I Don’t Know Why- But I Want Some Frito Pie
Dec 3rd, 2006 by Don Ray
Today I had this craving for some Frito Pie. I am not sure I have really had any chili since I moved to Panama. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since I heard that that was some great chili in Boquete. But I missed out in Boquete and decided to make my own.
When I entered El Rey today I noticed that their tree was a real fur tree and not an artificial one. Nicely decorated also.
They also have decorated the whole store with huge hanging balls and wreaths lining the entrance to the isles.
I picked up my ground meat, some shredded cheddar cheese, an onion, a can of pinto beans, some tomato sauce, a packet of chili seasoning (I know I should do it myself, but I don’t want to put in all the effort), and last but not least some Fritos.
I rushed home and got ready to enjoy some good chili. My first challenge was the instructions on the chili-seasoning packet. Being efficient, they had covered the English instructions with a label containing the instructions in Spanish. Luckily the instructions are simple, and I basically knew what I had to do any way.
After about 20 minutes, I had my chili made. My craving was so intense that I thought it was great. Here is my bowl of chili with onions and cheese on top and loaded with Fritos. If I say so myself it was very good.
¡ Ah, yes, meomories of Bouquete and Frito pie !
It was about a year after we moved to Boquete that I had the exact same craving.
Everything that was needed was found at Romero’s, a short 25¢ taxi ride (then) away.
Mi familia tica (my wife and the two Kiddos) was curious as I put the Frito pie concoction together since they had never heard of it.
With the Grace of God and a little oregano and garlic, it turned out to be scrumptious.
They ate it up as though it was Gallo Pinto and asked for seconds.
Frito pie became a once a week tradition for us after that.
Allen McDonald, El Galloviejo®
Ah, you understand the craving then!
Dear Don Ray:
Thanks for your dedication to show the province in your Internet site. I hope you have the chance to include pictures of Christmas decorations from some downtown banks ( Global, General etc.), homes in El Terronal and San Antonio, and areas like La Feria, owned by people with less income. Also, it’s worthwhile to see any kind of decoration by Gisela Pérez, Estrella Tovar de Esquivel, and others.
Best regards,
Hilda
I’ll try to remember that this weekend if I am out. I am going to a wedding on Saturday evening and have another dentist appointment on Saturday morning. This weekend could be packed. I’ll see.
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