Dining in the city’s old quarters

A side of history with that, please. Dining in Casco Viejo is too good an experience to miss. Ego in the old quarter of Panama City delivers good food overlooking the famous Plaza Bolivar, the Ministry of Foreign Relations and adjacent historical buildings. On dry nights, you can enjoy your meal on the outside terrace (right on Plaza Bolivar) along with the strolling musicians and the warm breeze. If that’s not your cup of tea, the bright-red dining room with huge windows overlooking the plaza will do just fine. Its sleek design provides a classy yet comfortable environment.

Ego’s food is a fusion between Italian and Peruvian gourmet cuisine, including pastas and seafood and beef dishes. The mixed ceviche platter is very good, with chunks of fish drowned in a lemony sauce that will make your mouth water. As for entrees, the tuna filet and seabass dishes are tasteful in their simplicity, both of which are dry and lightly seasoned.

From the dessert menu, the tiramisu stands out, as well as the brownie with gorgonzola cheese and chocolate sorbet. Only the adventurous should order the latter, as gorgonzola cheese can prove to be too strong for those looking for a more conventional brownie a la mode. The menu does not offer a lot of vegetarian options, except for the pastas, but for a greater variety you can order items from Ego’s adjacent restaurant Narciso. A complete meal for two averages $50.

Ego is located in Plaza Bolivar, Casco Viejo. Given its cozy size, I recommend making reservations: 262-2045.

Italian cuisine tasting: Chef Francesco has put together a fabulous seven dish gourmet meal, with both menu items and new creations, for only $19.90. This amazing deal is available until October 31 at Saltimbocca, located in Calle Alberto Navarro No. 4 in El Cangrejo. Dishes include: Italian cheese bruschettas, eggplants stuffed with capers and olives in tomato sauce, gnocchi with asparagus sauce, a chicken dish, and chocolate mousse to top it all off. Chef Francesco is also crafting interesting menus for Mother’s Day and Christmas, the latter which will consist of an “Italian-Panamanian Fusion”. For more info: 390-9422.