We first visited Panacea about a year ago on a hot summer's evening. The decor, modern and slightly eclectic is perfect for unwinding on a warm evening. The evening started off a little shaky with perhaps the worst mojito I have ever been served, but after that things began looking up. So much so, while clearly remembering the good impression Panacea left on us, the details are a little hazy.
Last week we returned to Panacea and I suddenly I recalled what had been so wonderful. The signature tasting plate. But I will start from the top.
The dining options at Panacea are flexible, perfect for a couple or a larger group. Started, sharing plates, large plates, tasting plates and pizza. A solid wine list, with interesting varietals across all price points, we selected a Sangiovese after being offered a complimentary taste of Montpulciano which was lightly heavy for what we were after, but good nonetheless.
We selected the special beer battered eggplant with fig (or was it quince?) syrup and Labneh. Both were excellent - although in both cases the dish could have been more delicate, perhaps with a lighter batter or crisp flat bread to accompany the Labheh, rather than white and crunchy loaf.
The Signature tasting plate will set you back $98 and is an epic meal for two. Be bold and give it a go, and perhaps limit your small plates to some Labneh and Pepitas. It is worth saving the room. Comprising of sticky sweet pork belly, morroccan style quail, delicious homestyle meatballs, garfish rolled with ham, scallops with a divine tarragon butter and brandy and finally mushrooms with thyme, garlic and sherry vinegar - it is the best way to sample what Panacea has to offer. My only criticism was that the quail was perhaps a little dry, but was offset by the buttery sweetness of the accompanying cous cous.
We were so impressed by the garfish, we tried to make something similar ourselves the following week, with relatively limited success.
The meal was finished off with a creme brulee with angel hair toffee. oh my.
Service is efficient, friendly and unobtrusive. No change from $200 inclusive of tip, which if you consider what we ate, is good value. It is apparent that locals in the area are repeat customers. Many of our fellow diners knew each other and the owner - and that can only be a good sign.
Small tastes $4-12
Sharing Plates $14-18
Large Plate $27-34
Tasting Plates (for two at least) $95-105
Pizza $21-26
Desert $8-15
Wine $34-110 with a good mix of price points in between.
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