My last trip to Panama, I heard that Red Bull was hosting a rap and breakdancing battle called Batalla de los Gallos at Teatro Amador in Casco Viejo. I was staying just a few blocks away in a basic third-floor room with French doors opening to a wraparound balcony, where I met many new friends.
Before the rap battle, I attended a birthday dinner with a new friend named Jose, a Panamanian Presidential Guard I met earlier in the day. The celebration was held in the private room of Casco Viejo's most exclusive new restaurant, Madrigal. Chef Andres Madrigal is a legend in fine cuisine around the world. Not only has he earned two Michelin Star Restaurants awards for his mastery of culinary arts while in Madrid, he is also a successful author, his books mixing history with unique Madrigal-style cooking.
I enjoyed a lavish five-course prix fixe dinner, paired with red wine. My two favorite dishes started and ended our meal. To begin, mango and ginger foie gras were served, with exquisite presentation. They were equally delicious and outdone only by the magnificent dessert. Our after dinner treat was created in true Panamanian style, with delicate chocolate crumbles, cheesecake rounds, and delectable gelato fashioned to depict Panama's historic El Valle de Anton volcano. It was a work of art, as well as comida deliciosa.
After Madrigal’s, the group was heading out on the town, but I weaseled my way out of partying-till-sunrise at Hard Rock Megapolis Panama City. I can’t hang. Heading out on foot, I made it to Teatro Amador and surrendered two Balboas at the door for entry. The crowd was diverse, the music was loud, and the breakdancing and rap battles intense. I have about thirty minutes of it on video but have yet have been struggling to figure out how to upload such a large file. Technology.
After the show, the midnight hour was perfect for solo exploring. Following an armadillo down a dark alley led me exactly where I needed to be: nowhere in particular.
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