One of the finest dining establishments outside of the capital has its good days and its better days. The last time we visited, a rainy day during the off-season, fell somewhere off the lower end of expectation, leaving us to wonder if standards here are slipping. 

We were disappointed to hear that our favorite starter, the eggplant roll filled with goat cheese and pine nuts, had sold out the night before.  And although our alternative, the pan fried scallop with Port wine sauce was absolutely delicious, the promised accompaniment of foie gras mousse was replaced by mashed potatoes.  The chef redeemed himself with the arugula ravioli stuffed with mushrooms and drizzled with a sun dried tomato oil as well as with the giant shrimp wrapped in bacon and topped with a wonderful woodsy-flavored lentil sauce, but efforts to make up for the foie gras faux pas with complimentary desserts fell short: the white chocolate mousse had the distinctive taste of refrigerator burn and the lady fingers in tiramisu had been soaking for way too long. 

The Tuscan farmhouse setting and sophisticated interior, however, is gorgeous.  Table 40, tucked behind a dividing wall, is the best seat in the house, offering privacy and beautiful views of the Chavón River.

(Photos: Jonathan Prime)