Nothing says celebration like a bottle of bubbly. If you like to commemorate special occasions with caviar and champagne, you'll feel right at home in Panama. Unlike some Latin countries where high-end products are limited, Panama carries a wide variety of just about everything. Being a wine and food fanatic, this blog is dedicated to the things that make my tastebuds go, "Mmm."

When you're in the mood to celebrate, there is a wide variety of bubbly to fit the occasion and your budget. Plus, you can get it just about anywhere, from wine stores to grocery stores. 

You can buy an inexpensive bottle of cava for about $5 that is perfect for mimosas or champagne cocktails. In the mid-range there are a lot of $15-$25 brands of cava that are a great value because they are made the old-fashioned way, which creates small delicate bubbles. On the high-end, you can buy vintage French champagne such as Dom Perignon and Krug. 

If you want the perfect delicacy to pair with your champagne, you can easily find luxury items in Panama City, such as caviar or pate. 

Caviar is available at a variety of gourmet stores in Panama City, including Marky's Gourmet, Tree House Market (in the Yoo Panama), and the previously mentioned Riba Smith. Marky's Gourmet has the largest selection of specialty gourmet items. They are available by appointment.

Riba Smith carries both blinis and caviar in a very small fridge near the produce & cheese toward the back of the store. They also have foie gras in the same area. The type of caviar they have available varies. I’ve noticed that before holidays, they have real sturgeon caviar, while at other times they only have different varieties of lumpfish.

The blinis at Riba Smith are expensive (~$30 for 30 quarter-sized blinis). I would rather spend the money on good caviar, so I’ve learned to make my own. Here is a recipe I like. http://easteuropeanfood.about.com/od/noodlesdumplings/r/blini.htm . I’m sure you’ll get points from your sweetheart for whipping up some blinis yourself! Plus, the texture is better when they are fresh.

Whatever your mood, Panama has the gourmet delight that you've been looking for... plus a few that you didn't know that you needed. So now that y9our tastebuds are tantalized, all you need to do is book a flight.

Cheers and see you soon!!

The first few times I visited Panama, customs was a breeze. But during peak days in high season (December through April), customs lines can be long and frustrating, just like they are when visiting any foreign country. 

If you are willing to pay a bit extra for VIP service, you will love the Tocumen Royal Saloon VIP service. Here is how it works.

• They meet you at your gate when your flight gets in.

• They whisk you away to a VIP lounge.
  
• They assist you in filling out the customs forms (yes, the forms are in Spanish!)
•  You can use free WiFi and sip a beverage while they go get your luggage.

That's it. Not only is it relaxing, but your wait time is much shorter. Instead of waiting an hour in line to go through customs, your arrival concierge gets to cut to the front of the line. The cost is $65 for the first person and $40 for each additional person on the same flight.  (Additional fees may apply during holidays.) They also provide expedited VIP service when you leave.

For more information, check out their website Tocumen Royal Saloon. (Make sure and click on the American flag if you would like to view the English version of their website.) If you like VIP service, hate lines, and are willing to pay a bit more, VIP service at Tocumen International Airport is just one more reason to love Panama.