Who hasn’t been persuaded by that pasta (that looks too good to pass up) to switch from the salad they were originally going to order?

Finding authentic Italian food OUTSIDE of Italy is a challenge that anyone who has had the real thing can sing woes about…well not anymore in Panama! In comes La Vinoteca:

 

Located in the middle of Obarrio neighborhood, La Vinoteca is a small corner of Italy. Really small, around 40 people all told can enjoy their incredible food in a “slow meal” that delights at every step.

Ciniglio is the founder and chef, and he still works the kitchen despite being +70 years old! He also comes out to share some time and jokes with his patrons. He’s the nicest person ever, full of pride and joy for what he does…just look at that smile!

He makes you feel like a guest in his home, just there to enjoy some fine italian food. And the food is DIVINE…I mean just look at this:

It was a delicious Fetuccinni a la Boscaiola, made with actual fresh handmade pasta, sour cream, truffles, mushrooms and sundried tomatoes. IT WAS HEAVEN. They also bring you enough authentic parmesan TO DROWN IN.

And to drink you say? Well, to drink…you will have to choose from the +80 italian wines they have in their cellar.

All brought specially for your enjoyment from the vineyards of Tuscany, Romagna, Piedmonte and every other Italian region.

 

 

And here is own little bottle of red deliciousness…

And no! We did not have 2 of those! …Well maybe we did, it gets hard to count after a couple of glasses of this…

Then off to an Italian Espresso, just what we needed to accompany the heavenly Tiramisú (seriously it was like eating mascarpone and chocolate flavored air):

 

And get this: they have special events once every month, where they invite you to an all-you-can-eat & all-you-can-drink wine pairing dinners.

OF COURSE, we have already signed up for the next one. This is one menu where we want to sample EVERYTHING. Most definitely worth a visit and a repeat visit…and another repeat after that.

 

Go to La Vinoteca and you will become a regular in less time than you can say “the best Italian place in town”.

Want to make reservations? Visit their website and give them a call!

Keep on rolling ’til you find something you love…