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.
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).
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.
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).
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!