Too good: La Posta

La Posta is among the ranks of the best restaurants in Panama. It has a constantly-evolving menu based on fresh ingredients. Service is impeccable. The atmosphere is enhanced by the charm of a sophisticated home. The restaurant is located in the oldest house of Bella Vista, in the Calle Uruguay nightlife district. American owner David Hennessey sees that his high standards are met at every step of the way, from valet to the check.

Pulpo Tres Formas – Octopus Three Forms ($9.50) provided a visually pleasing dish with carpaccio, brocceta and fried octopus, accompanied by two different sauces. The fried version was a little tough, but compensated for because the other two presentations shined. Camarones en Hamaca – Shrimp in Hammock ($8.50) brought a hefty serving of fresh, tender shrimp in a garlic “ajillo” sauce served in a flattened fried plantain hammock. Delicious.The best appetizer by far is Queso Feta al Horno de Leña – Firewood Baked Feta Cheese ($6.50) This has been on the menu for some time and we hope it never goes away (Posta regulars miss the goat-stuffed carimañolas that disappeared from the menu last year). The “Heirloom” Tomato Salad ($8.50) is great, with heart of palm, organic beets, fresh aromatic green arugula and tasty shaved Parmesan cheese in a light vinaigrette. The quotation marks are duly placed on the menu.

For our main course, Atún Aleta Amarilla de Pedasí dos Anjojli – Yellowfin Tuna from Pedasi Sesame Duo ($14.50) came out cooked to perfection. The widegrain steak was crusted in a classic black and white sesame seed presentation and served atop couscous. The Filete de Salmon Atlantico – Atlantic Salmon Fillet ($15.50) was masterfully prepared, the skin crisp and facing upward on a bed of mushrooms, asparagus tips, caramelized onion and ñame puree (ñame is a root vegetable). For my taste, it was overcooked. But I may be the exception in liking my salmon medium to medium rare. However, the fish was still moist, tender and delicious. Atlantic salmon is a cut above what is usually available in town. The Panamanian market is saturated with farm-raised Chilean salmon. True salmon lovers should be advised to request a temperature upon ordering.

Langosta con Risotto – Lobster over Risotto

Steak Frites USA Importado Hangar Steak ($24.50) looked like something out of a Parisian bistro. The well-marinated steak came with French fries, catsup and a small green salad. The meat was cooked to perfection; pink, no blood. We had to try the daily special, Langosta con Risotto – Lobster over Risotto (Market price), an enormous portion of delectable meat served out of the shell over a flavorful risotto containing a medley of rich cheeses. The lobster meat had been simply grilled, an excellent move by the chef. When one's raw material is of superior quality, the less that’s done, the better.

For dessert, you cannot go wrong with Bailey’s Tres Leches Imperial ($5.00), Panacotta in Strawberry Soup ($4.50) or Torta Caliente de Chocolate Organico
– Hot Organic Chocolate Tort ($5.50). But Balcarce Casera Chocolate con Arequipe – Homemade Chocolat Bacarce with Colombian Dulce de Leche ($5.50)
took the cake. I guess I’m a sucker for Nutella.