Arturo
Eduardo Smith, the owner of La Novena, loves chocolates with all his
heart. That's why, after retiring from a long career in the oil refining
business (an industrial chemist with a doctoral degree from Germany,
Smith introduced unleaded gas in Panama) he decided to open a chocolate
store, where visitors would learn about the entire chocolate-making
process. But the unavailability of the needed machinery in Panama
temporarily changed his plans, teaching him that "a good meal
comes before dessert."
That is
how Restaurante La Novena was born: small, but well-appointed establishement
where vegetarian tastebuds will be satisfied with a good selection
of tropical ingredients. One recommended dish is its version of Spanish
paella, accompanied by soursop juice. The kitchen located in the center
of the establishment, in full view from all the tables.
The name
La Novena (Spanish for "The Ninth") comes from Beethoven's
Ninth Symphony, which Smith learned to love during his years as a
student in Europe, and shares with his guests in a variety of renditions.
La Novena
is located on Vía Argentina, opposite Happy Copy, not far from
most hotels of the Vía España area. For more information,
call: 264-3376.
One
of Panama City's most recognizable landmarks, the El Carmen Catholic
Church, on Vía España, was built with cement discarded
by the Allies in Europe during World War II. The fancy church, which
in those days could be seen by ships anchored in the Bay of Panama,
was dedicated in 1947.
