Budget Dining in Panajachel at Lake Atitlan

Oringally set in a flood plain, Panajachel has but one hill. And on La Montanita, as locals call it, is one the Panahachel's best budget restaurants, Cordon Bleu, moved to Calle Arboles in January, 2010.

The restaurant may have been new to Pana a few years ago, but the founder was certainly not new to running a restaurant. Tom, a journalist, lawyer and former UNESCO ambassador to India, lived intermittently in Panajachel since 1975, and started ten restaurants, bars and hotels, including the well-known El Patio in Pana.

I first visited Cordon Bleu after hearing the Gallos cost Q9.5, about $1.20 US. After a big plateful of Pork Loin Hawaiian glided past on the way to a diner on the garden view porch, I vowed to return for lunch the next day.

Tasty and Cheap!

The signature dish, cordon bleu, is prime rib with a ham and cheese filling. Served with a medley of snow peas, carrots and broccoli, it was accompanied by mashed potatoes and homemade bread. The meal was as inexpensive as it was tasty and filling. Soup and homemade bread were included, all for Q19.

Food Fit for an Emperor

The regular menu lists soups, sandwiches and entrees such as the Emperors Feast (soup, filet mignon brochettes, veggies, salad and Jamaica for Q19). Daily specials to watch for are the Barbecued Chicken, Carne Milanesa (breaded rib eye) and Pork Loin Hawaiian. Also popular are the chile con carne, fettuccini al pesto and meat loaf.

Ambiance, Too

Cordon Bleu has developed a regular breakfast crowd. The Q9 price and free coffee refills, the friendly atmosphere and good service, have something to do with it. But so does the view of the garden from the porch. Hidden from the street behind towering fichus and blooming flowers festooned with butterflies and birds, Cordon Bleu offers a welcome break from dining on Avenida Santander. Ill certainly drop in whenever I'm in Pana.

On Calle Arboles (see map on page16), Cordon Bleu is open from 7 AM-7 PM, seven days a week.