Latin Finance - April 2008 - 46

Mexico pace, try the plush, low-lit Cafeina, a chic bar owned by Mexican actor Diego Luna, (Nuevo León 73). Asian food and cool tunes are the draw at red-hued Cinnabar, the fashionista hangout (Nuevo León 761). More casual and slightly edgy, for a little mariachi action, hit the cantinas at Plaza Garibaldi (Republica de Peru Colonia Centro). A maddening crowd of musicians will play songs at a small price, but be on your guard for pickpockets and beware crazy men offering electric shocks for $2. Readers’ Choice The Whiskey Bar at the W Hotel was voted best bar/lounge in Mexico City. Busy, buzzing and full of the beautiful, it was at the vanguard of DF’s rise to fashionableness in recent years and still cuts it. Outdoor terrace. Open until 2am Sunday through Wednesday, 4am Thursday-Saturday. Monterrey Sleeping Readers’ Choice Quinta Real. Stunning gardens, colonial-style décor, original oil paintings. An all-suites hotel with stunning view from health-spa hot-tub. Average room rate $235. www.quintareal.com Camino Real. Opened early 2007 and located in the San Pedro Garza Garcia area, the 17-story building is tailored for the business traveler. Its 253 rooms are decorated in a contemporary Mexican style and all come with huge marble desks. Average room rate $260. www.caminoreal.com Presidente InterContinental. In the heart of the business district, just five minutes from downtown, free high-speed internet service, 24-hour business center, gym, spa. All rooms have a pillow menu. Average room rate $140. www.ichotelsgroup.com Eating El Rey del Cabrito. Well-respected busy restaurant, most famous for Monterrey’s specialty, cabrito. Not for vegetarians: the menu is packed with carne and the dining room is decked out with stuffed animals. (Constitución 817 Oriente-Barrio Viejo, Tel: 52 81 8345 3232). Readers’ Choice El Granero Grill Voted best restaurant in Monterrey, perhaps on the strength of its grilled meats. Reliable choice for a business dinner, extensive menu, good service and a strong wine list. (Calzada del Valle 333 Ote, Tel: 52 81 8378 4408). Panama Panama City An international crossroads since the 16th century, when it was a base for the exploration and conquest of Peru. Panama City is a cosmopolitan city boasting a thriving business district and a restored old town, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Marriott. Rising up from the financial district, a dependable business hotel close to the Figali and Atlapa convention centers, shops and lively nightlife. Ask for the higher floors if you’re staying over a weekend to avoid party noise from below. Average room rate $240. www.marriott.com Readers’ Choice La Posta. Inside a turn-of-the-century house, this modish restaurant has a definite 1950s Havana feel, with a long mahogany bar and ceiling fans. Seafood as fresh as it gets, pizzas from a wood-burning oven are superb. (Calle 49 and Calle Uruguay, Bella Vista, Tel: 507 269 1076). Eating Manolo Caracol. One of the newer restaurants to reinvigorate the Casco Viejo colonial section, a creative eatery offering frequently changing tapas, plenty of seafood. (Avenida Central and Calle Tercera, Casco Viejo, Tel: 507 228 4640). Sleeping Readers’ Choice InterContinental Miramar Panama. Twin-tower high-rise offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Panama Bay. Ideally located in the financial district and close to the Atlapa convention center. Corner rooms have best views. Average room rate $240. www.ichotelsgroup.com Panama City: InterContinental; Crowne Plaza; Holiday Inn Playa Bonita: InterContinental Ten Bistro. Pristine, white-starched table cloths, soft lighting and modern furnishing is the setting for this cracking contemporary bistro. Rub shoulders with ex-presidents without breaking the budget: this gem prices all of its main courses at $10, hence the name. The double roasted chuleta of pig with confit of bacon and plum, drizzled with honey and balsamic vinegar is particularly good. (Hotel De Ville, Calle 50, Beatriz M. de Cabal, Tels: 507 206 3100 or 507 263 0303) 46 LATINFINANCE 2008

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com http://www.quintareal.com http://www.caminoreal.com http://www.marriott.com http://www.ichotelsgroup.com http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

Latin Finance - April 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Latin Finance - April 2008