Ceviche’s

Imagine yourself headed to a palm-lined Panamanian beach. Umbrella? Check. Sun tan lotion? Check. A cooler packed with fresh ceviche? Check. That’s the inspiration for Ceviche’s, a Wrightsville Beach café styled after Central American ceviche bars that beach-goers hit for take-out on their way to the shore. The local restaurant is happy to prepare food for take-out too.

Ceviche is seafood marinated in acidic fruit juice, usually lime. The juice cures the seafood, giving it the texture of cooked seafood.The restaurant features the traditional Panamanian dishes owner Hunter Tiblier grew up eating.

Los Camarones features large, local shrimp in a citrus mango marinade, mixed with red bell peppers, red onion, habanero peppers and fresh herbs. Sea bass goes into Corvina Tradicional with lime, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro. Choose a flight of four ceviches or order 6- or 10-ounce portions to share. Don’t forget classics like guacamole and pineapple salsa with tortilla chips, a perfect accompaniment to the tangy ceviches. Steak, chicken or black beans pack crispy empanadas, each served with a variety of fresh toppings as well as delicious dipping sauces.

Entrees include a range of Panamanian inspired dishes, ranging from daily fresh catch specials to the Central American favorite Ropa Vieja, a dish of braised flank steak in a spicy tomato pepper broth served over coconut rice. Pair a salad with Panama’s national dish, Sancocho. It’s full of chicken, corn, yucca, plantains and sweet potatoes in spicy cilantro broth. According to the locals, it’s the best cure for a hangover!

End dinner with a creamy Hibiscus Flan, zested with candied citrus and cushioning vanilla pineapple chutney and sweet, tangy strawberry gastrique. Colorful plates are served in an intimate dining room sporting ocean blue tiles and wood trims. Wear your flip-flops, settle into a pillow-lined bench and absorb the tropical mood.

Ceviche’s also has a kid’s menu for young ones 12 and under. Pollo con arroz, also known as chicken with rice, or empanada or chicken tenders with yucca frites are sure to please younger eaters. Adults will love the yucca frites too.

Ceviche’s has a full bar featuring a variety of rum drinks as well as beer and wine. Check their website for seasonal hours.

Look for the restaurant who was just featured on the Food Network’s Diners Drive Ins and Dives on Wrightsville Avenue, near the intersection with Eastwood Road near the first bridge entering Wrightsville Beach.

For more information visit www.wbceviche.com.