Carlton and Ardeo. Chef Ruben pursued his career in culinary arts after giving up on the hustle bustle of the finance world. Fresh local ingredients, meticulously selected fresh produce (4 am trips to the market) , creative spices and vibrant atmosphere combine to bring wow his guests in not only the New York Steakhouse, but in every other venue of the Veneto’s diverse collection, including banquets.

As this article is released, Chef Ruben is further expanding his horizons at A Wyndham Chef’s training event at the famed Escula Internacional de Cuisine at Valladolid, Spain. He promises to return from Spain in early November with even more delicacies added to his already impressive armory.

If you are lucky enough to land an invitation to the limited engagement, invitation only “Power Lunch” at the famed New York Steak House, you will find an engaging personality presenting unique and delicious bites. Follow Chef Ruben at @rubenortegaviet

New York Steakhouse is located in the Veneto, Wyndham Grand Hotel, on Via Veneto Free valet parking.

Casa Ramirez is proud to announce 4 course Sunday Brunches presented by SophiaLaurel Catering. Casa Rameriz is located in Coco del Mar, just minutes away from the heart of Panama City. A restored private residence, Casa Ramirez's warm and inviting atmosphere provides the perfect local for Sunday morning brunch. Come and enjoy a 4 course brunch including mimosas, coffee and tea in the privacy of the Casa Ramirez gardens. Breathtaking views of the city skyline combined with the tranquility of the gardens make for a memorable dining experience.

One can expect to find anything from hand made charcuterie and hand crafted cheeses to light and silky mousses and poached eggs perched delicately atop a hearty hash on the ever changing and rotating menu. Chef Sophia Boesenberg strives to use locally grown and sourced products while showcasing the many wonderful local rarities Panama has to offer.

Sunday Brunch Menu for October 28th, 2012 - House Made Charcuterie and Cheese Board with Fresh Made Bread, Crackers and Pickles, Duck Confit Hash with Poached Eggs, Roasted Carrot Salad with Candied Pecans and Blueberry Vinaigrette, Toasted Chai Torte with Spiced Chocolate Buttercream

You must have a reservation to attend and you can make reservations via email by contacting Sophia Boesenberg at sophia.boesenberg@gmail.com.

Map to Casa Ramirez at CasaRamirezPanama.com/Map

Dairy products for children and adults with expired dates, were seized on Friday by inspectors from the Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition (ACODECO) in the province of Bocas del Toro. Despite the distribution of leaflets with information to both consumers and merchants, some of the latter continue to insist on trying to sell expired products, to the point that there are recidivists (repeat offenders). Therefore, the authorities will impose the appropriate penalties. However, the authorities reported that overall the number of retailers who are selling expired products in the region has fallen sharply. The most commonly seized products are rice, both powdered and liquid milk, cereals, liqueurs, beans and sweets. (TVN)

The Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition (acodec) confiscation about 288 pounds of rice containing worms, weevils and moths in the province of Chiriqui. According to Alexis Ortega, the Regional Administrator for Acodeco, the seizure was made ​​Monday in a small market located in the neighborhood of Alto Verde in David. In the small market, owned by Chinese, had bags of rice that had not passed their expiration date, Ortega said, but were full of moths, worms and grubs, which represents a danger to consumers. Acodeco officials drew up a certificate detailing the quantity seized. Subsequently they will determine the amount of the fine, which can be between $100 and $25,000 dollars, for violating consumer protection rules. (Siglo)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received this afternoon via email: "Hey Don. I'm new here, love your site. I have been to Panama quite a few times in the last 2 years, but I can't find an answer to my question. I've searched your site and googled (try googling Panama City, HUH! always Panama City Beach. ufff) Anyway, my question is - Are oysters available in Panama City? I noticed in an article of yours about a seafood market, I'll look there next time I come (July 6). Thanks for any help."

Editor's Comment: Great question. I love oysters myself, but to be honest with you I can't remember the last time I had them here in Panama. Can anyone recommend someplace with good, fresh raw oysters? Please answer in the comments section below.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.