There is
a new Panamanian restaurant in town. It is called El Rincón
de Menche, and it is located at Mi Pueblito tourist center, on the
foot of Ancon Hill.
The new
establishment is the creation of Spanish-born restauranteur, Enrique
Ordóñez, and his fiancee, Mercedes, who have designed
a menu that includes recipes from the interior provinces of Panama,
Spain and Latin America.
El Rincón
de Menche is a tribute to Ms.Mercedes' family, in which the name "Menche
(an informal variation of Mercedes) is common.
The restaurant
is housed in the replica of a two-story, balconied adobe building,
typical of Panam's hinterland. Mi Pueblito Tourist Center is a replica
of three early-20th century Panamanian towns, each of which represents
the country's three main ethnic groups (Hispanic, Native American
and Afro-Caribbean).
The opening
of the restaurant was marked with folklore and music performances.
