On the picture Ambassador Dario Chirú Ochoa and a Panamanian dancer.
On Thursday, 12 November 2015, the Ambassador of Panama to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (non-resident) and Head of Mission to the European Union, H. E. Dario Chirú Ochoa, hosted a reception and gastronomic tasting of ´Panamanian Flavors’ for diplomatic and government officials, as well as Panamanians residing in Belgium and Luxembourg to commemorate their national holidays.
The tasting started with a few light and cold appetizers to open the guests’ appetite. Specifically a trio of ceviches – a traditional dish from the Panamanian coasts – of chicken, shrimp and cobia. The latter is a white, versatile, high quality fish, raised in the open waters of Panama by the company Open Blue who recently started providing Cobia in Belgium.
For additional pictures on the National Day of Panama in Brussels, please open here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157661006092459
The menu then continued with a few warm appetizers, starting with a Cashew Soup, made from cashew nuts, which grow in a tree commonly found in tropical climates thus very commonly found in the Latin America region. It was followed by the popular Empanadas, a delicious beef stuffed pastry, with a crust made out of cornmeal; in Panama it is considered one of the most popular snacks, appetizers or an item of breakfast.
The Panamanian flavors where then highlighted with the Bollo, a boiled corn dough bun served with grilled pork. As main courses the guests were served two small portions of traditional dishes. The first plate stressed the Caribbean flavors of Panama with an Arroz con Guandú y Coco (Rice with Green Beans and Coconut) served with wither cod or shredded beef, commonly called Ropa Vieja.
The second plate was probably the most popular Panamanian plate the Arroz con Pollo, which is rice and chicken, slow cooked with vegetables and spices, served with a Caramel Glazed Plantain. A dessert table was also offered for the guests, which included Huevitos de Leche, milk candy, Cocadas, coconut candy and Suspiros, corn starch candy, all commonly found in the mountainous regions of the country and the central provinces.
The dessert assortment also included the Mama Llena, a raisin bread pudding and the Sopa Borracha, a rum sponge cake found always in traditional celebrations.
To complete the evening there was a separate area for cocktails made with the Panamanian local sugarcane rum, Ron Abuelo. A selection of Ron Abuelo 7 years and Ron Abuelo 12 years where available to guests in either a tropical cocktail or served on the rocks for tasting.
Pictures courtesy of the Embassy of Panama to Belgium and Luxembourg, Mission to the EU.
