Casco Viejo - Epic Bucket List Adventures

Sipping Geisha Coffee in the Old Quarter: Sisu Coffee Studio

So, how did we end up at Sisu Coffee Studio? Well, before our Panama trip, my wife and I researched top things to do. Among them, we discovered Geisha coffee was highly touted. Known as one of the world’s most expensive quality coffees, we were determined to try it.

Recommendation for Geisha Coffee

While visiting the Old Quarter, we asked for a coffee shop recommendation for Geisha coffee. We were directed to Sisu Coffee Studio, located at the corner of 9th and B in the Old Quarter. It was a short walk, but we arrived after 5 pm, only to find the shop had already closed for the day.

We returned the next morning after visiting the nearby Miraflores Locks. Knowing this was high-quality coffee, the ten-dollar price tag for a cup of Geisha pour-over was only mildly shocking. My wife ordered a Matcha Latte, which was half the price of the Geisha coffee.

Visiting Sisu Coffee Studio

The coffee shop has a modern industrial vibe with concrete and brick accents. The atmosphere was bright, open, modern, and clean, providing a pleasant setting for our late-morning coffee.

Research revealed that Sisu is owned by the Lamastus Family, a Panamanian coffee producer. Lamastus is known for their Geisha coffee, so it’s likely the shop sells the genuine article. This is reassuring for travelers wary of scams selling cheap counterfeits.

Geisha pour over coffee and a Matcha Latte from Sisu Coffee Studio

However, I wasn’t sure the correct amount of coffee was used to prepare my cup. The Geisha coffee was tepid and weak, with barely detectable flavor. My attached image shows the coffee’s light color, reflecting my disappointing experience.

On the other hand, the Matcha Latte was excellent. The drinks’ presentation added a nice touch. Ultimately, the reason for our visit—a cup of Geisha coffee—was a letdown. The coffee shop also offers a variety of pastries, which we didn’t sample, but they looked appealing.

Presentation of Geisha coffee and Matcha Latte

Observations

Rating Sisu Coffee Studio is difficult. There was a lot to like: great vibe, attractive presentation, and good matcha. However, the steep price for a weak cup of coffee was a downside.

Based on my experience, I didn’t purchase a bag of coffee to take home. If, in fact, Sisu shorted me on the coffee, it was their loss. Whatever they saved on my cup, they lost in the sale of their expensive coffee beans. If you’re interested, Sisu sells Geisha beans for forty dollars (200 grams), equating to about 7 ounces—about 90 dollars per pound.

If you visit Panama City, the Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) is a must-see. Sisu Coffee Studio is located just blocks from Independence Square. Give it a shot and report back if your coffee experience is better than mine.

Overview of our three-day trip to Panama!

Discover Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica in the Old Quarter

Squeezing in Panama City’s Highlights

My wife and I packed many points of interest into our short three-day Panama visit. One highlight was visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient, located in the historic Casco Viejo district.

View of the chancel from the rear of the Metropolitan Cathedral

Choosing a Self-Guided Tour

We chose to explore the cathedral on our own rather than join a walking tour. We wanted to spend our own time and had a cooking class and a chocolate-making class nearby.

Perfect Timing

Our schedule was packed. We visited the cathedral between the Miraflores Locks and our Panamanian cooking class. After leaving the Miraflores Locks, we stopped at Sisu Coffee Studio for a pour-over Geisha coffee. Then we headed to the cathedral with nearly thirty minutes until our class.

Getting to Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient stands as a magnificent testament to Panama’s rich history. The church spans centuries, marked by colonial ambition, religious devotion, and architectural evolution.

Map showing the Basilica to the west of Independence Plaza.

Early Beginnings

Panama City was founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. A small chapel was constructed soon after to serve settlers’ spiritual needs.

Destruction and Rebirth

The original Panama City faced attacks from pirates, the most infamous being Henry Morgan’s sacking in 1671. In 1673, the new cathedral’s cornerstone was laid in Casco Viejo, symbolizing the city’s rebirth.

Architectural Splendor

We learned that the cathedral’s construction spanned over a century, completed in 1796. It blends Baroque and Neoclassical styles, with twin bell towers inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the Pearl Islands. Inside, the cathedral boasts a spacious nave, chapels, religious artworks, and intricate woodwork. The high marble altar is a focal point.

Historical Significance of Metropolitan Cathedral

The cathedral has played a central role in Panama’s religious and cultural life. It witnessed significant events, including Panama’s independence from Spain in 1821 and its separation from Colombia in 1903. Pope Leo XIII elevated the cathedral to a basilica in 1882, recognizing its importance.

Metropolitan Cathedral in Modern Times

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the cathedral. Renovations were completed for Pope Francis’s visit in January 2019. The chair he sat on is encased in glass in the sanctuary. I was unable to obtain a good photograph of the chair due to light reflecting from the glass enclosure. Restorations during this time frame aimed to preserve the cathedral’s historical integrity. The interior of the church is impeccable, a stark contrast to the exterior. But it is clear efforts were made to capture the historic details of the structure.

Conclusion

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient is more than just a religious building; it is a living chronicle of Panama’s past. It embodies the spirit and perseverance of the Panamanian people, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Donations are accepted but not required for this visit. There is a small chapel to the right of the chancel with a donation box. Another donation box at the rear of the basilica is for maintaining the impressive pipe organ at the rear of the sanctuary.

The beautiful pipe organ pipes at the rear of the Metropolitan Cathedral

Overview of our three-day trip to Panama!

Make Your Own Chocolate: Class in Panama City’s Historic Quarter

My wife and I decided on a last-minute getaway to Panama City. While searching for activities during our brief visit, the opportunity to make chocolate caught my eye.

Nome is located just to the west of Independence Square

The class was scheduled for one hour at Nome, a high-end chocolatier. Located just off the main square in Casco Viejo, the “Old Quarter” of Panama City, Nome offered a unique experience.

Our group included about a dozen chocolate enthusiasts, including two young sisters with their mom (they weren’t fans of unsweetened chocolate).

Eric demonstrating the process of bringing the chocolate to the correct temperature.

The owner, Eric, welcomed us and led the class, offering an introduction to the chocolate-making process. After washing our hands, Eric explained the process, starting with the cocoa pods.

Ingredients used in the process of chocolate making along with photos of processes prior to the current state. — Photos, Cocoa Beans in Different States, Cocoa Butter and Sugar

Eric’s class covered all the steps in chocolate making. He explained the importance of temperature and how chocolate percentages work. The class was interactive, primarily through Q&A, until we went hands-on to make our own chocolate bars.

Each group received a mold with instructions on filling it, removing excess chocolate, and tapping out air bubbles. We were provided with various ingredients to add to our bars, including fruits, nuts, and nibs (which I selected).

Eric demonstrating process for separating nibs from shells — Eric demonstrating a tool for separating nibs from shells

After finishing our bars, we enjoyed champagne or water while engaging in more Q&A and shopping. This portion included sampling different creations, from dark chocolate to bonbons. I particularly liked the sea salt dark chocolate and the coffee ganache bonbon.

The candy bars were small but consistent with the shop’s offerings. It’s a clear case of quality over quantity. The chocolate was exceptional. What impressed me most was Eric’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for chocolate.

This made for an engaging and informative outing. It’s fun for kids of all ages.
For my fellow foodies, check out the 4-Hour Market Tour and Cooking Class offered by Jerin at Panama Day Trips.

Overview of our three-day trip to Panama!