Cardamomo, spicing it up

Panama.“Cardamomo”, cardamom in Spanish, is exotic, mysterious, aromatic, stimulating and even aphrodisiac. It is a spice with a citric and floral aroma that invites our imagination to take a stroll down exotic and interesting places.

This is what restaurant “Cardamomo” offers with each one of its dishes, a delight to the senses where each ingredient in every plate can be tasted, properly experienced.

After many trips to Panama where they fell in love with its tranquility, the people and their kindness, the greenery and the opportunities it offers, Chef Javier and his wife Jessica decided to move to Panama last November.

Having studied in Venezuela and Spain under great food gurus, and with more than seven years in the restaurant industry, Javier Colamarca opened “Cardamomo” to offer Panamanians and ex-pats alike his unique take on fusion cuisine. Wife Jessica Martinez, who previously worked on the shut down RCTV network, has taken on the arduous task of managing the restaurant.

“Cardamomo” is located in a cozy house on 39th St, Bella Vista (it’s on the second block to the left when entering from Balboa Ave). Their choice of location—they wanted something far enough from busy areas such as Calle Uruguay, yet close enough to be accessible—affords them three dining rooms, a bar, and a terrace.

The rooms are divided by theme: a surreal room with fun, yellow tiled walls, an artsy room with windows that shed light on a photography display by Francisco Barsallo, and a cozy private room that seats fifteen.

Jessica describes her husband’s food as a fusion of Mediterranean and Latin, “which with a special mixture of flavors, colors, textures? is concocted into a works of art.” In fact, its menu offers 11 unique appetizers and seven main courses, such as the coconut soup with prawns, chicken and Shitake mushrooms and the Souquet du Peix, a white fish fillet with prawns, calamari, potatoes and a reduction of their juices, both customer favorites which keep them coming for more. Jessica said that with time they will expand the menu, adding a Chef's suggestions section.

Just as the namesake, “Cardamomo” is a treasure bringing to Panama’s palate a welcome new and exotic taste.