By Lourdes Quijada
Costa del Este’s recently opened Xuvia Lounge, which is featured as Panama’ premier Tequila hostelry  got off with a grand flagship event on Thursday, August 8, with five courses of tapas, each one with a generous sample of a different Don Julio Tequila.

In between the snacking and toasting, patrons who paid a bargain basement price of $40 for the experience, got some background information on Mexico’s favorite liquor, from how it is made from the blue agave plant (not a cacti) and named after the town of Tequila, 60 kilometers from Guadaljara, to the origin of the custom of putting salt and lime on the rim of the glass originated (it was to keep pesky insects at bay).
There was even a strong counter attack on those who those who “unjustifiably” believed that the liquor produced strong hangovers (“Try an overdose of whisky.” )
Agave tequila grows differently depending on the region. Blue agaves grown in the highlands are larger in size and sweeter in aroma and taste. Agaves harvested in the lowlands, have a more herbaceous fragrance and flavor.[2]
Mexican laws state that tequila can be produced only in the state of Jalisco and limited regions in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.
But most of that was water 9or tequila) over the bridge for Thursday’s celebrants.
The opening dish of “Ahi Tartare” with a tasty spiced mixture of avocado’s and nuts, went along with a amaple of Don Julio Blanco. This was followed by: Jamaican jerk boneless wings and banana chutney with Don Julio Anejo; prawn cocktail and mango chutney with Don Julio Reposado; slow roast baby back ribs and Don Julio 1942, (this treasure will set you back over $500 a bottle), The feasting concluded with a basket of almonds, mango sorbet and vanilla ice cream, washed down by honey tequila, a sweet end to a tasty evening. The non-carnivores among the guests were not forgotten, with flavorsome vegetarian tapas, and even vegans wouldn’t have had a problem with a drink made from a green
Following up on the feasting more patrons rolled in for for a “rockin’ the terrace” through the night event, with Mark Seaton and his pre-eminent   Big Picture group. If you are old enough to remember Rock aroundthe Clock" you'll know why I awoke late the next day.