The meaning of friendship

What does it mean? Why is it different in Panama? Where does one begin?

ROB KIRCHER
rob@robkircher.com

PANAMA. To me, friendship is a difficult word to describe, because it has so many meanings? beginning with those simple opening greetings.

For instance, it can mean an amazing, generous smile that radiates so deeply from your friend every time he or she approaches; the kind of smile that carries no pretenses, only pure honesty. Then there’s the friend who extends a warm welcoming hand followed by an even greater enfolding hug that says it all in one complete embrace.

That’s the kind of big-hearted bounty that is so typical of my Panamanian friends? so reflective of all Panamanians as a whole. It’s a sincerity that extends so effortlessly from their gracious reception to their equally honest and delicious food.

Take for example one of the most classic Panamanian dishes of all time – fried pork and Plantains. This culinary treat is what many people call “comfort food”. Like the warm transparency of the Panamanian locals, this entrée is loaded with truthful mouthwatering flavor and delicious satisfaction.

There’s nothing quite like meeting good friends in a colorful neighborhood restaurant at the end of a long day, sharing greetings and casual updates and then sitting down to beautifully prepared food while continuing to catch up on everyone’s lives.

Fried pork tenderloin and golden Plantains is the perfect accompaniment to affable conversation and camaraderie.

Then there’s Sancocho Panameño. This is one of the most famous Panamanian dishes, a delicious chicken soup containing many of all of my favorite ingredients including garlic, onions, yam, cilantro, oregano, pepper and salt.

In my opinion, the best way to truly enjoy this favorite is with white rice and hot sauce.

Of course, no dinner would be complete without a glass of seco. Many Panamanians consider this seventy proof triple distilled clear liquor purified from sugarcane the national alcoholic beverage of Panama. It packs a strong punch when used straight, but is smooth and mellow when mixed with fruit juices or even milk.

So what does fried pork and plantain, sancocho panameño and seco have to do with friendship? In a word, everything!

The answer is in the ingredients. Like the delicious local Panamanian fare bursting with spices and flavor, so also are its people. It’s all about enjoying the simple things in life that often turn out to be the most important things in life.

Good friends and good food go together like sugar and cream. It’s a natural combination that is perfect any time of day or evening. So I consider myself to be a very lucky man. I have the good fortune of having many Panamanian friends who have taught me one of the great secrets in life. Oh, you’d like to know?

Well, if I give it away, you have to promise to pass it on.

Are you ready? Actually, it’s not really a secret at all. I’m sure you already know the answer. It’s all about giving from the heart.

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