Tasting a dream: A Reverie

A Reverie is where those who want to celebrate the true pleasures of life come together.…that is a promise of Akritee and Virendra Singh. The uniqueness about this restaurant that has the ‘creme a la crème’ of the country dine there every season is the ‘gastronomical orgy’. Akritee has created meals that have placed her among the top 10 Young Best chef’s in India, in the Taste and Travel magazine.

So what’s special… Wasabi flavoured Avocado Guacamole accompanied by sweet & spicy salsa and Jalapeno cheese pops, or perhaps the King Prawns with Wasabi mayonnaise & shredded Nori.  Innovation is her forte…the Fish? Grilled Scottish Pink Salmon fillet with Teriyaki glaze served with a sauce of blackbean soy with oyster mushrooms and accompanied with a lemongrass pilaf. A Scottish – Oriental treat. And from her Tandoor, Corn Fed Chicken Breast with a smoked barbeque marinade served with sour cream and onion sauce. Did one imagine sour cream only with potatoes? 

As Akritee puts it ‘A great meal is not one that merely fills you up; it is a journey that returns you to sources of pleasure you may have forgotten and takes you to places you have never been…..’  So pamper those tastebuds with a ‘tasting’ of inspired cuisines…this is what dreams are made of.

 

Cuisine: Global ‘Inspired’ Cuisine

The ‘Tastings’

Must try: King Prawns with Wasabi Mayo and shredded Nori, Roquefort Steak

Timing: 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm

Address: A Reverie, Next to Goan Heritage, Holiday Street, Calangute, Goa

Mobile: 9823174927, 9326114661

 

SUEY to the Magic of the Far East: Bomra’s

 

There is a quaint little place on the Candolim gourmet belt…a place called Bomra’s. The proprietor, a Burmese gentleman by the name of ‘Bawmra’, runs this place, the restaurant attractively laid out in the garden, the cane influence and the paper lanterns giving it an exquisite oriental touch. 

But it is not only the flea market at Anjuna that makes the day Wednesday special...it is Khowsuey night. One needs a big table to do justice to the different dishes and accompaniments that is laid before you. Coconut noodles with chicken broth, crispy vegetables, with sauces and accompaniments of the vegetarian and the non vegetarian variety. 

The desserts mentioned on the menu are creative too. Bawmra has made full use of the eastern influence with items like the lemon grass and ginger crème brulee, the ginger and lemon grass ice-cream and the Santiago Rum dessert. So plan ahead that trip to the gourmet belt, to get a taste of the Bomra Magic.

Address:  Bomras, Souza Vaddo, Opp Kamal Retreat, Candolim, Goa.

Mobile:   9822106236, 9822149633

Stakeout -It’s a ‘festa’ all the way: Fiesta

 

In the heart of Baga’s activity, a long pebbled pathway bordered by swaying palms leads you to a restaurant, lanterns swaying in the breeze as they hang from tress, candle lights fluttering in their glass chimneys tables set under a canopy of stars.

Started by Yellow and Manek Contractor, this duo has made contemporary fine dining the place to be frequented by one and all. Having trained under German chefs, Yellow has compiled a menu of German, Italian and European cuisine. From Bavaria comes the honey flavored goat cheese milk served with savory waffles. Every bite is a pure delight....the crunchy croutons on top of the smooth melting cheese a gourmet’s fantasy. The pizza, thin and crisp with a slight singe on the rim has a wide variety of toppings to add piazzz to the night. But these are just suggested starters….a whole range of Italian pastas, and of course the steaks…..my favorite? With Shitake mushrooms.

There is Fiestas Special Zabgolione..the foamy dessert with that hint of Port wine made a la minute, and designer ice creams.  Oh yes Manek and Yellow promise you a ‘fiesta’ all the way.

 

Cuisine: Contemporary European

Must try: Steaks

Timing: 7.00 pm to 12 midnight

Address: Fiesta, 7/35, Saunta Vaddo, Opp Tito’s, Baga, Goa

Telephone No: 0832 2279894 / 0832 2281440

 

Searing Tornados I 95…that’s the ticket

 

Have you ever been to a volcano country? Tasted the food cooked on fiery stones? Well one does not have to book a ticket to Java, to eat hot food cooked on lava…. Or even perhaps experience the aftermath of a ‘searing tornado’…iits here, in a small bye lane of Calangute. ‘Tournedos and Seared fish’ and many more delightful preaparations - That is the ticket, and it’s called I 95 (a document cum ticket that remains with the passenger while on ship). Cosily nestled amongst the coconut palms, a few bamboo bushes thrown in for measure, it is a retreat for a treat. An open air ambience, cane chairs or sofas, you take your pick, it is just the right place for a nice relaxed evening, if you want to pamper your taste buds with fine dining.

The place is run by four entrepreneurs, James, Sumera, Tina and Sunil. Nibble on minute morsels of Bread with a Pepper Cream Cheese as you sip on a pre dinner aperitif, the terracotta courtyard with the soft lighting is a place to enjoy the menu.

For starters try the Baked Goat Cheese, with Carraway brulee, and a beetroot and walnut dressing. The Mushroom Cappucino it is simply divine. But the Grills on those ‘special’ lava stones would make you erupt with joy -the Blue cheese Tournedos, wrapped in streaky bacon, on a bed of mashed potatoes. Or perhaps the fish seared on a bed of cilantro risotto, with Nam Pla Sauce. But no meal would be complete without the dessert…James and Sumera ,Tina and Sunil will ensure that your dining experience is a ‘ticket’ to good food.

 

Cuisine: Continental food

Must Try: Blue cheese Tournedos, Seared Fish on a bed of cilantro risotto

Timing: 7.30 am to 11.00 pm

Address: I 95, Behind the Art chamber, 1/115 A Gaurovado, Calangute, Noth Goa.

Telephone No: 0832 2275213 / Mobile: 9881301184

 

 

Right around the Clock: La Plage

 

No Can-Can dancing…Not even jive but  Florence Tarbouriech, Morgan Rainforth and Serge Lozano have kept their place rocking over the years. From breakfast to dinner this trio (they have also been depicted on the menu card in the knife- fork- spoon combination) has a variety of delectable dishes to whet your appetite.

Drive down a beaten track at Ashvem, to a pristine beach, La Plage a beachside restaurant exudes a bohemian spirit amidst the coconut palms…..showcasing a funky way of life with a twist. Chef Morgan has increased the level of sophistication in his food taking on global cues but retaining the French flavor. The moules marinieres a la crème de curry (mussels cooked in white wine with curry cream) is a hot favorite. Pardon the pun but perhaps the curry sauce is one that creates it. Or nibble on the Tartines de chevre chaud au mile (hot goat cheese on toast with honey)....Well honey! That got my goat.

And the innovation does not end there. Tapas, Grills and even desserts- Morgan has specials for different times of the day. No heavy sauces, but juice extracts… even the desserts like the Pain perdu aux pommes caramelisees (a sandwich of caramelized apple between French toast). This is a rocking meeting place of different people of different nationalities. A place worth a visit…

 

Cuisine: French with global cues

Must Try: moules marinieres a la crème de curry, Tartines de chevre chaud au mile

Timing: 8.30am to 10.30pm

Address: La Plage, Ashvem Beach, Road of Mandrem, Pernem, Goa

Mobile: 9822121712

 

It’s a Republic like no other: Republic of Noodles

 

It begins with the logo…a big black star against a red background wrapped around with noodles. The Republic Of Noodles is an experience like none other- South East Asian fare from Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and Burma. The décor is warm and lively, and the food a delight to the senses.

The starters Barbequed Honey Glazed Pork Spare Ribs with honey sauce, Cambodian Style Grilled prawns with coconut curry sauce. One would run after those honky pigs to savor those spare ribs, and the Cambodian style prawns? To die for! But hold on to that lifeline cause the main fare has still to come. Jungle Curry of chicken with vegetables and green peppercorn (North East Thailand), coconut and turmeric curry of red snapper (South Thailand), Char Kway Teow Malaysian style stir fried seafood with flat rice noodles…..street food in Malaysia to stir your palate. 

Talk about a ‘stir’? The Teppanyaki stir-fries…Thai style Drunken Prawns, Singapore chilli king crab with bell pepper, Vietnamese Scampi with roasted chiil, and then the Clay pot dishes, Western Sumatran Lamb curry, Fiery Sri Lankan Fish curry , Indonesian Fish Gulai Curry Padang special .… Elasticized waistlines are the best to wear at this elegant restaurant. There is always room for expansion for the desserts. Fried ice cream, Indonesian banana fritters or the sweetened sticky rice cakes with pumpkin custard-believe me this is a republic like no other. 

 

Cuisine: Pan Asian 

Must try: Barbequed Honey Glazed Pork Spare Ribs

coconut and turmeric curry of red snapper

Timing: 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm

Address:  Republic of Noodles, Lemon Tree Amarente Beach Resort, Vadi, Candolim Goa.

Tel No:    0832 2489600.

A ‘Fat’ Greek repast: Thalassa

 

Perched on the rocky cliffs of Vagator, one can sit on cushioned cane chairs sip on Ouzo with a plate of me zee’s and watch the golden orb of the sun slip below the horizon. Sample the famous Pita Souvlaki wraps, a choice of kebabs topped with tzatziki dip (a creamy combo of yoghurt, garlic, cucumber and olive oil), your senses will be stirred with anticipation on what will follow.

Open from 4.00 pm onwards, this open air restaurant features delicacies, fare which is specifically chosen by owner Mariketty to please your taste buds. 

Thalassa is an acronym for ‘Sea’ in Greek, and as the moon shimmers on the water nibble on the Keftedakia, those round crunchy meat balls will tickle your palate. Or perhaps the Dolmadakia the Greek specialty of Vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs. Don’t miss the Saganaki. That crisp fried slice of feta cheese is a delight to savor. From the grill comes the lamb Kalamaki kebab, on skewers the minced delicacy oozes flavors that will have you begging for more. On your dining agenda should be the preparations of soft succulent meat that will transport you to Corfu-Mariketty’s original home, the Sofrito, layers of beef steak cooked in garlic and parsley in that gravy sauce so reminiscent of the island fare and the Pastitada, pieces of beef delicately flavored in the tomato sauce, red wine and Greek herbs. And as the gentle breeze wraps you in its embrace, leave time and place for an exciting variety of desserts…from home made Greek yoghurt to rich cheesecakes or even the traditional baklava…One does not need to be invited to a Greek wedding…this is a repast to remember.

 

Cuisine: Greek

Must try: Dolmadakia, Keftedakia, 

Timing: 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm

Address: Thalassa Taverna, Anjuna, Vagator, Goa

Mobile: 9850033537

           

Mamma Mia…how can I resist you: J&A’s Ristorante Italiano

 

Mamma Mia! Here I go again, my my how can I resist you….popular lyrics by Abba but Oh so true. Two MumbaikarsJamshed ana Ayesha hopped into a car and drove down to Goa to start a restaurant. 

The village of Arpora made famous with the Saturday Night Market also boasts of this Gourmet Restaurant..with the typical ‘Mamma Mia’ hospitality. Jamshed and Ayesha take the trouble to come to each and every table and explain the menu. Their USP is the way they cook their pastas. It is cooked ‘al dente’ and is not overpowered with any sauce. Like your toppings ‘hot or sweet?’ their pineapple and jalapeno pizza’s tempt even the most difficult customer….with the freshness of their crust.

The winding waterbody, the scenic beauty and the warmth of the place..you could be humming.. ‘I don't know how but I suddenly lose control’ (when the food comes to the table, ‘There's a fire within my soul’…. (on completion of the dish) Mamma mia

 

Cuisine: Italian

Must Try: Pizza magharita

Bruchettas

Chocolate dessert

Timing: Open for dinner

Address: J&A’s Ristorante Italiano, House No 560, Baga River, Arpora

Mobile:  9823139488