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El Eskimo – your next best restaurant

Chimichurri and chileros at El Eskimo
Chimichurri and other sauces
Dining room at El Eskimo
Dining room at El Eskimo

Well, we have been through a pandemic and other crisis here in Nicaragua…I was wondering if my all-time favorite restaurant in Managua had survived all the drama. I am happy to say that YES! it has!

It was like ‘regresando a casa’…great service and great food at this Altagracia, Managua, Nicaragua restaurant. Of course, the menu is varied and there is something for everyone. However, I was interested in the famous Nicaraguan cut called “churrasco”. I ordered it between medium (término medio) y 3/4. It was served with a house salad, bread, french fries and rice (didn’t need the nice). There is also a nice selection of house sauces (chimichurri, and two types of spicy dressings). I had no room left to order my favorite Eskimo desert – Peach Melba.

Tripadvisor has it as the #19 restaurant in Managua. I love El Eskimo. It has stood the test of time and is better than ever!

More churrasco here.

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Churrasco – 1 great Nicaraguan steak

Back in Managua, I must admit that a nice steak lunch in Nicaragua is hard to beat. This cut is the famous churrasco cut (basically a Top Sirloin cut a lot thinner).

Churrasco Nicaraguan-style, also known as “Nica Churrasco,” is a delicious grilled steak dish that’s popular in Nicaragua, especially with chimichurri. Here’s a basic recipe for making churrasco Nicaraguan-style:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of skirt steak or flank steak (you can adjust the quantity based on the number of servings)
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, orange juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and vegetable oil. Mix well to create the marinade.
  2. Place the skirt steak or flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.
  5. Once the grill is hot, remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the marinade.
  6. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.
  7. As the steak cooks, you can baste it with any remaining marinade or a mixture of equal parts oil and vinegar.
  8. Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
  10. Serve the churrasco Nicaraguan-style with lime wedges on the side. Traditionally, it’s served with gallo pinto (rice and beans) and fried plantains.

Enjoy your delicious Nicaraguan churrasco!

Note: This recipe is a basic version of churrasco Nicaraguan-style. Variations may exist based on personal preferences and regional differences.

Read more here.

And more here.

1 big snake in a tree

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Nicaragua is home to a diverse range of serpent species, including both venomous and non-venomous snakes. Some of the most common venomous species found in Nicaragua include the Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper), the Jumping Pit Viper (Atropoides nummifer), and the Eyelash Pit Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii). These species can be dangerous to humans and require caution and respect when encountered.

Non-venomous serpents in Nicaragua include the Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor), the Parrot Snake (Leptophis ahaetulla), and the Green Vine Snake (Oxybelis fulgidus). While these are not venomous, they can still pose a risk if provoked or mishandled.

In Nicaragua, these reptiles are an important part of the ecosystem and play a vital role in controlling rodent populations and other small prey. It is important to remember that most snakes are not aggressive and will only attack if they feel threatened or cornered. It is important to respect their space and avoid disturbing them whenever possible.

If you encounter a serpent in Nicaragua, it is best to keep a safe distance and observe it from a distance. Do not attempt to handle or capture the serpent, and seek medical attention immediately if bitten by a venomous species.

7 great tacos in Boquete, Panama

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Tacos Rudos
Taco Rudo – beef, cheese, onion, and green peppers
Tacos Rudos - El Santo
El Santo – shredded pork with three different chiles on a bed of cabbage and chipotle cilantro mayo
Tacos Rudos - owner Alejandro
Alejandro is the chef!
Tacos Rudos - Xotchil
Xotchil will generally serve you with a smile
Tacos Rudos - fish and Mil Máscaras
A fish taco and a Mil Máscaras taco

Do take a trip to a side street food truck area of Boquete, Chiriquí. There you will find this street taco place that beats EVERYBODY hands down. I have not had better tacos anywhere in Panama. They have other items on the menu but the variety and quality of tacos are off the charts. The flavors are nothing short of exquisite. Again, excellent quality ingredients and definitely worth the price!

You can take a look at their menu HERE:

Tacos Rudos Bqt, Av. A Oeste, Boquete

+507 6233-9009

Sandwich Shop – the famous Boquete eatery

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Emparedado de jamón y queso con patacones
Ham and swiss cheese sandwich with fried plantains
Good service at Boquete Sandwich Shop
Juan Carlos serves with a smile
Buen servicio en Boquete Sandwich Shop
Xotchil is ready to serve guests

When you visit Boquete in the highlands of Panama, please stop by and have breakfast (served all day) or one of their great sandwiches. Service is excellent and the quality and taste of the food are also top-notch!

Juan Carlos and Xotchil will serve you with a smile. English and Spanish are spoken here. Pay with cash or a credit card.

Boquete Sandwich Shop

Avenida A Oeste, Bajo Boquete, Panama

+507 730-9527

boquetesandwichshop@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/boquetesandwichshop

Delicious carne desmenuzada (recipe)

Gotta love carne desmenuzada from Nicaragua

Carne desmenuzada is a popular Nicaraguan dish made from shredded beef that is often served with rice and beans. You might get it throughout the country but Managua, Nicaragua is a haven for good recipes. Here is a recipe to make carne desmenuzada:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of beef chuck roast
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Cut the beef into large chunks and season with cumin, oregano, and salt.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
  3. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
  5. Let the beef simmer for about 2-3 hours or until it is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Check on the beef occasionally and add more water if necessary.
  6. Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks.
  7. Return the shredded beef to the pot and mix it with the remaining sauce. Cook for another 10-15 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
  8. Serve the carne desmenuzada hot with rice and beans or as desired.

Enjoy your delicious carne desmenuzada (carne deshilada) from Nicaragua!

Enjoy these pictures: 1 2

I found another recipe to follow, if you would like:

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 3 pounds of beef (e.g., chuck roast)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock
  • Optional: additional seasonings like cumin, chili powder, paprika, etc.

Instructions:

  1. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the beef to the hot oil and sear it on all sides until browned. This step helps to develop the flavors.
  4. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them until softened and fragrant.
  6. Place the seared beef back into the skillet with the onions and garlic.
  7. Add the beef broth or stock, and any additional seasonings you prefer.
  8. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
  9. Allow the beef to cook slowly for several hours, or until it becomes very tender and easy to shred with a fork.
  10. Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it into small pieces or strands.

Click here for more tips.

1 beautiful Flor de Avispa [Hibiscus]

A beautiful local flower in Nicaragua
Another color of the Flor de Avispa

Hibiscus flowers are a type of flowering plant with bright, five-colored petals and a long floral tube. They are native to India and Malaysia, but there are hundreds of types of hibiscus, including herbs, shrubs, and trees. They have a circadian cycle and close their leaflets at night. They come in various colors, some of which change with age, and have a large and trumpet-like shape. They are easy to grow, good for the bees and butterflies, and can be trained to have a bush or a tree form.


Hibiscus flowers (called Flor de Avispa) are very common in Nicaragua and are often used as decorative plants. The flower is part of the Malvaceae family and can grow up to about 4-6 feet tall. Additionally, this beautiful flower can come in a variety of colors such as white, pink, and red.

Click here to see more pictures of the Flor de Avispa.

A treasure to be seen – Ojo de Agua

View from side of main pool at Ojo de Agua, Ometepe
Side view of main pool
Side view of ranchos at Ojo de Agua, Ometepe
Los ranchos
Children enjoying a rope swing at Ojo de Agua, Ometepe, Nicaragua
Playing on the rope swing

Ojo de Agua is a natural spring pool located on the island of Ometepe in Nicaragua, and it’s considered a wonderful place for several reasons.

Firstly, the natural beauty of the area is breathtaking. The crystal-clear water of the pool surrounded by lush green vegetation creates a stunning visual contrast. It’s a perfect spot for taking in the natural beauty of Ometepe.

Secondly, Ojo de Agua is a perfect spot to cool off on a hot day. The pool’s water is naturally cool and refreshing, providing a welcome respite from the tropical heat.

Thirdly, the pool’s mineral-rich water is believed to have healing properties and is thought to be beneficial for the skin and the body.

Fourthly, Ojo de Agua is a social hub where people from different parts of the world converge to enjoy its beauty and relax in a tranquil environment. This creates a unique and vibrant community that is welcoming to visitors.

Overall, Ojo de Agua, Ometepe is a wonderful place because of its natural beauty, refreshing water, healing properties, and community vibe. It’s an excellent destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to relax and unwind in a peaceful setting.

Check out these links: 1 2 3

Video

City Mall sadly burns beyond use

Ruins of the City Mall in David, Chiriquí
Burned ruins in David, Chiriquí, Panama
Back of the City Mall in David, Chiriquí

The popular City Mall in David, Panama, has burned almost beyond recognition. Many people are crying over the loss of this popular discount retailer.

This was a large shopping center that offers a wide variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It is located in the city of David, which is the capital of the Chiriquí Province in western Panama. The mall is situated on a 17-hectare site and has a total built-up area of 100,000 square meters. The mall features more than 200 stores, including international brands, a food court, a cinema complex, a bowling alley, and a children’s play area. It was one of the largest and most popular shopping destinations in the region and attracts both locals and tourists alike.

Rumors have it that it will be rebuilt on the same property and with 5 stories of shopping. Other rumors have City Mall temporarily being relocated to La Fería de David fairgrounds. Other rumors have it being relocated to the half-vacant Federal Mall, also in David, Chiriquí.

Any thoughts on this?

1 beautiful Panama oak tree

Panama Oak
Panama Oak

The Panama oak, also known as the “Roble Sabana” or “Roble de Altura” in Spanish, is a species that is native to Central and South America, including Panama. Its scientific name is Quercus oleoides.

It is a large and slow-growing tree, which can reach up to 50 meters in height. It is often found in high-altitude forests, where it plays an important ecological role as a habitat for various animal species.

The wood of this important tree is highly valued for its hardness and durability and is used in the construction of furniture, flooring, and other high-quality wooden products. However, like many other valuable tree species, the Panama oak has been overexploited in some areas and is considered endangered in certain regions. Efforts are being made to protect and preserve this important tree species and its habitat.

Click here to see more Central American trees!