Nachos, Quiches, and Sushi, Oh My!

Offering an eclectic menu selection between Via Espana and Calle 50, Red String Cafe is a sure hit with carnivores and vegetarians alike. This kabbalah life-style restaurant has a sampling of menus ranging from fresh-made pastas to hand-rolled sushis that are sure to delight even the pickiest eaters.

Exploring Panama City, this gem was easily missed on the typical walking tour. Distinguished only by its gorgeous outdoor patio arrangement, I was enticed by a large blue crystal chandelier hanging from one of Panama's beautiful banyan trees under a glass-roofed patio. With such an artistic eye for what appeared to be Bohemian chic, this restaurant could already easily be a must-do on any top ten list.

The menu contains an interestingly wide variety of appetizer and entree selections ranging from large piled plates of Mexican appetizers to dainty quiches to pasta that could easily have been made by my Italian grandmolther had I had one. One is instantly welcomed by a warm and happy staff that makes the restaurant goer interested in what they must be putting in the water. Indeed the "house water" is a slice above the rest served in a glass pitcher with slices of apple as an interestingly refreshing choice of flavoring. Solid glasses and heavy silverware lets the diner know that this chef means business. Tables are tastefully decorated with mini fresh flower boquets and drinks are a meal in their own right. Wait staff is delightfully professional and welcoming if a little slow in execution.

A seemingly simple choice, their nachos are piled high with beans, veggies and deliciously melty cheese served with plenty of salsa and sour cream (no need to embarrass yourself asking for a sour cream refill). An excellent sized appetizer for four that leaves the diner satisfied with rich flavor and craving their main dish. The pastas are fresh made daily with organic and local ingredients ensuring a sweet delicious flavor that can only from simply prepared finely chosen ingredients. The Salmon in Basil Butter brought on a bed of shoestring vegetables leaves me in love with the notion of becoming a mermaid, salmon eternally at my grasp. Their seared tuna has become an equal obsession with a sesame crust and a drizzle of sweet teriyaki.

For those craving a hard to find "really big salad", I present to you the house specialty, Red String Salad. Served in a dinner plate and large enough for leftover lunch, this delicious combination of roasted peppers, creamy goats' milk cheese and onions will have you begging them to tell you where does their garden grow. While Panama City certainly isn't lacking in the fresh fruit department, a salad of this size and quality is truly a prized discovery.

Open for lunch and dinner Red String is delightfully decorated with Kaballah books, stone walls and dark wood tables. Be sure to stick around for the chocolate souffle that easily coaxes my healthy salad into a cheat day. Served warm and with a side of vanilla ice-cream, you cannot help but close your eyes and dream of eating this for breakfast in the morning.

Pricier for Panama, appetizers run from $4-$12 for some of the fancier sushi cones. Entrees start at about $9 - $15. Drink prices are average and made from fresh fruit to order. A delightful option for the business entertainer or getting together with a group of friends, be sure to allow extra time for service, the moto seems to be, perfection cannot be rushed... at all.

Red String Cafe is locataed at Calle 52 Este and Federico Boyd in the neighborhood of Bella Vista.

Toto, I Don't Think We're in Boston Anymore!

Walking down Calle Uruguay, I had some serious deja vu and imagined I had wandered into a Boston fish tavern. It was actually the meticuously decorated, well located, trendy restaurant, Market. Ambling in for an appetizer and a refreshing beverage at 5pm reminded me of glorious Spring days on Newbury street with flowers in bloom and patio wait lists hours long.

Lucky for me, I was actually in Panama and happy to find both patio and bar space available. Although I must warn the happy restaurant goer that after 6pm and for brunch, reservations are advised.  Brunch, I said!  Yes brunch!  Amazement and bliss washed over me as I noticed that indeed there IS a place in Panama that serves brunch for less than the fee of a hotel room and doesn't include the word "buffet".  I wrote a mental note to go back the next morning. 

Market has creatively used their comprehensive wine and drink list as their decor as well as a semi-open kitchen.  Fresh cuts of beef are on display in a freezer case.  A large chalkboard announcing the plates offered in a mix of Spanish and English is a nice twist.  The bar is double-sided and adds low-light lamps throughout as a romantic touch.  

While I couldn't think of a single thing to add, I did feel as though I was in a seafood restaurant that had gotten confused and served beef.  Everything about the low-lit, white wine heavy design made me crave oysters on the half shell and perhaps some swordfish to follow.

Disappointing fish-craving aside, the menu offered a good variety of appetizers, burgers, main dishes, salads, sandwiches and desserts. I am told beef is their specialty and despite my claims of being full, sliders and shrimp cocktail were ordered.  While I was thrilled with the association of being in two cities I truly love at the same time, the menu didn't thrill me. Sliders have become practically a staple in cities such as NY and D.C. and I've even taught myself the fancy mac n' cheese recipe all the hot-spots are using these days.  While refreshing to see such offerings in Panama, I felt slightly sad that sliders and mac n' cheese at a restaurant were not a novelty.

The food came out quickly and the beef was tender and excellent.  The buns toasted and the cheese super melty, although more than a ring of onion per burger would have been nice. Six mini-burgers were the perfect taste to share and the shrimp cocktail was divine!  Presentation was on point and condiments were waiting before the food arrived.  Note to self and to my readers, I will definitely be returning to check out the dinner and brunch menus.

Sitting at the bar is always a treat as it tends to be the hub of the restaurant's buzz.  The servers were all strategically located and quite attentive to the tables seated throughout.  The bartender could have used some help but it was wonderful to watch him make drinks he took his time with.  In particular, the mojito had a field full of mint and looked dazzingly refreshing as it was sent to table after table.  It gives the wine list a run for its money!

Appetizers: $3-$7

Main Dishes: $6 - $32 (clearly the specialty steaks available account for the wide range)

Desserts: $5- $7

Drinks: $2 and up (hello great wines!)

Napkins: HUGE and cloth!  Excellent choice!

In addition to daily lunch, dinner and sunday brunch, Market also serves breakfast daily from 7:30am.  Market is located at the intersection of Calle Uruguay and Calle 47 in the neighborhood of Bella Vista.  Call 011 507 264 9401  for reservations. 

All in all, an excellent place for a little taste of home in a city that highly values the fried plantain!

Floated in on a Wave of Basil

Tucked into a narrow newly renovated 3 story building on Avenue A is a restaurant the approximate size of my living room and a casually elegant taste that comes straight from Northern Italy.  The husband and wife owner duo serve up some of the best pizza on this side of the canal.  Tasty dough, thin crust and creative combinations make this cozy neighborhood favorite a "must stop" for your trip into old town.

The menu has no more than 20 items and the desert offerings change almost daily.  Their refrigerated display case always holds an interesting array of fruit, a fabulous chocolate sausage dessert and the occasional pack of potato chips (a love for Lay's?).  The chalk sign out front entices the passerby with announcements of warm yummy dishes that await within.  Most creative is their pre-meal snack which is anything from white-cheddar popcorn to Fritos served in a fancy white bowel that make these crunchy delights feel (almost) gourmet.

One of the most notable items available at this gem is their carefully selected wine list.  The owners pride themselves on an extensive wine knowledge (no surprise considering the region they herald from) and it shows in their selection.  They have worked hard to create a well-rounded list of wines available by the glass and bottle.  

While salads and various appetizers are available, I would recommend skipping the fillers and heading straight for the pizza.  It's perfect sharing size/make your co-workers jealous at work the next day, left-over lunch.  There are about 15 different kinds of pizza (you can be creative and mix and match!) that include rich cheeses, savory meats and deliciously flavorful sauces.  Ingredients are fresh and pizzas are made on the premise in an oven that's half the size of the restaurant.  A personal favorite is the Pizza Larry that has the most interesting combination of ingredients and includes both salty and sweet!

Not to be missed of course are the dark, strong espressos and foamy cappuccinos.  This restaurant practically requires that you have a good long European meal with its upscale yet comforting food, smooth wines and bold coffee.  You'll find yourself lingering long after you've dipped your biscotti and planning your next trip to Italy as soon as you get home.

Average price of a dish is $6-$9 with drinks starting at $2.  The outside back patio is an inviting seating option as well as the high bar tables at the entrance.  Cafe per Due is located at the end of Avenue A by the boardwalk in Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo).  Note breakfast is also available, a rarity in Panama!