Esencias Panamenas LLC
Full Service Catering

Our menu is packed with classic Latin American and Caribbean dishes created from scratch using seasonal, local, and international ingredients. Bold flavors abound. From delicious appetizers, to inspired entrees, to decadent desserts, your meal will be one of a kind. We are also attentive to special dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and/or allergy-related issues.

Let us provide you with expertise guidance as you plan your event.

Our services include personal consultation and step-by-step assistance to make sure that we exceed your highest expectations.

You may also schedule a 30-minute complimentary consultation to discuss your event and any questions or concerns you may have. To get in touch, please use the inquiry form below.

Please read the "Catering Policy" and contact us for pricing or a quote.

A biscuit cup cake topped with cream

Catering by Esencias Panamenas

Bar Service

Start your event off with a variety of drink packages for your guests. Choose from refreshing non-alcoholic drinks, to a beer, to a wine, to an open bar. The selection is matched by the service selected.

Appetizers

How about a tasty Hors D'oeuvre to go along with your drink? Select from an assortment of either server-passed or stationary-buffet appetizers, guaranteed to set the culinary tone for your event.

Main Course

Whether your event is small or large, and you desire to serve a light lunch, or a dinner buffet, or a 3-course seated dinner, Esencias Panamenas is able to provide a custom package to suit your taste and budget.

Sweet Treats

We all tend to save room for dessert! Enjoy a sweet selection of cakes and pastries for your event.

Esencias Panamenas Sample Catering Packages

Below are some example catering packages to give you a taste of the great food we have to offer for your corporate event or your special day

Sample Seated Menus

Appetizer

Assorted baked cocktail empanadas (beef, chicken, vegetarian)

Assorted fried cocktail carimanolas (beef, turkey, vegan) accompanied with tamarind sauce

Fish ceviche with plantain chips

Main course

Cucumber salad

Rolls with butter rosettes

Arroz con pollo (rice and chicken with peas & carrots and olives & capers)

Vegan Arroz “sin” pollo (made with plant-based chick’n)

Potato salad with beets (ensalada de feria)

Cocktail assorted Tamal (chicken, vegetarian)

Candied sweet plantains

Dessert

Rum cake

Cocadas

Appetizer

Miniature beef wellington with pesto sauce

Cucumber rounds topped with grilled salmon, cream cheese, and dill

Bruschetta with roasted tomatoes and shaved asiago

Main course – Choose Two Entrees

Greens salad and bell pepper gathered by a cucumber ribbon with champagne vinaigrette dressing

Rolls with butter rosettes

Tenderloin of beef medallions with cognac sauce

Chicken breast with old bay beurre Blanc sauce

Oven-roasted salmon with tarragon butter sauce

Potatoes au gratin

Sauteed asparagus

Dessert

Lemon cake with raspberry coulis

Appetizer

Assorted baked empanadas (beef, chicken, vegetarian)

Baked wings with mango BBQ sauce

Assorted cocktail meatballs (beef, chicken, vegetarian) tossed in a sweet & sour sauce

Main course

House salad with arugula, mixed greens, onions, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette

Rolls with butter rosettes

Pigeon peas and rice cooked in coconut milk

Saffron rice

Pollo a la criolla (Spanish chicken in tomato-based sauce with olives and capers)

Bistec Picao' (sirloin beef strips in gravy)

Fish filet in lemon butter sauce

Fried sweet plantains

Dessert

Coconut flan

Appetizer

Assorted baked empanadas (beef, chicken, vegetarian)

Baked wings with mango BBQ sauce

Spicy Caribbean fried codfish cakes with avocado aioli

Main Course

Mixed field greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, with ginger-soy dressing

Rice and peas cooked in coconut milk

Baked macaroni & cheese

Caribbean jerk chicken with mango relish

V8 Oxtail

Fried sweet plantains

Desserts

Guava and cream cheese pastelitos

Array of fresh Caribbean fruits in season, such as mango, passion fruit, strawberries, honeydew

Appetizer

Mac & cheese balls with marinara sauce

Tomato bisque soup shooters

Assorted veggies in a cup accompanied with roasted peppers dip

Main Course

Green salad with heirloom tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar

Jalapeno cornbread with butter rosettes

Fingerling roasted potatoes

4-cheeses Macaroni & Cheese 

Fish fillet with lemon culantro aioli

Roasted chicken with bourbon pan jus

Southern Style Green Beans OR Sauteed Kale in garlic butter sauce

Desserts

Red velvet cake with cream cheese icing

Sample Buffet Menus

Hors D’oeuvres – Choose Seven

Assorted baked cocktail (flour) empanadas de harina (ground beef, ground chicken, cheese, plant-based and mix veggies crumbles)

Assorted fried cocktail carimanolas (yuca balls stuffed with ground beef, ground chicken, plant-based crumbles) with tamarind sauce

Assorted baked cocktail pastelitos (puff pastry stuffed with ground beef, ground chicken, plant-based crumbles) 

Yuca fries with culantro aioli

Mini Panamanian corn tortillas with white cheese 

Crispy Mac & Cheese balls

Mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce

Patacones a.k.a. tostones (twice fried smashed green plantains) with mojo sauce

Patacones a.k.a. tostones rellenos (stuffed twice fried smashed green plantains) with ropa vieja marmalade

Assorted cocktail meatballs (beef, turkey, plant-based) tossed in a sweet & sour sauce

Crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a mango BBQ sauce

Spicy Caribbean fried codfish cakes with avocado aioli

Fish ceviche accompanied with plantain chips

Assorted cheeses accompanied with assorted mustards and gourmet crackers

Assorted veggies crudité accompanied with gourmet crackers

Spinach and carrots dip accompanied with assorted tortilla chips

Fried sweet plantains

Seasonal fruits display

Appetizer

Soft tortillas

Ice burg lettuce

Rotisserie shredded chicken

Ropa vieja (shredded beef)

Plant-based ground crumbles (vegetarian)

Green and black olives

Black beans

Guacamole

Sour cream

Pico de Gallo

Assorted shredded cheese (Monterey Jack and cheddar)

Saffron rice 

Dessert – Choose One

Tres Leches Cake

Cheese flan

Appetizer – Choose Four

Tossed salad with crisp lettuces, tomatoes, shredded carrots, cucumbers with choice of ranch or zesty Italian dressing

Assorted baked cocktail empanadas (ground beef, ground chicken, plant-based crumbles)

Chicken sliders

Assorted cocktail meatballs (beef, turkey, plant-based) tossed in a sweet & sour sauce

Crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a mango BBQ sauce

Assorted veggies crudité accompanied with gourmet crackers

Charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, deli meats, kalamata olives, and mixed nuts accompanied with flatbread pieces

Spinach and carrots dip accompanied with assorted tortilla chips

Desserts

Seasonal fruits display

Appetizer – Choose Two

Assorted baked cocktail (flour) empanadas de harina (ground beef, ground chicken, cheese, plant-based and mix veggies crumbles)

Assorted fried cocktail carimanolas (yuca balls stuffed with ground beef, ground turkey, plant-based crumbles) with tamarind sauce

Yuca fries with culantro aioli

Mini Panamanian corn tortillas with white cheese 

Patacones a.k.a. tostones (twice fried smashed green plantains) with mojo sauce

Patacones a.k.a. tostones rellenos (stuffed twice fried smashed green plantains) with ropa vieja marmalade

Assorted cocktail meatballs (beef, turkey, plant-based) tossed in a sweet & sour sauce

Apple, pearl onions, and smoked gouda cheese flat bread bites

Crispy baked chicken wings tossed in a mango BBQ sauce

Spicy Caribbean fried codfish cakes with avocado aioli

Fish ceviche accompanied with plantain chips

Assorted cheeses accompanied with assorted mustards and gourmet crackers

Assorted veggies crudité accompanied with gourmet crackers

Spinach and carrots dip accompanied with assorted tortilla chips

Main course

Tossed salad with crisp lettuces, tomatoes, shredded carrots, cucumbers with choice of ranch or zesty Italian dressing

Dinner rolls with butter rosettes

Entree – Choose One or Two

Arroz con pollo (rice and chicken with peas & carrots and olives & capers)

Vegan Arroz “sin” pollo (made with plant-based chick’n)

Tenderloin of beef strips in red wine sauce

Oxtail in V8 gravy

Pollo a la Criolla (Spanish chicken with olive & capers in tomato sauce)

Grilled chicken breast smothered in bourbon sauce

Blackened fish filet with lemon dill sauce

Oven-roasted salmon with tarragon butter sauce

Starch – Choose Two

Saffron Rice

Rice and pigeon peas cooked in coconut milk

4-cheeses Mac & Cheese

Rosemary roasted fingerling potatoes

Fried sweet plantains

Vegetables – Choose One

Sauteed asparagus

Vegetable Medley in garlic butter sauce

Steamed Broccoli

Green beans topped with sliced almonds

Dessert – Choose One

Cocadas

Seasonal Fruits display

*veggie (i.e, empanadas, pastelitos, carimañolas, veggie-balls): soy protein
**veggie (i.e., tamal and arroz "sin" pollo): meat-free chick'n

Full Service Catering Policies

Our full service catering includes:

  • a catering coordinator to oversee the set up and break down of the contracted menu
  • service equipment
  • serving area set-up that includes chafing dishes with heating components, décor, tablecloth, serving vessels, and serving utensils
  • cleanup of the service area

Disposables: We offer high quality disposable utensils, plates, cups, and napkins for a charge of $6.00 per person

China Service: We can provide 3-piece white China place setting, glassware, silverware, and cloth napkins for a nominal fee of $10.00 per person.

Linen Service: Tablecloths for guests' tables are also available for an additional fee.

Booking & Deposit: The event date is not secured until the signed contract and the deposit are received.

  • A deposit equaling 50% of the total value of the contract (of which $350 is non-refundable) is required upon signing the contract.
  • A complimentary tasting, for up to 2 people, is included with the signed contract and deposit. Tasting is also offered for larger groups (3+) OR for potential customers with no signed contract, for an additional charge of $27.50 per person.
  • The remaining 50% is required 2 weeks prior to the event. Servers and Bartenders are available for an additional fee.

Cancellation: The deposit (minus $350) will be fully refundable if written cancellation is received at least 21 days prior to the event. Cancellations received less than 21 days will incur a 25% charge to cover our investment, cancellations received less than 14 days will incur a 50% charge to cover our investment. No money will be returned if the cancellation is received less than 7 days from the event.

Catering Consultation

To place a full service catering order, please schedule a phone consultation.

Large catering orders (30+ people) must be placed at least 2 weeks from the day needed. Small catering orders (less than 30 people) must be placed at least 5 days from the day needed. While we cannot guarantee our availability for orders placed within 3 business days of the event, we will do our best to accommodate you! If we are able to accommodate the order, a $50 rush fee will be added onto your final bill.

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