Toasting the Canal Centennial

Panama America newspaper

April 5, 2014

Toasting the  Canal Centennial

Jaime Figueroa Navarro

On the eve of Panama Canal Centennial celebration, the Panamanian Government and the Panama Canal Authority have scheduled a series of memorable conferences and tours with the presence of dignitaries, prestigious speakers and foreign visitors, similar to the events that took place last year during the festivities to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Pacific Ocean in Darien, Panama.

Always in search of parallel refreshing, creative and innovative endeavors, in 2013 I took the initiative to lead the first business executives expedition in the history of Panama to climb Pechito Parao Hill in the Darien jungle, site of the historic sighting of the Pacific Ocean by Vasco Nunez de Balboa in 1513, accompanied by a group of seasoned and spirited APEDE pioneers.  

We didn´t want to be left behind this year so along with Patricia Miranda Allen, Lorraine Washington and Lil Mary Herrera we have concocted a unique event, involving a dozen chefs representing the countries who provided the labor, pick and shovel in the canal´s construction, by preparing a giant earth paella, measuring three meters in diameter, the largest in the history of the isthmus, with symbolic land ingredients such as lamb, pork, chicken and beef. 

Let´s examine the trio that embellishes this commendable feat: Patricia Miranda Allen, Chiriqui highlands chef, pound for pound at the same level as famous Panama boxer Roberto Duran, Patricia was awarded in 2012 the worldwide first prize at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards held at the historic Folies Bergère theatre in Paris, with her Ngobe Bugle indians cookbook Fogón de mis Amores.  Next, Lorraine Washington, the charming Jamaican chef, who attended grammar and high school in Panama, where she met Miranda Allen and  together gave birth to the Volcan Green Festival, an annual activity in the Panama highlands since 2011, her  specialty being nutrition and physical training. Finally, Lil Maria Herrera, multifaceted poet, teacher, journalist, writer, editor and translator.  This dynamic trio fuses brilliant ladies whose deep love for the homeland is reflected in each of their culinary offerings.     

This year´s version of the Festival has, in my view, four specific purposes: First, to commemorate the canal´s centennial through the culinary cultural fusion integrated by its workers during the  construction period of 1904-1914. Second, articulate Chiriquí province as the national bread basket, heavily focused on organic farming. Third, crown indefatigable Chef Patricia Miranda Allen as the Panama Pioneer of Sustainable Food, a highly deserved honor. Finally, gather the enthusiastic support and generous sponsorship for the annual sustainability of this activity so that it becomes one of the main tourist attractions of the country´s gastronomy.

The festival will be held the week-end of May 17-18, 2014 at the Volcan Horticultural, Handicraft and Tourism Market, featuring a dozen renowned local and international chefs, namely: Alfredo Sosa, George Mathews. Argimiro Armuelles, Ivin Linares, Melissa de Leon, Lestienne André Luis Mendizabal, Fulvio Miranda, Len Manuel, Amelia Yin, Lorraine Washington and Patricia Miranda Allen. In addition to the  paella tasting, we will enjoy the chefs conferences in each of their specific specialties, a Sunday morning walk and multiple cultural activities marking the event as a memorable activity. 

Instead of lazily lying in a hammock on the beach or dealing with Panama City traffic jams, it would be well worth your while to schedule attending this historic event that charmingly honors the canal centennial and allows your family to enjoy delicious dishes and learn about the dynamic changes taking place in our culinary future. For the complete program and additional information, please review the Volcan Verde Integral Facebook page.  Bon appetit!