Cooking Classes in Boquete

HIGHLIGHTS

The Panamonte Culinary School by Charlie Collins is Panama’s elite, premium cooking school in the highland town of Boquete. Under the direction of Charlie Collins, the school offers guests an authentic culinary experience that combines local foods and culture with sophisticated tastings.

Read about our Tasting Dinner, honoring Jean & Barbara of JB Journeys

Chef Collins, a life time achievement award winner of Bon Appetit Gourmet Club, is renowned in the Republic of Panama for his culinary skills and reputation as the “go-to” chef for catering high-end social and Presidential events. Mr. Collins owns a specialized catering business in Panama City and is Executive chef and co-owner of the Panamonte Inn & Spa.

The participants enjoy the “hands on” approach of the culinary school by selecting ingredients from organic hydroponics farms and local markets to full immersion in the cooking process. Participants will also be introduced to unusual roots and vegetables used in local cuisine. Located in Mr. Collins’ home, the professionally equipped and designed kitchen is best suited for courses limited to a minimum of six and a maximum of eight persons to highlight the experience. All courses end with a tasting dinner, the result of the participants’ efforts.

This exclusive experience is made complete by staying at the gracious, Panamonte Inn and Spa. The Panamonte Culinary School is a complete package including accommodations, fireside tasting dinner, cooking class, Panamanian breakfasts, coffee plantation tour, visit to the local markets, and on day of departure, a brunch with mimosas prior to transfers to the airport.

This culinary school will not only be learning experience, but also a memorable, enjoyable time in a beautiful region of Panama.

RATES & DATES

Participants arrive on a Sunday evening with departure on Wednesday. 2010 sessions will operate January 17 - 21, February 21 - 25, March 21 - 25, and April 11 - 15. Sessions May - November TBA.
 

Price per attendee $940 (based on a minimum of 6 persons; tax & gratuity included)

One day cooking class available upon request for parties of 2 or more. 

Contact us for rate and availability.

TESTIMONIALS

Read Chef Diana Temple's blog about her one day cooking class with Chef Collins.

“…I have had the opportunity to participate in good cooking classes in several international destinations….but the Panama one takes the cake! Charlie Collins brings a whole cultural/indigenous flavor to his class; He is disciplined in the art yet had an approachable style, comfortable pace and down to earth, tasty menu. I highly recommend fitting this as “must do” on any visit to Panama. The location was perfect!” Carolina M. Murillo June 2009

“We were introduced to a very special experience way up in the highland of Panama. Nestled in the lush landscape, in a charming villa, is the Charlie Collins Culinary Adventure cooking school. We were given a leisurely introduction to the menu of the evening and some of the unfamiliar ingredients unique to Panama. This is a relaxed class but with no compromise on the style or quality. Along the way you learn the local culture and how simple ingredients have been re-imagined by the very talented Charlie. This is perhaps a very important reason to go to these highlands in the first place. Another good thing is that being largely an indoor activity the weather is immaterial.”
Pallavi Shah Our personal Guest, Inc June, 2009

“I had the pleasure of spending an enchanting June afternoon at the Chef Charlie Collins Culinary School. One becomes immediately immersed in the every day cadences of Panama’s bucolic and lovely countryside. Shopping for local organic ingredients in various markets in Boquete. I was able to observe a master artist blend together a fresh palette of ingredients into a sumptuous, satisfying and well balanced gourmet meal that reflects local cuisine. I recommend Chef Collins’ Culinary school to any lover of food and wine as a must to truly experience Panama’s finest offerings in an intimate and unforgettable manner.”
Maria Avila Worldwide Travel June 2009.

“I am surprised that there are not very many similar experiences offered by inns or hotels. Most seem to offer culinary packages that contain a special meal or dining experience but not necessarily a cooking class which is “hands on” and designed to satisfy both the experience and inexperienced participant. Having been a part of the Charlie’s class I will not hesitate to suggest that such a class be included in any vacation where is offered and, hopefully, that will be at the Panamonte Inn. We loved it!"
Kristine Sortoen & David Rose June 2009

"Destination Panama " is a lively, informative blog on Panama, and life in Panama. The site is maintained by Cynthia Cudmore-Mulder, proprietor of Cerrito Tropical B&B on Isla Taboga. Read Cynthia's Food blog at: http://www.cerritotropicalpanama.com/blog/?cat=11 Cerrito Tropical web site: http://cerritotropicalpanama.com