Ferhisse

Restaurants of all stripes are abundant in Panama City, from small cafes that serve simple, typical Panamanian fare to large and expensive restaurants catering to upscale customers. Via Argentina is famous as an area where numerous restaurants serving a variety of ethnic fare can be found.

But up here in Los Altos de Cerro Azul, there is only the Club, which is fine, but a bit expensive for our budget, and it closes at 4:00 PM.

The closest restaurant outside the development is a small joint known as Las Nubes, and we were regular customers there until they closed.



The sign scrawled on a sheet of paper taped to the door says they are remodeling, but the sign went up in mid-January and we see no signs of progress other than one large appliance that has appeared inside. There was no printed menu at Las Nubes - you just walk in and ask what they have that day. It was usually two or three of the following: beef, chicken, fish, pork, served with lentils or beans, always white rice and a small tasty salad, and sometimes soup. The cost ranged from $2.25 to $2.75 per person. We really liked this place and hope they will reopen soon.

A little further down the hill is La Posada de Ferhisse, which has a restaurant, a mini-super, and cabanas for rent. They also have a nice, very well-maintained swimming pool.




The dining area is open-air, covered, and looks out over the pool, with beautiful views of the green hills beyond.

The owner is a welcoming and sociable sort - we have never been there when he was not present. They do a big business on weekends and holidays, but weekdays at the restaurant are often quiet. The menu does not vary, but it offers several dishes that we like well enough to order frequently. Fabio, the chef, makes a delicious baked chicken and smashed cod. (The smashed cod is delivered by Fabio at the end of the video above.)