When people talk about the Americas, they often forget that the continent is large and varied. With an incredibly diverse population and a myriad of cultures, American cuisine is perhaps one of the most interesting in the world. Think you need to splurge on plane tickets just to get a taste? Think again.
Owner of Panamericana, Julian Serna, has drawn inspiration from his years of travelling across the continent and set up a restaurant reminiscent of the legendary Pan-American Highway. Despite taking its roots from Julian’s Colombian heritage, the restaurant also has an impressive contemporary edge. With an airy open concept, the restaurant’s subtle beauty lies in its solid colonial vibes and rustic feel, highlighted by Georgian tiles, chevron furnishing and clean silhouettes.
You simply have to travel to Sentosa to get a taste of Pan American nosh.
The highlight of this colonial beauty is its brick-encased asador, a traditional pit where customers can witness the grilling of their food first hand. Surely, nothing says authentic quite like being a part of the cooking process?
Panamericana’s very impressive asador pit.
As for the food itself, Panamericana’s kitchen adopts a “farm-to-fire” philosophy, priding itself on delivering the ultimate American dining experience. Kick-off your meal with appetising starters like the beetroot-cured kingfish ($20) dressed with almond cream and adorned with pickled grapes and mint. Then, bite into a Columbian chicken ($30) served on its signature big plate, with chilli glaze slowly cooked on low heat to bring out its flavour. Not to forget dessert, which you can choose from a range like churros ($12), date pudding ($10) with butterscotch and vanilla bean ice cream, or choc tart ($10) – all of which are worth every calorie!
The restaurant’s steak skirt with barbecued onions and mustard seed caviar.
Complementing the restaurant is a very stylish wicker-furnished bar helmed by Californian native Ricky Paiva, who fits the role of a charismatic bartender perfectly. Before you leave, enjoy the perfectly mixed iconic American 50:50 Martini ($18) by this former Head Bartender at Manhattan Bar at Regent Hotel, amidst the breezy and chic surroundings. Located in a prime spot in Sentosa Golf Club, the bar is set against a stunning tropical backdrop. Add the lush golf course to the picture, and you get something out of a painting. Indeed, Panamericana has done the impossible – bringing the Americas into our small island city.
Spoil yourself with a martini or two at Panamericana’s colonial-themed bar.
Address:
Panamericana
27 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa Golf Club
tel: 6253 8182
This was adapted from an article originally published in the June 2018 issue of SquareRooms
