Covid-19 has taken over the better part of the year, instilling fear and uncertainty in most of us, but if you drive around Goa today, you may find yourself wondering whether the pandemic even exists. With tourist attractions packed to the brim and tourists thronging to beach-side restaurants, it seems like just another tourist season in Goa.
Personally in the last 6-8 months, I’ve dined out a mere handful of times and only at places I know and trust to do more than simply place a sanitizer stand at the entrance. Because as much as we’d like to do our bit to ensure our own safety, there are things that are out of our control as well.
Must-visit restaurant in Sinquerim
From dining at Tamari in Taj Vivanta to Banyan Tree at Taj Holiday Village, the experiences have always been memorable and downright delicious; and Pandemic or not, they’ve offered delightful and hygienic experiences. Those are just a couple of reasons why I chose to dine at the All-New Caravela at Taj Holiday Village, Candolim.
The others? It had been an entire summer and I hadn’t seen the beach – in spite of it being a mere 4 km from where I live. Caravela boasts a beautifully breezy beach-side deck that gives you a panoramic view of the sea while keeping you socially distant. Lastly, the restaurant has just undergone a renovation – all the more reason to go have a look at its new avatar!
DINING AT CARAVELA, TAJ HOLIDAY VILLAGE
Located on the Candolim beachfront, against the backdrop of the magnificent Arabian Sea, the restaurant is designed to give the look and feel of a Portuguese trading ship. While the exteriors remain unchanged, the redecorated interiors create a more flexible, spacious, and free flowing expanse. The conceptually designed chic and modern furniture with cheerful fabrics adds a vivacious touch. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors separate the indoor and outer deck seating, showcasing stunning views as the sun sets painting the skies above in colourful hues.
THE FOOD
Executive Chef Sahil Desai’s exclusively curated signature menu spans Continental, Asian, Indian and Goan cuisines. Appetizing entrees include zesty Salads, aromatic Soups, and a range of scrumptious Burgers, Sandwiches, Wraps, Pastas and Pizzas to pick from. Pe Phad Prik (Crispy Lamb, Garlic, Pepper), Kebab Sampler and Prawns in Coriander Sauce are a ‘must try’ from the small plates. Indulge in a special selection of Indian and international signatures including Roghan-e-Gosht, English Roast Chicken, Pan Seared Mexican Crepes, Braised Lamb Shanks, Polenta and Tomato Avocado Feta.
There were quite a few people who were still indulging in Sunday Brunch when I visited and if you do plan on visiting for lunch, you can take your pick from an assortment of international breakfast choices including delicious Fruit Smoothies, crispy Waffles, fresh Baked Delights, Eggs and a variety of Cereals. Poori Bhaji, Poha, Paratha and a wide selection of South Indian breakfast preparations are favourites from the Indian selection.
I started my Sunday Lunch with a fabulous Sprout and Pineapple Salad. I don’t usually recommend salads, but the sweet-tangy dressing on this one really knocked it out of the park!
Indian, Goan, Italian Food and more
We moved on to the Goan chorizo Pizza, which was incredibly light, tasty, and crunchy! Paired with a side of gloomy skies above and rough seas below, this one really whets our appetites! The assorted kebab platter came next, and while I’m not a huge fan of tandoori items, Sandeep, my North Indian friend relished the Tandoori Murgh Kebabs, Seekh kebabs and Malai Kebabs while I nibbled at the fish tikka!
Our mains were a mix of Goan food and Thai – you’d be surprised at what a good combo it makes! Fragrant jasmine rice and mild Thai green curry with a side of mouthwatering prawn balchao, complete with its explosive red masala and tinges of sweet caramelized onions! We also tried out the Phad Ki Mao Kung (prawns, holy basil, and bird’s eye chilly), which was way too spicy for me, but if you love heat, go for it!
You need to try this at Caravela
Perhaps the highlight of our meal was the Lamb Shank on a bed of blue cheese polenta! This one really had us on Cloud 9! Fall-of-the-bone meat paired with an uber-cheesy mash – it was absolutely divine! Trust me when I say, the eyes of almost everyone in the restaurant were on this plate as it made its way to our table.
End the delectable experience with a plethora of sweet indulgences – Caramel Custard, Chocolate Brownie, Rasmalai, Shahi Gulab Phirni, Tub Tim Grob (Water Chestnut, Coconut Milk) or pick from a choice of flavourful ice-creams.
Last but not least, it is important to highlight the safety protocols followed by Taj. As a mark of assurance of hospitality backed by comfort, safety, hygiene and physical distancing, ‘Tajness – A Commitment Restrengthened’ has developed better protocols to offer guests a safer experience from touch to technology through renewed and heightened safety protocols, better layouts for seating and guest / associate movement, sanitization at regular intervals and extensively training staff on safety, hygiene and physical distancing norms to ensure guests’ wellbeing and delight, every time.
Hope you enjoyed reading this post! I know I’ve not been active on the blog this year, but with very little travel and dining out happening on account of the Pandemic, and the fact that work isn’t leaving me with any free time, I’ve had to focus elsewhere this time around. I hope to be back to blogging much more frequently, like before, very very soon! Until then, take care!