India is a country that offers diversity in almost everything and I feel that after language, food is one of the most important elements that showcase this diversity in cultures. For me a regional cuisine thali is a perfect platform to bring that diversity on a plate, most of the times we see a thali that represents the best of that particular region, sometimes thalis are extravagant and showcase two or more regions together. One such conceptual thali is the Maharaja Thali at Rasoda.
Being from a Punjabi family who has lived for most years in Delhi, we always celebrated Lohri with a lot of pomp and show. The bonfire, dhol and some particular food dishes have always been significant to the festival. Now living in Goa, we didn’t know what to expect, whether anyone celebrates the festival or not was a big question.
I am a sucker for places that offer mesmerising views and especially of the SUN, SAND and SEA. Just recently I discovered one more such place that offers both great views and great food. Its called the Beach House, situated atop the Vagator Cliff, the approach road is slightly rough and you may feel as if there can’t be anything further down the road, but hang on a little more and you will see this amazing place.
Prime Rose, Sangolda, was one of the first restro-bar that I visited in Goa when I finally moved in from Delhi. It has been a friend’s favourite joint to hang out for late-night drinks and I remember visiting this place with him directly after landing at the airport, making it our first night as residents of Goa. Since it was late, we didn’t have much of a choice and what I remember this place was basically for drinks and some finger food. Strangely after that, I did not get a chance to visit Prime Rose until recently.
My same friend had been pushing me to visit this place, and this time around not for drinks but for food and food is something I never associated Prime Rose with. But since my friend compelled and told me about their upping the food quotient, I went ahead for a dinner with family to Prime Rose.
And to say the least, I was pleasantly surprised, not only the food was really delicious, but also the presentation of food has improved 1000 times. It’s no longer just a bar and finger food place, it’s a restaurant that is in line with any of the food-focused restaurants in Goa. And I saw the change, this time around the place was buzzing with foodies who appreciate good food and drinks and not just a hangout zone for late-night drinkers.
Since Prime Rose has primarily been rated as a bar, their cocktails are definitely a strong point and their in-house bartender has enough to offer and keep you in high spirits. Ask for the bartender’s special take on LIT and I am sure you will ask for more, but a word of caution there, don’t go overboard with this one.
Coming to food, the place has a good variety on the menu and there is something to suit every taste bud. Focusing on comfort food, Prime Rose surely has added its own touch to regular dishes and even the presentation of food is commendable.
The Chicken Overdose, for instance, was a perfect starter where the regular fried chicken was given some personal twist by the chef and presented with an amazing dip to go along. It became an instant hit with everyone in the family.
A simple dish like Loaded Chicken Nachos was also something that left our taste buds lingering.
Chicken Nachos
Pineapple Polenta with Shrimps was simply one of the best dishes of the evening, I loved the subtle flavours of the prawns balanced with the sweet and sour pineapple.
Pineapple Polenta with Shrimps
Spicy Pesto Grilled Chicken should definitely be given a try. Marinated with green apple and basil, this grilled chicken with its juicy flavours is a perfect match to anything you pick up from the bar, even if it means a simple juice.
Beef Tenderloin served with an orange vodka sauce, polenta and a serving of rice is something that you will not forget for a long time. The combination of stir-fried beef and orange sauce was just amazing.
You can also go in for Pizzas and Burgers, the Grilled Chicken Pizza and BBQ Beef Burger make for a perfect kind of main course to satiate a big hunger or easily shared between 2 people as the portion size is quite good.
So this time around, visit Prime Rose purely for its food and consider good drinks as a default and I am sure you will love this new avatar of the place.
My edited version of this review was also published in the Herald Cafe
Bento is traditionally a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal, common to Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento box holds rice or noodles, fish or meat, with pickled and cooked vegetables.
Mahe, has been fast gaining people’s attention in Goa for being one of the best places serving modern coastal cuisine. Although I am yet to have a full-fledged meal at Mahe and review the food, I have attended a couple of events at the place and the entire experience has been great every single time. I actually love the vibes and ambiance of this restaurant.
There is food, then there is food made with a lot of love, there are restaurants, and then there are dreams, this place Cuebebar Smokehouse Goa falls in the latter category because it isn’t just a restaurant but a dream that a young boy of 23 all has seen and pursued, it reflects his passion along with that of his friend. Arjun and his friend Bunty are the two boys behind this amazing place. Arjun who worked with Marriott in Texas before coming back to India is the main chef while his friend Bunty takes up the charge for the bar and shakes up some amazing cocktails.
Bohra Muslims, who are said to have migrated originally from Yemen to Gujarat, are firm believers in the maxim: “The family that eats together, stays together.” The entire Bohra family dines out of one platter called the thaal and it typically accommodates 4-8 people. Each dish is placed in the centre of the thaal and every member pulls his or her share. Bohras have a no-wastage policy. Not a single grain of rice is left on the plate when it is taken away.
To promote this thought and keep the tradition alive, Rumana came up with the idea of ‘Thaal’ as she too believes in community eating and bonding over food.
I have been a fan of Mexican food for quite some time now and I always love exploring new restaurants that offer Mexican food. Just recently I came across this amazing place called Burrito Boys located at the Calangute-Arpora road.
Even though Bombay doesn’t have any specific cuisine, different parts of Bombay are famous for different types of food. From the typical street food that includes Pav Bhaji, the very famous Bombay Sandwich to the food made popular by the old Parsi cafes in South Bombay, it has a lot of variety to offer. When in Bombay, you have to travel across the length and breadth of the city to savor these different delicacies, but when in Goa, you can taste all of this amazing food right from one beautiful cafe, bar and bistro.
