Celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving 2016 in Coronado

Whether you are Canadian, American or from somewhere else in the world, Canadian thanksgiving is a great opportunity to stuff and eat poultry. While Thanksgiving is not officially celebrated in Panama, with so many North Americans living in the beach communities of Panama’s Pacific coast, celebrating thanksgiving has become common in Coronado.

Each year a handful of restaurants offer thanksgiving dinners and there are always a couple of potlucks taking place for both the Canadian and American thanksgiving dates. 

Where to shop for traditional Thanksgiving Dinner ingredients in Coronado

Luckily, living in Coronado offers the advantage of having (for the most part) easy access to imported products. However, knowing where it buy which items, and if they will have those items in stock when you go to get them, is never a sure bet. Despite this, right now most of what you’ll need to make thanksgiving dinner this year is available! 

Turkey 

Getting a Thanksgiving turkey isn’t too difficult, but chances are you’ll need to buy a frozen one. Frozen Butterball brand turkeys are available at Super 99, Machetazo, and Pricesmart in Costa Verde.

The turkeys at Machetazo are considerably larger. Super 99 turkeys weighing approx. 13lbs and the Machetazo birds weighing about 26 lbs and up, both offering their turkeys for about $4.55/ kilo. 

Cranberry Sauce 

Unfortunately, you will need to settle for canned cranberry at the beach the price, approximately $2.50 at El Rey.

Sweet potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are common at the Thanksgiving dinner table and almost always available at the beach. Right now you will find them on shelves at El Rey and Riba Smith and are at about $1 per pound. 

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie filling is available at Riba Smith. If you purchase the non-spiced variety you might need to pick up pumpkin pie spice mix or make one yourself with cinnamon and nutmeg. Pumpkin pie filling at Riba Smith is about $2.55 per can.   

Beach restaurants serving Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner

If you’re visiting the beach, or simply don’t want to cook, there are a couple of options for Thanksgiving dinner.  This year La Ruina Gorgona in Gorgona and Vista Mar are both hosting Canadian Thanksgiving dinners. 

La Ruina Gorgona is offering a fixed menu dinner starting at 3:00 p.m. on Oct. 9th for $25.00 limited space is available so RSVP is required by calling 6527-8462. La Ruina is also a great place to stop by for a drink, to watch football or mingle with some fellow Canadians and turkey lovers. 

Las Terrazas oceanfront restaurant in Vista Mar is offering thanksgiving specials including a turkey platter for $17.90 in addition to their regular menu. Reservations are available between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. by calling 345-4077.