Super Gourmet (of Bocas) opens branch Nº2 in the Old Quarter

Tasting the world in Casco Viejo

By: Howard V. Walker

A fine selection of meats.

Knowing your market is the key to opening any business. The owner of the new Super Gourmet delicatessen and gourmet grocery at Ave. A and Calle 6 in Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter, seems to have done her homework. Lorelei Kusin already has a similar operation in Bocas Del Toro, successfully established 6 years ago, and now she plans to spend half her time each month between her two branches.

Why choose Casco Viejo? The answer was easy for Ms. Kusin: "I am in the service business. I look for the gaps and try to fill them." Naturally attracted to its distinctive architectural and social character, she found that in the Old Quarter there are many excellent restaurants catering to dinner-time patrons but those offering similar quality fare for breakfast and lunch were few and far between. Accordingly, she will limit her opening hours to breakfast and lunch only, although the grocery is open until evening.

L to r: Joana Carrasco, chef: Lorelei Kusin, propietor; Ernesto Ureña, manager.

She hopes that delivery to clients within the area will become an important part of her business. Her modestly priced selections, eclectic in character (hence her motto "Taste the World") could well appeal to guests staying in the holiday rentals in the area who would appreciate a quiet breakfast or lunch ‘at home’ before venturing out for the day’s exploration. Naturally, in addition to tourists, her aim is to meet the needs of the local residents and office workers.

All sandwiches and dishes are made to individual order from the large assortment of crisply-fresh vegetables and produce. Wine in the coolers and freezers are housed along the shelves in the elegant, high-ceilinged ground floor of the grand old Casa Testa. There is accommodation for 16 diners, and also tables on the sidewalk.

Enjoy a sidewalk repast.

The menu reflects Ms. Kusin’s commitment to provide healthful gourmet products. Salads with an international flavor include Ensalada Asiatica which boasts a Japanese spicy dressing on top of the lettuce, peppers, tangerine, and sprinkling of onions. The Ensalada Mexicana, of course, comes with avocado, along with the lettuce, tomato, fresh cheese, and Mexican dressing. Prices range from $4.00 for the Mexican choice to $2.00 for the Caesar salad. There is a good selection of soups such as bean, squash, chicken,and lentil with daily variety. Prices are $3.50 large, $2.00 small. Sushi chad rolls and tuna rolls are priced at $5.50. Sandwiches have all the quality meats and cheeses that one would expect. They are in the $4.50 price range, although the Serrano ham is $8.50. House dressings are a specialty.

This is the latest stage in a journey for the owner which began 19 years ago when she sailed her boat from San Francisco through the Panama Canal. Panama had immediate attraction. Eventually she returned and opened the doors of her first Super Gourmet in Bocas. She hopes that her second venture will become equally popular and "fill the gap" in Casco Antiguo.