Restaurant Reviews
Why My Casco Viejo Restaurant Reviews Aren’t Like the Others
Before Restaurant Reviews Casco Viejo (also known as San Felipe) I began my hospitality career in England while still in school, working as a kitchen porter before moving into food and beverage. At twenty-one, I left for Palm Springs, California, the playground of the rich and famous, where I worked my way up from busboy to Director of Catering and Restaurant Owner.
That path led through luxury hotels and fine dining, including positions as Assistant Director of Catering and Convention Services for The Ritz-Carlton, Director of Catering and Convention Services for Hyatt’s Luxury Division and Maxim’s de Paris Hotel, and business partner at Le St Germain restaurant in Indian Wells, California. From there, I went on to serve as Director of Catering & Business Development for the Dallas Convention Center, one of the largest facilities in the United States.
For the past fifteen years, I’ve consulted for luxury hotels and restaurants across the United States and Panama, leading to insightful restaurant reviews in Casco Viejo, Panama. I’ve owned a home in Casco Viejo since 2008, Each review reflects firsthand experience, written from the same level of ambition the restaurant aims to reach.
Q&A – Restaurant Reviews Casco Viejo
Every review is based on firsthand visits — I dine, observe, and evaluate without sponsorship or outside influence.
I’ve also worked alongside chefs trained under Paul Bocuse and Thomas Keller of The French Laundry, which shaped my understanding of precision, flavor, and excellence at the highest level.
From rooftop lounges and seafood terraces to intimate cafés and chef-driven fine dining always authentic, consistent, and true to Casco’s character.
I try for weekly. Each review follows an in-person visit, photography, and detailed note-taking to ensure accuracy and depth.
No. CascoViejo360.com has a strict no-payment policy for restaurant reviews.
I review from both sides the guest’s and the operator’ weighing concept, execution, service, and consistency with the restaurant’s intended level.
Fast Facts – Restaurant Reviews Casco Viejo
- Experience: 40 + years in hotels & restaurants across the U.S. and Panama
- Leadership: Assistant Director (The Ritz-Carlton) | Director of Catering & Convention Services (Hyatt Luxury Division, Maxim’s de Paris)
- Business Partner: Le St Germain, Indian Wells • California
- Convention Roles: Director of Operations (Palm Springs Convention Center) | Director of Catering & Business Development (Dallas Convention Center)
- Culinary Influence: Worked with chefs trained under Paul Bocuse & Thomas Keller (The French Laundry)
- Home Base: Casco Viejo resident since 2008
- Focus: Authentic dining • Honest reviews • No paid listings
Closing Notes – Restaurant Reviews Casco Viejo
I wrote this section to give readers context and restaurateurs confidence. Casco Viejo’s dining scene deserves thoughtful storytelling from someone who’s lived both sides of the business service and ownership. This is why I dedicate my time to reviewing restaurants in the Casco Viejo area of Panama.
These reviews don’t rank or rate; they reflect the genuine heartbeat of hospitality. Each piece honors the craft, commitment, and courage it takes to deliver memorable dining in a UNESCO-listed neighborhood where every detail matters.
If a restaurant needs to improve, I hope they’ll take the review as a positive experience an opportunity to refine through the eyes of someone who’s spent a lifetime in this industry. Indeed, restaurant reviews in Panama’s Casco Viejo aim to support growth and quality.
Out and about with James.
Meetings in Casco Viejo, Panama
For planners looking beyond ballrooms. Boutique hotels, rooftop receptions, walkable dine-arounds, and real neighborhood character — this is how serious meetings get done here.
PLAN A MEETING HEREDestination Weddings in Casco Viejo
Historic churches, rooftop sunsets, colonial courtyards, and everything within walking distance. If you’re considering Panama, start here before you make a single call.
EXPLORE WEDDINGSCasco Viejo Boundaries
Where Casco truly begins, where it ends, and why that matters. If you’re booking a hotel, planning an event, or buying property — this distinction is important.
UNDERSTAND THE MAPCasco Viejo Walking Tour
Explore Casco Viejo at your own pace with a flexible self-guided walking route designed for your phone.
- No groups, no schedules
- Start anywhere, stop anywhere
- Works on phone or desktop
Panama City In 24 Hours
A carefully paced local itinerary for travelers with limited time who still want to experience Panama properly.
- Arrival day made simple
- Rooftops, dining & local rhythm
- Smart airport timing
Three Nights & Four Days
A flexible Panama itinerary centered around Casco Viejo, designed to help you arrive calmly and plan with confidence.
- Casco Viejo as your base
- Smart day trips and dining
- Timing without overplanning
James P. Rice
James P. Rice purchased a home in Casco Viejo in 2008 and brings more than 40 years of hospitality, restaurant, tourism, and convention industry experience to CascoViejo360.com.
His background includes leadership positions with Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt Hotels, executive roles with major convention centers, and ownership of restaurants and pubs in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Articles, hotels, restaurants, rooftop venues, attractions, and experiences featured on CascoViejo360.com are selected through local knowledge, personal experience, and professional review, with consideration given to visitor experience, service standards, authenticity, and their contribution to the overall Casco Viejo and Panama City, Panama visitor experience.











