Rotisserie Panama | 11604, de Salleberry, DDO QC H9B 2R8 | 514.676.1096 |www.rotisseriepanama.com
Notes: “Top 5” Casual; Excellent family restaurant
Anyone who knows me is familiar with my general disdain for the state of the West Island restaurant scene. In fact, it was utterly hopeless until Panama opened a couple of years back – hence it’s position in my “Top 5”.
Panama’s original location adjacent to the Jean Talon market speaks to its quality, and this has been maintained at the newer Marche de L’Ouest locale. We eat there frequently, to say the least, and generally with kids in tow – which has never been a problem; quite the opposite in fact – the staff goes out of their way to accommodate families and groups, so this is a great option if you are looking for a genuinely good meal, without having to watch the kids scarf down chicken nuggets.
The traditional Greek menu doesn’t win any awards for originality, but regardless of what you order you can be guaranteed that it will be fresh, well prepared, and very tasty. Although casual, the dining feels more high-end than fast food, and the service reinforces this; although not always the most professional, they are unfailingly helpful and friendly.
My personal recommendation, order a bunch of dishes and feast family style: start with the Greek Salad and upgrade to the imported Feta, which is creamy and delicious; the Tirokafteri, is perfectly spicy and delicious; the grilled octopus is among the best I have had; the half-and-half fried eggplant and zucchini, served with tzatziki; the beautiful golden Saganaki, or the Greek Sausages which are bathed in oily goodness. I generally stop there (and leave with a huge takeout container in tow), but on occasion will supplement from the grilled menu for a change…the chicken / pork sticks are good, but tend towards being overly oily, and the grilled chicken is tender and full of charcoal flavor.
My only complaint about Panama is that fact that the bread basket is served with those little disposable butter cups, as opposed to olive oil, and that the staff tends to be a little green. These are highly forgivable flaws however, especially in a market dominated by chain restaurants which all feature calamari, nachos and quesadillas as their winning dishes.
In a nutshell: if you live West of Lachine, Panama should be on your speed dial. If you are a die hard coffee addict like my wife, don’t leave without having a Greek coffee.
11604, de Salleberry, DDO, Qc, H9B 2R8, 514.676.1096