Comments on: Soggy cardboard stuns in Panama

By: St Jude’s Cellars: a welcome addition to Brunswick Street | Tomato

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:33:17 +0000

[...] only trouble with St Jude’s and The Panama is the consistency of the food. On my first visit to The Panama where a bread salad was like soggy card and some of the food was under seasoned. A subsequent visit with a couple of neighbourly and [...]

By: Ed

Ed — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 05:59:52 +0000

Stephanie, I’m told that councils are getting tough on new small bars here while they are relaxing control in Sydney – there is hope.

By: Pages tagged "panama"

Pages tagged "panama" — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:24:59 +0000

[...] = “34d024″; var mooter_wrapper_url=”"; var run_method = “onload”; var mooter_target = “0″; Soggy cardboard stuns in Panama saved by 1 others magicalme5 bookmarked on 01/13/08 | [...]

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 07:37:51 +0000

Places like Panama are what I miss about Melbourne. Be thankful for it. Nothing like it, remotely, here.

By: Ed

Ed — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:04:17 +0000

Jack, I remembered your post while there and I have friends who’ve had great food. I was wondering about the space above the DIY shop on Barkly Street which has a license but some issues about being a late night drinking venue. Or perhaps some warehouse around Greeves St. I’ll be back and look forward to seeing what Diane does in their new venue of Brunswick St. Despite all that the Yoghurt Soup was brilliant.

By: Jack

Jack — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:14:50 +0000

Ed
I had a stunning meal and fantastic service back in August http://eatingwithjack.blogspot.com/2007/08/panama-dining-room.html
But went back about 6 weeks later and our waiter had less an an idea, and the food wasn’t as inspired.
But… love the ‘north-of-the-river’ feel that I am unsure weather we can replicate down by the beach. I’d give it a go again as Diane is a skilled chef (no excuses for seasoning issues though!), just let down by a carefree FOH crew.
Jack

By: Ed

Ed — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:05:02 +0000

Ozmouse, all good points. I’d like to see the food a little simpler and better and then they will have everything – the potential is there. I can see if busier the service could slip. Still it’s a great place nd wish we had something similar across the river.

By: ozmouse

ozmouse — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:29:03 +0000

yes panama room has become ‘the regular’ during 2007 for us.

one big reason is the fact we can usually get a table after doing the fri arvo ring around the usual suspects that are always full.

and like you mention, the prices are another reason to come back. we are talking pub prices – not withstanding the comments above – for above pub quality.

some of my favourties the past year – asparagus with brioche. i remember an interesting entree of boiled egg with rice. roasted fish main is usually spot on. lamb cassoulet was a winner. vegetable sides always intriguing – okra w tomatoe. steak, imported cheese platter and oysters are also regulars for us. (oh yeah the french fries!)

also an interesting wine list – one of the best pinot noir of the year here – ashton hills, adelaide hills.

variability of service is the one thing that i think that can be improved. quick for orders to be taken, but slow in food delivery at times.

regardless, offers better food and atmosphere than the pub, and is cheaper and easier to get into than the trendy addresses. (but they are all noisy!)

cheers
ozmouse