Nice to see that the restaurant we chose – after much deliberation – for our one “splurge meal” got a prominent mention in Sunday’s 36 Hours Panama City, Panama story on the NYTimes Travel section. We were very happy with our meal at La Posta — and apparently the NYTimes was too. But this restaurant wasn’t mentioned in the 2005 36 hours piece on Panama City. I can’t remember how I found it – another travel article or guide – or how I narrowed my fairly long list but glad we chose La Posta. The latest Times story doesn’t mention the entrees we really loved – the “best pork chop ever” – my Kansas husband’s assessment which is saying a lot since this guy knows his pork; and pitch perfect seafood risotto, which I loved.
I wish this article had come out before our visit because I was looking for a hotel on our last night – and ended up with a dud. The NYTimes recommends the Canal House Hotel in Casco Viejo or the new Manrey Hotel (both are $200 and up which is more than we wanted to spend. we probably got the best we could for $100.)
TakeBetsywithyou 
hehe that 36 hours article needs some serious updating 🙂 Panama isn’t quite so crazy as a 1980s China but things change on what seems about a 6 month cycle. If you’re planning a return trip, definitely try casco viejo both for stays and restaurants. It caters to all budgets and diversified quality.