The success of Spanish cuisine in Panama is undeniable, with a growing number of chefs and culinary experts from Spain leading restaurants that attract many diners. A prime example is Juan Jesus, who has been in Panama since 2009 and already runs two restaurants under his culinary vision. This passion dates back to his childhood, when he and his father would cook for family and friends.
His story took a significant leap when one of his best customers, Jorge Lobaton, a seasoned businessman and passionate lover of Spanish cuisine, partnered with him to open what is now one of Panama’s finest and most iconic Spanish restaurants: Almeria.
However, his culinary visionary skills truly shine when he brings in Chef Enrique Martínez, a passionate gastronomy enthusiast trained at the renowned Cega school in Venezuela. A believer in the power of cooking to transform everyday ingredients into memorable experiences, his dishes, which blend Mediterranean and Spanish influences, reflect this philosophy and the distinctive approach of the Almería restaurant.
Juan Jesus shares his professional versatility, which has allowed him to excel in the culinary industry, exclusively with The Visitor – El Visitante, along with his vision of Spanish cuisine and its close relationship with tourism.
How does Spanish cuisine stand in the face of the wide variety of culinary options in Panama?
“I don’t have exact figures, but based on my experience, I believe that Spanish food in Panama is very popular, not only with Spaniards but also with Panamanians and foreigners of various nationalities who are ultimately drawn to a restaurant that gives them the feeling of being in Spain.”
What unique experiences does Almeria restaurant offer compared to other Spanish restaurants in Panama?
“Our restaurant is a traditional Spanish house decorated with plenty of stone and wood to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. We have two private rooms, accommodating from 8 to 35 people, perfect for private meetings or celebrations of any kind. We also have a covered terrace that can be opened to accommodate up to 65 guests. Every Friday, we feature a live flamenco performance with singing and dancing. We host additional musical events on the terrace on various days. Valet parking is available daily, and there is also parking within the 1,400 square meters of our restaurant grounds. And of course, we offer authentic Spanish cuisine with recipes and ingredients imported from Spain.”
What do Panamanian and Spanish cuisines have in common, and how can they both create an experience that appeals to tourists?
“Although there are many differences in the preparation of Panamanian and Spanish cuisine, we do share, for example, fresh fish, meats, and chicken, which are ultimately seasoned differently due to the essence of each cuisine, but the raw ingredients must be of the highest quality. For example: Mondongo is our tripe stew with a different seasoning. Sancocho is a soup that might resemble a stew from Almeria. Saus is pig’s feet cooked in a completely different way. I think tourists enjoy the experience of being in a typical Spanish restaurant in downtown Panama. There, in addition to tasting something as typical in Spain as paella or croquettes, they can also order shrimp or fish ceviche, as well as side dishes like fried yucca or patacones, which are Panamanian dishes.”
How important is customer service? Should it be as good as, or even better than, the food itself?
“Customer service is almost as important as, or even more important than, the food these days. Diners are looking for a complete experience and are very critical of slow service or a lack of attention. That’s why at Almeria restaurant, we strive to pay close attention to both the service and the quality of the food.”
What are the three most popular dishes among diners in Almería, and why are they so popular?
“Paella is one of our most popular dishes, and I think it’s because we strive to make it exactly like it’s made in Spain, both in flavor and preparation. Garlic shrimp is another of our most requested dishes. It’s so popular because it combines the flavor of super-fresh shrimp with plenty of garlic and olive oil, which, as we know, is typical and widely used in Spanish cuisine. Ham croquettes are another of our restaurant’s most sought-after dishes. It’s a recipe straight from grandma’s kitchen, with a truly authentic, homemade flavor.”
