Restaurante Brasa y Leña - New in Bajo Boquete

[Bud]

Three of us tried out a new restaurant in Bajo Boquete yesterday afternoon late. It is called Brasa y Leña, which is located on the entrance road into Bajo Boquete on the left after passing by the CEFATI building and curving down while going into the valley. It is located right next door to a chocolate shop and just before getting to the left turn to go to The Haven Spa. Off road parking for three or four vehicles immediately in front of the restaurant itself.

Bruno is the proprietor, and he indicated that he had just opened the restaurant the day prior. We believe that this facility previously housed an eatery of some kind, but that Bruno and his partners have just taken over. When asked about the strong Italian accent, Bruno indicated that he was from Italy, but now in Boquete and the proprietor of Brasa y Leña. He is assessing whether to change the name of the restaurant, but for now it is Brasa y Leña.

The primary entrees were roasted chicken, pork filet, hamburgers, and a few appetizer items, such as nachos, etc. Since Marcelyn and I were very hungry, and ahead of schedule for our dinner partner (Penny), we ordered drinks and nachos. The drink selection is somewhat limited as Bruno has only sodas, canned drinks such as orange juice, bottled water, and three brands of beer. Tap water was offered, but declined. No wine or hard liquor. We ordered our drinks and one order of nachos. Drinks were served very quickly. Penny arrived about the time our drinks were being served, and then about two minutes later the nachos arrived. Nachos were tasty with the basic ingredients including carne molida, but no guacamole. Quite tasty though, and the chips used were very crispy.

There were no menus, but Bruno told us about the entrees. Marcelyn and I decided to split a roasted chicken dinner with French fries (patacones also available). Penny order the pork filet with French fries along with her drink.

We sat outside and were the only customers. Very pleasant except for the occasional highway bus (noisy) and a few vehicles that had boom boxes going full bore.

All in all it was a very pleasant dining experience. The really pleasant finale was when the bills were delivered. Penny's total was $6.00, and ours was $11.00 (don't forget that we had the nachos as well as the entree and two drinks). Great food, and very good value.

Bruno indicated that they are open Wednesday through Monday (closed on Tuesdays) from about 10:30AM to about 7:00PM.

Contact information: Bruno is the proprietor. His cell is 6565-2852, email carebruno@hotmail.it. Bruno spoke good English.

We intend to patronize Brasa y Leña again. Our only complaint was that there was simply too much food; we both had doggy bags for take away.

Here are some pictures taken of the facility itself, and our main entrees.

First is the front of the building and its sign.

 

Next is Bruno. He was always smiling and offering assistance, but not intrusive about it.

 

Here is Penny's pork filet dish.

 

Here is our roasted chicken dish. (We took no picture of the nachos.)

 

And then a panoramic shot inside the restaurant. Kinda reminds one of a log cabin up in the mountains (duh!).