Shenanigans
As I stepped into Cholos Comida Mexicana, a riot of eclectic decor unfolded before my eyes. License plates lined the walls like a colorful mosaic, the bar donned corrugated metal sheeting & wood, while walls boasted intriguing paintwork. And there, a magnificent three-tiered fountain took center stage. No mozzarella sticks in sight, but even if Captain O’Hagan himself threatened a pistol whip, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the mischief and charm that exuded from every corner…
Joking aside, I loved the décor, it was worth walking around to look at it all while waiting to place your order and certainly a lovely distraction for the kiddos to see ‘all the things’.
Not Busy on a Thursday
Ah, the treacherous parking dance! As I approached Cholos on that fateful Thursday, I couldn’t help but notice the limited parking situation. It was like finding a needle in a haystack, except the haystack had only five or six spaces… tops! And who has time for investigative parking missions? Certainly not me!
But fear not, fellow hungry adventurers! As I stepped into the restaurant, a sight of culinary bliss unfurled before me. The place was as empty as my stomach on a juice cleanse! With only a sprinkle of patrons around, it was a clear sign of swift service and speedy sustenance.
So, dear readers, prepare yourselves for a dining experience where parking may be a challenge, but empty tables are your delicious reward. Just remember, when it comes to parking at Cholos, may luck be ever in your favor!
Service That Stole the Show
When my lively clan descends upon a restaurant, it’s a symphony of laughter, spills, and endless requests. My heart goes out to the brave souls who serve us, for handling our joyful chaos which is no task for the faint of heart. From juice spills to pico de gallo emergencies, the needs never cease.
But on that fateful day, our guardian angel of service emerged in the form of Ana. This extraordinary young lady graced our table with unwavering attention, kindness, and patience. Amidst the delightful chaos, she navigated the waters of our demands with grace and finesse. In our conversation, we discovered that she was pursuing online classes stateside, and to my surprise, her command of the English language surpassed that of my American buddies.
Ana’s exceptional service extended beyond her duties, as she even took the time to capture a precious moment with our little ones. Her genuine warmth and dedication added an extra sprinkle of joy to our dining experience.
The service is a masterclass in attentiveness, wrapped in a delightful blend of family and genuine care. With Ana by your side, your culinary adventure will be met with unparalleled service that transcends expectations.
The Menu
https://choloscomidamexicana.wixsite.com/misitio/menus
When venturing into new culinary territories, especially during our travels, I believe in exploring a wide array of menu offerings since it might be our only chance to experience them. So, I took a good look at the menu at Cholos Comida Mexicana, hoping to discover that one perfect dish. And being, what an Italian grandmother would affectionately call, a ‘big-a-boy,’ I usually opt for something on with a bit of heft. That’s why my eyes landed on the burrito ruleta, which seemed like an irresistible choice. With its delightful combination of chicken, carne asada, and chorizo, wrapped in a luscious draping of queso, I knew it was a no-brainer.
Now, I must confess my slight disappointment at not finding tacos birria on the menu. However, let me assure you that any selection I would have made blindly would have surely been scrumptious. That’s how confident I am in the culinary prowess of Cholos.
As we settled at our table, I noticed two carafes of potion, which appeared to be bright vessels of fiery peppers, plucked from the far reaches of the world… One green and one red. Only a single waft revealed the potions were imbued with the essence of jalapeños, serrano’s, and cilantro, perhaps a hint of habaneros, forged into a harmonious concoction. Naturally, my curiosity got the best of me, and I couldn’t resist trying both. I even employed two tortillas as vessels for these delectable salsas. Now, for those who aren’t avid spice enthusiasts, I estimate the heat level of these salsas to be around 4,000 SHU’s (Scoville Heat Units)—a delightful tang that leaves your taste buds dancing with joy. To put it into perspective, that’s just slightly spicier than Sriracha, a beloved favorite among many. Believe me, folks, when my time comes, I will most likely have requested to be laid to rest in a coffin filled with to the brim in their captivating salsa verde.
Alicia, my dining darling, companion, opted for the Chimichanga De Pollo and proclaimed it as the best she’s ever tasted. Meanwhile, the Nachos Combo Mediano proved to be an enticing delight, and just the right size for our table. As for our little ones, they happily devoured the Hamburguesa & papas fritas—a classic hamburger and french fries combination. And before I forget…do not, I repeat, DO NOT miss out on ordering the thick cut Yucca Fries at least once while you’re in Panama. These fries possess a similar texture to potatoes resembling steak fries. They offer a satisfying meatiness that’s sure to leave you longing for more and our kids LOVED them.
At Cholos Comida Mexicana, the menu is a treasure trove of tantalizing flavors and delightful surprises. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience that leaves you craving for another visit.
Can You Really Have Quantity & Quality?
We were all trying bites of each other’s meals, and I had to engage my 3rd and 4th stomach to hit ceramic. I could probably have survived a week off the food now in my pouch.
I’ve been to a plethora of Mexican restaurants (sorry ya’ll, not including Taco Bell) in my day and Cholos is easily the most effortlessly best Mexican food I’ve had, and I have zero suspicion it’s anything other than authentic.
If I had my way, I would have eaten there every night.
Top Notch Service Speed
Generally I would say that during our time in Panama we needed to become accustomed to… slower… service. Cholos was not only an exception to this, but was able to strike that happy medium between speed and not rushing us out of the restaurant.
Until I return to Panama, I’ll be dreaming of the food and memories!
