New Year’s Eve, Boquete, Panama.
How do you celebrate the ending of one year and the arrival of the next?
Celebrations vary from culture to culture, person to person. The New York City Times Square countdown is familiar to people in the US. In Japan, houses are scrubbed, quarrels forgiven and the temples ring their gongs 108 times. The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees in the streets to clear out the old and bring in the new. Some people party all night and then greet the New Year in a bleary eyed haze. Some stay home to reflect alone, or with loved ones, on time passed and times to come. Some make resolutions for the New Year.
Here in Panama there is a charming tradition that has its origins in Spain. At midnight, you take a dozen grapes, one for each month. You hold a silver coin in one hand and hold, or wear, gold jewelry in the other. As you eat each grape, you make a wish for each month. Finally, you toast with champagne and then you may kiss friends, family, and even strangers as the mood strikes you. Following this ritual insures health, wealth and love for the coming year.
This year, at the Panamonte Inn & Spa in Boquete, Panama, the above ritual was celebrated in the El Salto Lounge to the music of a rollicking latin salsa band and fireworks. However, it is what came before the traditional consumption of grapes that was truly memorable: a six course feast with special wine pairings designed, directed and prepared by Executive Chef Charlie Collins, one of the Inn’s owners and an internationally acclaimed chef.
Menu
Amuse – gueule
Fresh Fig wrapped with Bacon, Sage and Prosciutto
Marques de Riscal Sauvignon Blanc
First Course
Pacific Prawn Parfait with Avocado,
Coral Mayonnaise
Second Course
Diver Scallops and Mussels grilled in Brown Butter,
Goat cheese Gnocchi with Pernod Cream Sauce
Altos del Plata Chardonnay
Sorbet
Thai Basil Sorbet
Main Course
Patagonian Rack of Lamb al Rosemary and Barbequed Sparerib,
in a Bordelaise syrup,
Truffled Potatoes
Caramelized Baby Carrots
LAN Rioja Crianza
Dessert or Cheese
Cheese Selection: Brie, Fontina, Manchego – Fresh Cherries
Plum Pudding – Eggnog
Calvit Reisling
Grapes – Champagne
From the first bite of the succulent fig and crispy prosciutto, through the delectable seafood courses, to the exquisite gnocchi with goat cheese, to the perfectly seared Patagonian rack of lamb, to the finishing bites of traditional plum pudding, this was an amazing tour de force.
For 2011, the Inn was fully booked, the dining room was full, and the word is spreading fast. A suggestion: make your plans now, make your reservations now…for New Year’s Eve 2012 at the Panamonte Inn & Spa, Boquete, Panama.
My New Year’s Resolution for 2012? To celebrate New Year’s Eve next December 31st at the Panamonte Inn & Spa and see what Chef Charlie does to top last year’s spectacular presentation.
And save room for the grapes. Happy New Year from The Panamonte Inn & Spa
