Donde Giselle?
We’re glad we found Donde Giselle! We live in Boca Chica, Chiriqui and had to come to Boquete on a Wednesday. Our normal choices were closed, but we saw that this place was open.
Immediately was we walked in the door, the staff were welcoming and the charming outside garden with comfortable seating beckoned to us.
As soon as we saw the menu, we agreed that we’d order 3 appetizers to share for lunch. We chose well!
Each dish was beautifully presented and expertly crafted, the flavors were a delight to the palate (I drool as I remember!).
Caramiñolas de Ossobucco
carimañolas stuffed with Ossobucco served with their own stew - a crispy outer on a perfectly smooth mashed potato, encasing an unctuous ‘ossobucco’ type stew… as I said … drooling remembering!
Pulpo Parrillero
Parrillero (on an open charcoal grill) Octopus• comes accompanied by a delicious squid ceviche, crispy patacones and yellow chili sauce. The description CANNOT describe the soft and flavorsome octopus, or the very thin and very crispy patacones, nor the equally soft and delicious squid ceviche - perfectly flavored without the overt vinegar of some ceviches. The yellow chili sauce is HOT, perfect for us, but a word of caution!
Unfortunately I could not find a menu description of the Beef Carpaccio - the plating was gorgeous - the beef cut perfectly, tissue paper thin (applause for the chef here!) It was served traditionally with a generous sprinkling of fresh parmesan. There were also fried capers and a garnish of onion and a mystery green sauce that was very mild.
Everything was wonderful. They made my husband a smoothie that wasn’t on the menu (he wanted Passion fruit “maracuya”) - after telling us they didn’t have it, something delicious and very passion fruit heavy arrived at our table.
The staff were impeccable. It cost us for the 3 appetizers and a drink AND a very generous tip! $50. Not cheap by Panamanian standards - but to these foodies - well worth every single cent.
