Issue No: 40 by Goa Streets

Tourism Hopes | Baba's Wood CafĂŠ | Drug Mafia Movie

Goa Real Estate The Buyers' Market

Cover Photo Courtesy Madkaikar Realtors

To connect with the author and to watch the pre-launch trailer visit www.facebook.com/panasuthegoldencity

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Goa Boasts a Film Club for Almost Every Day of the Week

By Sapna Shahani

Things haven’t always been easy but the organisers laugh about the occasional speed bumps now. Kamini recalls the time when “we were contacted by rightwing conservative networks from all over the world who insisted (and threatened) that we should not show the film ‘Sita Sings the Blues’ because its content was insulting to the Hindu religion. The local police got involved as well, and we did not screen it.” Whereas Akil remembers another time when he had to hold the projector cable for the duration of a film because there was a loose connection and the film wouldn’t play otherwise. Although the laws regarding film societies and screenings are pitifully insufficient and vague in India, anyone wanting to start their own film club

nter the charming tavern Cantare in Saligao on a Tuesday evening and you will find all the chairs pointed above the bar to the screen showing a quirky and thought-provoking international film. The 15 or more persons gathered of all ages and varied backgrounds come together in a spirit of communal admiration for unconventional films and sharing conversation afterwards about life’s many complexities that the films explore. The most recent film, shown by the ‘Wallfly’ Film Club this past week, is called ‘Away From Her’ and stars Julie Christie battling Alzheimer’s and falling in love with a fellow patient as her husband looks on helplessly. Wallfly was started by three film-lovers Kamini, Siddharth and Tara who worked together at a non-profit in Goa in 2011. At the time, there were no regular film clubs screening independent or alternative cinema in North Goa. So they wanted to establish a space where people could spend an evening watching a mutually appreciable film. Although the three original founders of Wallfly had to move to other cities for work, they passed the baton to friends Deveshe and Akil who’ve been running it for the past year or so. (Because of the unofficial status of these clubs, and the sensitive censorship issues surrounding the public screening of films in India, most of the denizens of this story preferred that their surnames not appear in print). “We like to really dig around for those gems that don’t usually make it to the big screen, at least not in India,” Akil says, while Kamini explains that the films they choose generally tend to be indie, global, award-winning, obscure, impactful, documentaries, mockumentaries or animations. Deveshe adds, “We used to have a rule that we should want to watch the movie, so that even if no one shows up, we’re still happy to screen it.” But it’s a rare occurrence that fewer people show up. Besides enjoying a quality film, the event also makes for a great place to meet like-minded people,

according to Akil, who admits that the film club is very close to his heart and has made him more sociable as well. It is evident from the attendance that people love the ambience at the venues, too, which change from Cantare in the monsoon to the beach shack ‘Pine Tree’ the rest of the year. The original founders have even carried on the trend in their new cities, with Tara having started a film club in Bangalore and Kamini planning to do the same in Hyderabad. Each of the film clubs around the coastal north seem to run on different nights and each seems to have a different focus. The one curated by Sachin Chatte at the Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts in Altinho on Wednesdays, for example, often features classic foreign films from Europe and around the world. And there is a minimal annual fee charged, unlike Wallfly, which offsets costs by hosting films at restaurants that can earn a little income from food and beverage sales. Then there are the documentary screenings at 6 Assagao on Monday nights and more recent American films at the Literati bookstore in Calangute on Thursdays. It seems that one film club inspired another and now one can be entertained in this way almost every night of the week.

should consider registering with the National Film Societies Database which saves the trouble of getting a censor board certificate since the film one rents for viewing is for educational or cultural purposes. And Lawrence Liang, a lawyer and film studies academic from the Alternative Law Forum shared a note that advises “Societies may be able to gain an exception from enforcement by framing themselves as educational institutions or seeking a fair use exception for the purpose of criticism and review.” This would prevent copyright-infringement related accusations, as is the case with film clubs in the United States. Anyone interested in getting on Wallfly’s email list can contact wallflygoa@gmail.com. 

music & nightlife | 3 Goa Film Clubs

feature | 6 The Tourism Lowdown

food & drink | 7 Fried Bliss & The Love Diet

September 27

Sundown Karaoke With DJ Colett and… you, if you’re in the mood to help Colett by crooning along At Cocopazzo, Chapora 7 pm onwards. +91 9561212810

The Live Music Project Presents Varun and the Super Groove At Live Lounge, Baywatch, Colva 7.30 pm onwards +91 9323590051

Silent Disco With DJ Mr. R & Flakey Spinning EDM. Nothing ‘silent’ about this disco (unless you’re wearing headphones, that is). At Alpha Bar, Palolem 9 pm onwards +91 9890281505

Roster Expansion Featuring Navin x Mac, Ryan Nogar, Jay and Varun At Cape Town Cafe, Baga Calangute Road +91 9923325638

Grace The Band With Acoustic Music Redefined At Firefly Goan Bistro Bar, Benaulim 8 pm onwards +91 9822123535

September 30

Grand Dndiya Raas 2014 With Live Band At Tourist Hall, Opp. Gandhi Circle, Mapusa 7 pm to 10 pm

October 1

food & drink | 8 Baba's Wood Cafe

Dandiya Raas 2014 with Live Band and pot prizes At Shree Dev Bodgeshwar hall, Mapusa 7.30 pm onwards +91 9823523077

Sept 25 to Oct 2

cover story | 10 Real Estate: The Buyer's Market

what's on | 12 Events in Goa

corner | 13 AMD Radeon, Park Hyatt & GTDC

arts & entertainment | 14 My Evening with MF Hussain

wheels on streets | 16 TVS Scooty Zest 110 & Skoda

wheels on streets | 17 Volkswagen & Maruti Suzuki

movies | 18 Goa & the Drug Mafia

Navratri Utsav 2014 All Goa Group Garba/Dandiya Compitition At Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali- twirling and whirling in style 8 pm to 12 midnight +91 9673348978 September 27 and Sept 28 Beach Party Saturday with Hassan, Funksun, Pawan, David Phimister, Mohinesh Sunday with Dima d, Mono xx, Saheet, Cresel, Lester Isaac At Cafe Lilliput, Anjuna Beach – dust off your beach gear 6 pm onwards +91 9822137767

October 2 to October 3

Rhythm Garba Dandiya Raas 2014 Celebrate the Festival of Dance At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula From 7.30 pm onwards +91 9822460334/ +91 8888885180

Every Friday Reggae Friday By Graeme Hamilton – for that chilled out vibe At Laguna, Anjuna @ 7.30 pm +91 832 227 4131 Friday Funk With DJ Lasker and Akshay – put on your dancing shoes At Cape Town Cafe, Calangute 7 pm onwards +91 95 27612070 Friday Vibes With DJ Jay & Brandan At Cafe Mambo, Baga 7 pm onwards +91 8322275028

Every Saturday Saturday Nite Jive With Alcatrazz At Baga Bridge, Baga +91 8806564991 Silent Noise Party With DJs Husman, Sam & Azgar Find out which is true, the silence or the noise.   At Neptune Point, Palolem 8 pm to 4 am +91 9822584968 Saturday Showtime With Ajit Pai & Jay Brainwash At Cafe Mambo, Baga 7 pm onwards +91 83 22279895, +91 83 22275028

On-going

Every Tuesday

Cavala Every Wednesday: Cavala Acoustic Latin Retro Every Friday: Tidal Wave Every Saturday: Piano played by Bosco At Cavala, Calangute - Baga Road, Baga 8.30 pm onwards +91 832 2276090

Every Wednesday

Cantare There’s live music on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but the big draw is the jazz duo Steve Sequeira and his wife Kittu on Monday nights, often accompanied by Brazilian chef and harmonica player Guto. The place fills up with locals (not many tourists), and its non-beach location nestled amid the Portuguese-inspired architecture of Saligao adds to the great vibe. At Cantare, Saligao 8 pm onwards +91 832 2409461

Extraordinary Nights With Emmanuel Antao At Gawin’s Restaurant, Varca 9 pm onwards +91 9822177179

Rock is Alive With Charley and the Music Factory At Baywatch Resort, Colva @ 7.30 pm +91 832 2747744 Angels & Demons at Cafe Mambo At Cafe Mambo, Tito’s Lane, Baga - for the good and the bad @ 9 pm onwards +91 9822765002

Every Thursday

Thursday Sizzling Karaoke Nite With Saby Fernandez – May discover the hidden “Indian Idol” in you At Kudos, Chogm Road, Porvorim 7.30 pm onwards +91 832 6510565

The Park, Calangute Every Thursday: Retro Night Every Friday: Karaoke Night with KDJ Tony Every Saturday: Ladies Night with DJ Sunil and Tania At The Park, Calangute 8 pm onwards +91 8805028194 +91 832 2267600

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Music & Nightlife 5

6 Feature

The Tourism Story What to expect this season

By Crespo D’Souza

n the face of it, the pieces of the Goa tourism mosaic seem to be suddenly falling in place. The Union Tourism Minister now hails from the state, the foundation for better infrastructure has been laid, political conflict in the state’s tourism competitors like Thailand and Egypt is working to our advantage and a well received Bollywood movie has, for once, portrayed the state of Goa in a positive light, highlighting its idyllic countryside and popularizing the Goan lifestyle. The question remains, can Goans turn this around into a fairytale success story this year? Tourism stakeholders remain optimistic, even as the promises for the most part remain on paper. “It’s hard to say. But the signs are encouraging. There is a positive vibe that is going through the entire tourism industry. Whether this translates into actual numbers remains to be seen,” said restaurateur Kevin Bragança. The total number of tourists arriving in Goa rose 11 percent last year, from 2,788,029 in 2012 to 3,121,473 in 2013, according to government figures. And yet the state has struggled with attracting the sort of high-spending tourists who can positively impact the economy. The reasons are well known – ubiquitous garbage, inadequate infrastructure, soaring hotel-room prices, obnoxious beach oglers, etc. The sense that these and other concerns are at last being addressed largely comes from the fact that Goa’s very own Shripad Naik, the North Goa MP, has now been appointed our nation’s tourism minister. In recent weeks his ministry has identified

as many as 50 “tourist circuits” for development, including putting Goa on the international map for cruises. Naik has also promised to approach the Supreme Court to relax sound regulations beyond 10pm – a restriction that local tourism operators consider to be a killer. “Definitely we have discussed the issue and we have decided to go to the Supreme Court. Ten o’clock is nothing. It should up to be minimum 12 o’clock,” Naik said at a recent meeting organized by the Tourism branch of the Confederation of Indian Industry. The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa has also chimed in on this issue, saying current restrictions “do not permit a tourist to enjoy their holidays” and asking for a new Tourism Zone allowing the State Government to determine such norms. When it comes to international travellers coming to Goa, there’s been a decided shift from West to East – in this case, from Western Europe (where fewer and fewer travellers are choosing Goa) to Eastern Europe (where Goa has become one of the hottest vacation destinations on earth). As it is when things in the world change, what would have been unimaginable not too long ago is suddenly the ground reality. Five years ago, would anyone in their right mind have thought that events in the Urkraine would directly affect the livelihoods of the people of Goa? Naik, of late, has taken to assuring his constituents that everything will be OK in this regard. The Ukraine-Russia conflict will not hurt Goa tourism, he assures. Yet the minister’s optimistic opinion does not concur with sceptical tour

operators who wonder whether charters from Ukraine decline. Around 163,000 Russian tourists visited Goa in 2013, setting a new record, and marking the first time that the state had more Russian visitors than Britons, who are beginning to follow the path of Germans and Scandinavians in choosing to give Goa a miss. Close to 30,000 Ukrainian tourists also visited our state last year, according to official figures. Both Russian and Ukrainian citizens will be eligible to apply for e-visas online under a new Indian government scheme that is set to be rolled out in the next few months. Despite the good vibes and promises by the local and central governments, things on the ground haven’t changed much. Road widening projects along the Candolim-Calangute beach belt are moving at a snail’s pace, caught in local political bickering and red tape. The broader Arpora-Calangute Bridge is yet to be completed and the much talked about beach bathing rooms and toilets are yet to materialize. Work on a new cruise terminal at the Mormugao Port has only just begun and could take another two years to complete (state government figures show that tourists arriving by cruise vessel dropped more than 50 percent in the past three years, and those who do arrive in this fashion are forced to walk through heaps of ore and coal to exit the port). What has materialized, however, is a beach cleaning system along with an accompanying campaign for a cleaner Goa. As for the garbage problem, activists are making some progress in educating the public to separate “dry” and “wet” waste, especially in the capital city of Panjim. And the government

has commissioned some new waste treatment plants using German technology, providing hope that the ubiquitous garbage – a major tourism killer if there ever was one – is slowly being addressed. And the prices of hotel rooms that not too long ago rivalled those of Tokyo during the peak season have begun to come down. As for the “beach oglers” and other low-end tourists who’ve inundated certain areas of Goa, especially the Calangute-Baga strip, this has to be seen in the context of India’s development. People who a generation ago could never dream of taking a holiday in another state can suddenly do so, albeit on a shoe-string budget. Yes, this means we’re getting lots of folks who simply don’t understand that underwear is not appropriate beach attire, and that staring at ladies in bathing suits (and sometimes much worse) is a no-no. The other side of the coin, however, is that as India develops and (hopefully) resumes robust growth rates, Goa is poised to reap a huge premium – as one of India’s most beautiful states that also happens to have one of the most relaxed mindsets in all of South Asia. And so, when an influential politician in the state talks of banning bikinis on the beach, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Goans from all walks of life seemed to have the same reaction: “Shut up. That’s not us!” The Goa Tourism Development Corporation is, meanwhile, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that it brings in the tourists, not just to our beaches, but also our waterfalls, churches, temples and forests. The tourism horizon may be fraught with pitfalls – both current and potential – but the truth is we’re experiencing a rare moment of optimism. Here’s to hoping it’s well-placed. 

Saturday, September 27, 2014 masala, 1 quart oil for deep frying, 2 onions sliced into rings or diced

By Bina Datwani

ho among us can say with all honesty – and I’m talking about the ‘cross my heart and hope to die’ kind of truth – that we don’t love fried food? Never mind that it has artery clogging and cellulite expanding properties which, in saner moments, would have most folks recoil in horror; the appeal of frying is that it can turn almost any ingredient into an irresistible golden crust. And if you’re brave enough to witness the glorious hissing process, even the sound effects can set off our glands into salivation mode. But it’s important to know that the kind of fat used must have a high smoke point, for example refined oils like corn, canola or safflower; clarified butter (ghee) emits a delicious aroma and is a wonderful frying medium as well. Another point to note is that the food to be fried must be dry (patted with paper towels) else it may splatter and result in too much absorption of oil. Of course there is the option of blocking any residual liquid from the hot oil by providing a protective coating such as dipping in flour, beaten egg and/or breadcrumbs. And this is how the Indian diet busters make an entrance – samosas (flaky pastries with savory filling like beef or spiced potato ), pakoras (fritters made with gram flour ) and vadas (doughnut shaped made from lentil) to name a few. There are as many variations to these as there are families in India. From the West, we have the beloved fried potatoes, a.k.a French fries or chips. Fortunately, tasty versions of these – skinny or fat can be found at certain fast-food joints and beach shacks in Goa. I must confess that whenever overseas, one of my favourite guilty pleasures is the apple pie and fries at McDonald’s. It’s common knowledge though that fresh oil doesn’t brown as good as old oil so always remember to save a few spoons of the old batch to mix with the new. And if you’re feeling really naughty, double frying is the way to go. Simply refry the previously fried goodies just before serving to unsuspecting guests for that crisp and beautiful brown goodness. Burp.

Recipe for Lip-Smacking Onion Pakoras (some variations – spinach, potato, cauliflower, eggplant and chilli pepper) Ingredients – serves 4, cooking time 10 minutes, prep time 10 minutes 1 cup chick pea (gram) flour, ½ teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 cloves garlic, ¾ cup water, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, ½ teaspoon chilli powder, ½ teaspoon garam

Book Review By Bina Datwani

Directions • Sift the chickpea flour into a medium bowl and mix in the coriander, salt, turmeric, chilli powder, garlic and garam masala. • Make a well in the center of the flour; gradually pour in the water into the well and mix to form a thick, smooth batter. • Over medium high heat in a large heavy saucepan, heat the oil to 190 degrees C or 375 degrees F. • Coat the onions in the batter and fry them in small batches until golden brown; 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving Best paired with coriander or tamarind chutney, ketchup or chilli sauce and piping hot extra sweet tea 

eaders Beware – this isn’t just a quick-fix guide to problems in the bedroom nor does it reveal magical food secrets that will help you get a date pronto. So even though the back cover is peppered with tempting lines like ‘tips to enhance sexual appetite’ and ‘designed to cultivate love’, Shonali Sabherwal’s tips on how to eat your way to ‘a blissful life’ is in fact, a detailed explanation of how our chakras (energy centres) work for and against our physical and mental states and how tweaking one’s eating habits could – over the long run – help us to feel happier about ourselves and our near and dear. Her client list reads like a who’s who of Bollywood celebrities but don’t hold that against her. Shonali’s tryst with foods that heal began in 1998 when her dad was diagnosed with cancer and, determined to find an alternate healing therapy, she started studying Macrobiotics. Her teacher and guide, Mona Schwartz, whom she pays tribute to in this book, was a wonderfully vibrant woman, full of enthusiasm for life’s possibilities despite her medical ailments. I had the pleasure of meeting Mona a few years ago and am convinced that her energies were derived from consuming balanced foods. The plus points of this book are the examples given of case studies where Shonali is able to shine a light on the client’s deep rooted problem (sexual abuse, for instance) as opposed to just dealing with the physical manifestation of it (yo-yo diet). Another nugget is “...we tend to attract partners so different from us that…we look to our partners to complete us”. What I liked was that the book deals with love at all levels – romantic (be it heterosexual or gay), parental and even self-love. The book also comes equipped with numerous healthy recipes. On the down side, the technical lingo goes on for far too long and there’s a lot of repetition of information. But the real jarring note came in the form of a cheesy ‘love quiz’ - a la Cosmopolitan’s style – for married men and women, single men (including gays) and women (including lesbians) and ended with predictable conclusions. All of this, of course, is in addition to the fact that none of this book is based on any real science. Let’s face it – many of us tend to creatively rationalize our eating binges but it’s interesting to learn that the real culprit could have come from deeper within. And according to this counsellor cum dietician cum nutritionist, what we eat affects our thinking which in turn plays havoc with our breathing and further down the road, determines our lifestyle choices. Shonali believes it’s vital that we learn to love ourselves and quotes Oscar Wilde’s ‘to love one-self is the beginning of a life-long romance’. Perhaps we could all then be as calm as a cup of chamomile tea. 

8 Food & Drink

Baba’s Wood Café

Spaghetti Alle Vongole

A Taste of Milan in Mala

By Sapna Shahani

ou can be excused if the first question that pops into your mind when you enter Baba’s Wood Cafe is, “What is it?” After all, it’s not just a restaurant. Nor is it just a furniture store. The fact is it’s both, and yet the words “restaurant” and “furniture store” somehow fail to do it justice. You see, as it often is with the finest things that life has to offer, simple words can fail to adequately represent reality. Yes, Baba’s is a restaurant, but it happens to have the best, most authentic Italian food (in mine and many others’ opinion) in the entire state. Yes, Baba’s is a furniture store. But the offerings here are so unique, so exquisitely designed that the effect is nothing short of magical. Hyperbole? Overstated? Spend just a little time at this elegant establishment tucked away in the equally quaint MalaFontainhas area of the Goan capital, and you will see that I am NOT guilty as charged.

Baba's Baba’s is one of those rare destinations in Goa where it’s extremely difficult to overstate its charms. Started six years ago by Maria Grazia Goaraschi who is originally from Milan, Italy, the space exudes heart-warming, golden charm from the outdoor garden area to the elegant designer furniture indoors, spread across two levels. Maria goes to lengths to ensure that visitors get an authentic experience with the wines and ingredients for the menu, including importing the gelato all the way from Italy. It’s probably the only place that you can be served grappa, a concentrated brandy made by distilling all the elements of a grape. The impressive wine list has rare offerings like Barolo, known as one of Italy’s greatest wines. And meat lovers can savour the cold cuts like prosciutto crudo, a dry cured ham or mortadella, a kind of Italian sausage. One can’t leave out real Italian cheese and Maria proudly uses imported pecorino romano cheese in her cooking. The wood-fired oven is a prominent sight if you’re seated outside and guests equally enjoy the thin crust pizzas, fresh salads, crostini and of course the pasta. The mains are refreshingly more varied than multi-cuisine restaurants that serve pseudo-Italian recipes. At Baba, you can find specialties like Spaghetti alle Vongole made with clams, Beef Ravioli and Gnocchi with Gorgonzola. Indoors, the furniture collection is handpicked from Italy, Vietnam, China and France, in keeping with the demand from her hotel and restaurant clientele. Many designers also create collections which are popular with metro residents outfitting their second homes in Goa.

Made from Eucalyptus wood or other materials in cheerful colours, the style is best described as classic and elegant, sometimes with a contemporary edge too. The store also sells products back in the European market as well as Dubai. Goa’s market, as compared to the other markets of India, stands out due to its international and other well-travelled consumers (including a great number of Indians). And Maria is happy to share her expertise on European furniture with savvy customers in Goa (many of whom appreciate the fact that her well-made furniture easily retains its sheen during the blistering summers and torrential monsoons). Among Baba’s clients is Deltin Suites, which has parasols and other furniture in its garden and around the pool stocked by Baba’s. Lots of Bollywood personalities also visit Baba’s, both for the food and the wood. People come from Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore and many other places. The products include chandeliers, tables, lamps, chairs, cupboards, mirrors, sofa sets, tablemats, candle stands, glass jars, old clocks, statues and garden furniture. They also have a space dedicated to lifestyle accessories from various leading designers. Maria chooses her stocks from the things she fancies and also what would suit her clients best. And she pays attention to detail, such as the ability to wash a parasol or maintain furniture by merely applying linseed oil. Her supplies are always stocked and ready to go, available on bulk order as well. Baba’s does home delivery so the whole process of shopping is convenient and enjoyable. Rounding off the design is the fabulous artwork displayed by local artists such as Vitesh Naik, Norman Tagore and Manjunaath Naik. It’s also easy to identify Yahel Chirinian’s unique mirrorwork sculptures as the Arporabased sculptor is also well represented in the store. Baba’s Wood Café is open from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm for lunch, and 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm for dinner daily. 

Food & Drink 9

Saturday, September 27, 2014

September 28th Build your Burger Brunch Choose from a variety of accompaniments, starters, the salad bar and desserts. Besides this, enjoy unlimited cocktail pitchers, beer and local spirits along with live entertainment by Anika Noronha at only Rs 899. At Cheenos, Baga 12 pm onwards +91 9922509310

September 13 to Sept 28 Chinese Food Festival Foodies in Goa already know that Wan Hao, the Asian restaurant at the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, is one of the best places in Goa to get a Chinese culinary fix. So when this particular venue announces a Chinese Food Festival, you know you’re getting the real deal. From piping hot Dim Sum to the Crystal Dumpling with tofu and Chinese greens to the Black Pepper Mushroom and the Wok Fried Lobster with XO Sauce, this innovative extravaganza with a never-before-seen-in-Goa menu is being billed by the resort as “Wok Magic.” We couldn’t agree more. At Wan Hao, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Panjim 7 pm onwards +91 832 2463333 September 15 to Sept 30 Khau Galli Festival Celebrate the flavour of the street and let your taste buds sizzle with all time mouth-watering favourites from the streets of Mumbai Unlimited Drinks Included. At o Goa, Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim +91 8806663865

Every Wednesday Grand Goan Buffet   For lunch and dinner. Each week’s menu is again different. Keeping tradition alive!  At The HQ, Vasco  +91 7709003237

Sunday Brunch Sunday Family Brunch Rejuvenating cocktails, soul warming gourmet cuisine from around the world and activities to keep the kids entertained. At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panjim 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm +91 832 6633636 Italian Sunday Lunch Feast on an unlimited selection of antipasti, pizzas and home-made pastas. Conclude your meal with decadent Italian desserts. The Sunday lunch is a perfect opportunity to simply unwind over the weekend and spend your afternoon basking in the pool. INR 1199 plus taxes per person Complimentary use of the swimming pool, outdoor whirlpool and Camp Hyatt. At Da Luigi, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and spa, Cansaulim 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm +91 832 2721234

Sunday Brunch This is one of the more interesting spots in town to have a meal. Under the supervision of Vandana Naik, a former top chef in New York City and easily one of Goa’s most notable culinary experts, there’s a wide variety of delights on offer, including pizzas, soups, salads, hummus and meat balls, plus an eclectic mix of Indian, Mediterranean and other world cuisines. That’s not to mention the desserts, another top draw here. Noon to 4 pm At Cantina Bodega, Sunaparanta, Panjim. +91 832 2421315

Anjuna & Around A Varanda   Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai.  Check out the seafood platter, fish curry rice, chicken cafreal and beaf xacutti. 7 am to 11 pm   At Resort Marinha Dourada, Arpora  +91 832 2276780/ 84 Alcove Restaurant & Bar Chinese, Goan, Italian, North Indian & Seafood Dine on chilled Avocado and prawn salad, or get stuffed with the prawn stuffed calamari. At Ozrant Beach, Anjuna 8 am onwards +918322274491/2273349 Avalon Sunset Bar & Restaurant   Goan, Indian, Chinese, Seafood & European   Some popular orders are paneer pasanda, fish masala, chicken vindaloo, seafood pasta, seafood sizzlers.   At Anjuna Beach, Anjuna   8.30 am to midnight   +91 9822586268 Blue Tao Italian & Seafood Organic Food. Calling all hippies. At Anjuna Beach Rd, Anjuna 9 am to 11 pm +918975061435 Baba au Rhum A coffee shop with a twist A favourite among the foreign crowd, this popular eatery offers lots of tasty choices. Especially check out their croissants, quiches and pizzas. At Kudachwaddo, Arpora 8 am to 4 pm +919822078759 Basilico Italian   This alfresco restaurant serves pizzas, home-made pastas, salads and sinful desserts. At D’mello Waddo, Anjuna 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322273721/ +918323953744/ +919822599130 Biryani Palace Goan, North Indian, seafood Now take a wild guess what this place specializes in? (Hint: there’s rice involved). At Anjuna Beach Road, Anjuna 11 am to midnight +918323257586

By Goa Streets

A “Daawat” is a grand banquet, part of India’s royal heritage – and Daawat Restaurant is inspired by this concept. It really is a feast, in every sense of the word. Even the drinks menu is one of the best you’ll find in Goa, with such offerings as the “Goan Sunset” and the “Watermelon Mojito,” not to mention a nice selection of wine and Single Malt Scotch. Dawaat is located at Hotel Campal, Opposite Kala Academy, in Panjim. Open from Monday to

aawat Restaurant is the latest culinary addition to the Goan capital, and, thankfully for all of us, it’s a lovely one. The folks at Daawat have been in the restaurant business for a long time (they also run Bhojan in Porvorim), and definitely know what they’re doing when it comes to mouth-watering, expertly prepared food. The menu consists of a wide variety of Indian, Goan and Chinese offerings. There’s a lot to choose from, including Mutton Rogan Josh, Paneer Punjab, Murg Jaipur, Murg Tikka Masala, different kinds of Pulav and Biryani, Chicken Cafreal, Prawns Vindaloo and Baby Chonak from a clay oven. Daawat does everything well, but it’s fair to say that the Kebab offerings are among the best items on the menu, as are some of the Chinese delicacies like Crabs Singapore Chilly and the Szechwan Chicken. On the appetizer menu, the Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, the Spring Rolls and the Wontons are really worth checking out.

Frangipani Global Cuisine Start with the chicken satay- skewered chicken supreme grilled in Chinese marinade. At Sun Village, Fankwadi, Arpora 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 2279409/14

Candolim Addah   Indian & Barbeque  Enjoy the sea view deck on the beach and the soft music of a live two-piece band, with appealing cuisine.   7 pm to 10.30 pm   At The O Hotel, Candolim   +91 832 3047000/ 9/ +91 9890800073 Fiesta Italian & European Contemporary fine dining the place to be frequented by one and all. At Sauntawaddo, Opp. Tito’s, Baga 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 2279894/ +91 832 2281440 Angaara   Tandoori, Goan, North Indian & Seafood. With decent Indian and Goan fare and a lot for vegetarians as well.  At Murrodwaddo, Candolim Beach Road, Candolim  9 am to 12.30 pm   +91 832 6647601-4 Caravela Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai A long-time favourite haunt among Goans and visitors alike. Check out the party scene on Friday nights (and the appealing female/male ratio).  At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim 7.30 am to 10.30 pm   +91 832 6645858

Sunday: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM for lunch. 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM for dinner.

RESERVATIONS For table reservations call: 0832 - 6511010, 0832 - 2222020, 0832 - 2223030 All Major Credit / Debit Cards Accepted. HOME DELIVERY Free home delivery within Panjim (3 km. radius). Minimum order for home delivery must be of Rs. 500/-.

Kebabs & Curries Indian At Holiday Street, Goan Heritage Hotel, Candolim +91 832 6515279

Beach House Goan, Portuguese & Seafood A Goan specialty restaurant that was long the base of the renowned chef Rego. At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918326645858 Barbeque and Grill North Indian, seafood, grills and live entertainment Seafood Bazaar is on Monday and Wednesday At Fortune Select Regina, Candolim 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323988444 Bob’s Inn  Goan Something of a Goan institution, this place offers up some fine curry rice and other satisfying fare. At Calangute-Candolim Road, Candolim  11.30 am to 3.30 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm   +91 832 2489402

Panjim & Around   Pakiza Restaurant Mughlai, Indian At 31st January road, Fontainhas, Panjim +91 9890974424/ +91 9850464086 Hotel Sanskruti Pure Veg. Filled with office workers at lunch time. Cheap and good. At Porvorim 7 am to 10 pm +91 832 - 2414400

Daawat - Feast the Soul Multicuisine Restaurant with Bar At Campal, opp. kala Academy,Panjim +91 832 6511010 Black sheep Bistro The Black Sheep Bistro is Goa’s first casual fine dining concept restaurant Located in the heart of Panjim City At Swami Vivekananda Road, Next to icici Bank, Panjim 7 pm to 1 am +91 832 2222901 A’tona Bar and Restaurant Goan, Portuguese Good choice for grilled dishes and highly competent Goan food. Winner of the Goa Streets Readers’ Choice Award for Best Xacutti. At Carina Desa, Betim 7 pm to 11 pm +919823129239 A Pastelaria Bakery Good place for pastries, cakes, cookies and other sweet offerings 9 am to 9 pm At Hotel Mandovi, Panjim +91 832 2426270/ 73 Anandashram Hotel Chinese, Goan and Seafood This is one of the oldest eateries in Goa and is something of an institution for its affordable and delicious Goan Fare. At 31st January Road, Panjim 1 pm to 10.30 pm +91 9823195245 Avanti Bar & Restaurant   Indian, Goan & Seafood   Serves up Goan specialties like rawa fried prawns, stuffed squid and stuffed crab masala  Near Patto Bridge, Panjim   11 am to 3 .30 pm, 7 pm to 11.30 pm   +91 832 2435884/ +91 832 2427179

10 Cover Story

Real Estate in Goa The Buyers’ Market

Goa Streets is proud to be a Media Partner of the Goa International Real Estate Exhibition and Summit, taking place this week at the Kala Academy in Panjim By Shubham Gupta

re you looking at upgrading to a better home? Or maybe just invest in your little corner of the Goan paradise? Turns out that Goa offers some highly interesting prospects for property-based investments – and now’s a really good time to take advantage of them. For various reasons, we’re in a buyers’ market at the moment. Chalk it up to too much development happening, too fast. According to the IMF, prices for Indian housing have undergone the sharpest fall of 52 major markets surveyed. And here in Goa, while prices have yet to fall, there’s quite a bit of unpurchased inventory and many expect prices to either remain stagnant or actually go down in the coming months. It’s not that real estate in Goa is poised for any major downturn, to be sure. At the end of the day, Goan real estate is expected to remain a solid investment. And the main reason for that is that huge numbers of Indians are keen on purchasing a little piece of this tropical

paradise. Part of it is about economic growth. Just imagine how many poor people are entering the middle class, and how many middle-class people are entering the upper class. And if you have extra funds to spend, and you’re looking for a beautiful place to invest in India, Goa pops up right at the top of most people’s list. For now, however, real estate prices in Goa have “stagnated,” explained Desh Prabhudesai, President of the Goa chapter of CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India), in a recent interview. “The prices are not increasing as they increased over the last two to three years,” he said. Don’t expect this situation to last very long, however. A number of recent housing projects have sold out completely, and when current inventories shrink, the growth curve is likely to resume – especially with many expecting the country to resume robust overall GDP growth. For anyone interested in the real estate industry in Goa, a highly noteworthy event is taking place this week in Panjim. The Goa International Real Estate Exhibition and Summit, featuring 50 exhibitors, 7 prominent states, and 20 eminent speakers, will take place from 28th-30th of September at Kala Academy. It’s being organized by Wild Orchid Entertainments, producers of the fourth Global Economic Summit 2014

held in Mumbai. The event is being organised in association with the Karl Group, Gera Developers, Sinari Developers, Ascon, and CREDAI Goa, and Goa Streets is proud to be a Media Partner for the summit. The exhibition cum summit will see panel discussions (B2B and B2C), presentations by developers, seminars discussing major issues faced by developers and buyers, all followed by an awards ceremony recognizing major contributors to Goan real estate. “We’ll be engaging our speakers, panellists, exhibitors, and all the visitors in panel discussions and seminars where we will help everyone grasp all the information they need while buying or selling real estate, putting light on the issues they might face and how to solve them.”, says Mr. William Xavier, founder of Wild Orchid Entertainments. And why is it called the Goa ‘International’ Real Estate Exhibition and Summit? William Xavier and Rakesh Sharma, partners at Wild Orchid, have a vision to expose Goan real estate to a global spectrum of buyers and developers. A lot of NRI’s are seeking to buy holiday homes in the tropical state. And not just NRI’s. Investors from across Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East are all interested in this part of the world. Putting out the word about the property scenario in Goa internationally is one of the major objectives of this exhibition. “We want to create a platform where buyers and investors could go through a variety of investment options and not just land, but also other important services involved with real estate like furnishing, home decor, flooring, electrical systems

et cetera.”, added Xavier. Here you will find stalls from Gera Developers from Pune/Goa, Raj Housing from Goa, Karl Group from Goa, Woodbourne form Goa, ASCON Developers from Goa, Naiknavare from Pune/Goa, Boshan Developers from Goa, Sardesai Group from Goa, Sinari Developers from Goa, Shah Developers from Goa, Red Forest Industries from Goa, Allopey Builders from Goa, Cam Industries from Goa, Emerald Developers from Mumbai, Goa County from Goa, UKS Structures from Bangalore, S.S. Electricals from Goa and many more. It’s true that GDP growth in India currently does not augur extremely well for the prospect of huge numbers of people purchasing second homes in Goa. And the mining ban and other economic issues have negatively affected local Goan demand for housing. Neither of those issues – overall GDP growth and the mining ban – are expected to continue indefinitely, however. One of the reasons real estate prices in Goa are not expected to fall substantially

Cover Story 11

Saturday, September 27, 2014

is because of the rising costs developers face, including that of land. Currently prices of built up area in Goa commonly hover between Rs 40,000 per square metre and Rs 75,000 per square metre, depending on where the property is. In places like Mapusa and Vasco da Gama, away from the bustle of the two major cities of Panjim and Margao, prices are between Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per square metre. In the state capital prices start at Rs 55,000 per sq m and go up to Rs 85,000 a square metre and above. Suburb Porvorim commands a price of Rs 45,000 to Rs 60,000. A similar story exists for the Southern capital of Margao where prices range from Rs 55,000 to Rs 75,000 while its suburb Navelim commands a price of Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000. Prabhudesai predicted that it will take another six months or so for the local real estate market to resume robust growth. The period between then and now, therefore, is the time to buy. 

Madkaikar's Old Goa Retreat

By Shubham Gupta

ho says you have to be rich to live well? With Madkaikar Realtors Pvt Ltd serving Goans since 1993, obtaining a great home without breaking your bank has now become possible. Let your mind drift to the historic, beautiful setting of Old Goa, along the banks of the River Mandovi. The sound of breezes rising from the river, laced with the sweet chirping of birds soaring along the towering groves, mesmerizes you. With your mind, body and soul at peace from this scene, you find yourself at the St. Francis Xavier Residency Phase III, one of the finest properties built by Madkaikar Realtors and a superb addition to the real estate scene in Goa. Offering a scheme of two- and three-bedroom apartments, it is designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience. Its close proximity to religious institutions, national highways, schools, colleges and other urban amenities is just another add on. And of course, it’s affordable! Also be sure to check out St. Francis Xavier Residency Phase I, located on NH4-A offering a wide variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, as well shops and other commercial spaces to help make your dream home come alive.  For bookings and booking-related queries, contact: Vishnu- 9049007038 and Ashok 9049007040

Tina Enterprises Wholesale & Retails

Sanitary ware, Tiles & Roofing Tiles Special Quality Prop: Patel Mob: +91 9326865976 Richard Complex, Agassasim, Tiswadi, Goa Near Arlem Chapel, Margao, Goa

Saturday, September 27, 2014

September 27

Mon to Sat

Goans for Goa   A Network of Dedicated Goans, Committed to Preserve, Protect & Nurture Goa   At Gomant Vidya Niketan, Margao  3 pm onwards  +91 9730328599

Literati Cafe & Bookshop Interactive talk on the book and the movement - Become Healthy or Extinct, by its author, therapist and alchemist, Darryl D`Souza. At Literati Bookshop, Calangute. 10:00am to 6.30pm. +91 832 2277740

October 1 Art Junction Learn Oil clay modeling, Hand Built Pottery _Terracotta, Print Making, Design 2D and lots more. 4 classes each month - Every Wednesdays. Resource Person Ramdas Gadekar 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm At Carpe Diem, Majorda +91 9765237636

Sept 28, 29, 30 Goa International Real Estate Exhibition & Summit Sponsored by Wild Orchid Entertainment At Kala Academy, Panjim +91 832 2426299

Sept 29 to Oct 1 WORKSHOP - the rare Indian classical music, Ashtapadi Gayaki By Dr. Jayant of Allahabad, disciple of veteran vocalist Pt. Rajabhaiya Poochwale Gharana At Multipurpose hall, Sanskrutti Bhavan, Patto from 3.30pm to 5.00pm +91 832 2404600 / 700 / 681. Yoga Classes at Carpe Diem Yoga classes are now being conducted at Carpe Diem. Every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Morning - 7 am to 8 am Evening - 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Yoga instructor - Nikhila Trikha At Carpe Diem, Majorda +91 832 - 2881035/ 8888862462/ 9765237636 Yoga Classes For Kids Carpe Diem conducts yoga classes for Kids. Every Tuesdays and Thursdays. 4.30 to 5.30 Age - 5 to 10 years old. At Carpe Diem, Majorda +91 9765237636

Until 30 September Stretch Your Stay With Alila Diwa Goa’s Special ‘Rediscover Goa’ Monsoon Offer At Alila Diwa Goa, Majorda +91 832 2746800

July to October White water rafting is the ultimate Goa thrill this monsoon The river rafting, subject to availability of rapids and adequate water currents, and suitable weather conditions. There will be two trips beginning at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm every day. The program is open to both adults and children above 10 years. White water rafting activities are carried out in accordance with the internationally accepted norms. The instructors are highly trained and the operations run with a ‘safety first’ policy. Each passenger will be provided with safety equipments like life jackets, paddles following the instruction sessions from experts. reservations@goa-tourism.com.

Waterfalls in Goa Arvalam Waterfall With an altitude of 70 feet, it falls in a straight drop and is at its most glorious during the monsoons. The spectacle of the thunderous gush of water, with the mountainous terrain as background, is nothing short of stunning. At Valpoi, North Goa Dudhsagar Waterfall  Another amazing waterfall best seen in the monsoons. It’s Goa’s largest and highest waterfall, and well worth a visit.   At Mollem, South Goa Kesarval Waterfall  Emerging from hard rocks and flanked by swaying betel palms, the spring is surrounded by fantastic tropical beauty. Also well worth visiting.   At Verna, South Goa Splashdown Waterpark At Calangute - Anjuna Main R, Anjuna +91 832 2273008/ +91 9637424023/024 www.splashdowngoa.com

Tamdi Surla Waterfall You have to make a quite a trek to get here, but once you do, you’ll be very happy. You pass through dense forest and a number of streams that make for a highly refreshing experience. Also in the area is the temple known as Tamdi Surla, made under the Kadamba style of architecture.  At Sanguem, South Goa

Monsoon Adventures Water Rappelling/ River Crossing Best place to go are Cotigao Waterfall, vazra Sakla in virdi This Activity is done by Off trail Adventures, Eco trek Goa River Rafting At Uskem – valpoi, Mhadei and Dandeli Contact: White water rafting, Dandeli, Goa River rafting, Southern river adventures – Goa rafting Bird Watching It’s basically revolves around studying the diversity among birds, Contact: Birdwatcher Goa, Goa Birders, Wild trek adventures Off Roading DOT in Sanguem, Valpoi because it’s a forest area Contact: DOT Sanguem, Dirt Track adventures, Mapusa Cycling Cycling in Monsoon Contact: Cycling Goa

Supermarkets in Goa Borkar SuperMarket At Lake Plaza Building, Margao +91 832 2743680/ 2743699 Big G Big G has eight levels of exclusive shopping with a restaurant, supermarket and the best of brands of various items to boot. At Margao, Salcete +91 832 2702995 Maple Leaf Supermarket Maple Leaf Supermarket is a self-service grocery store offering a wide variety of food and household merchandise, organized into departments. At Porvorim, Bardez +91 832 6454099

Ajay Supermarket At Morod Village Road, Mapusa +91 832 6520196 Magsons Supermarket Hopping off Shopping On At Caranzalem +91 832 2464704 At Porvorim +91 7507807004 Newton’s Supermarket At Major District Road, Candolim +91 832 2489056 Delfinos Supermarket In just a year Delfinos has gained a reputation that places it among the most sought after supermarkets in Goa. Not one of them has returned disappointed, for Delfinos HyMart has something for everyone—the widest range of items manufactured locally, in the country and imported. At Candolim. +91 832-2489972 / 73

Lifestyle & Fashion Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery This Gallery showcases jewellery, accessories and fashion, among other delights. At Bairo Alto, Assagao 10 am to 7 pm +91 9822580898

Sacha’s Shop A little shop of resort wear, Prints and stationary, bags, jewellery, art books, handmade soaps, leather lampshades and wooden toys! At Casa Mendes, Panjim 10 am to 8 pm +91 9823805897 Bebel Boutique Designer fashion accessories Opp. St.Anthony Chapel, Calangute +91 832 6451489 Baba’s Furniture Store The store displays some of the most breathtaking delightful pieces available anywhere in Goa Open All the time Closed on Tuesday At Baba’s Wood Café, Panjim +91 99 23414098, (+91) 83 23256213 The Private Collection Features an eclectic collection of sophisticated women’s apparel, bespoke jewellery, colorful accessories, lifestyle, furniture, design pieces and more. At Anavaddo, Candolim 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2489033

White Brick Wall Shopping & Retail Home & Fashion accessories At Shop No.4,5,6,Jusuit House, Travessa De. Panjim +91 9769062699

Maria Elena’s Wardrobe Elegant Ladies party wear and accessories Behind Fidalgo, Panjim +91 9049079769/ +91 7769043301

Wendell Rodricks a stylish boutique featuring luxuriously comfortable fashion items by celebrated Goan designers Wendell Rodrick At Luis Gomes Garden, Campal, Panjim. +91 832 2234082

People Tree Its First Outlet in Goa, Creating and selling contemporary crafts and cool clothing. At Anavaddo, Candolim 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2489033

AMD Launches AMD Radeon™ R9 285 Graphics The GCN-powered AMD Radeon™ R9 285graphics card enables best-in-class gaming experiences in the most demanding games at 1080p and beyond, comes bundled with newgames

MD India today launched the AMD Radeon™ R9 285 graphics card, serving as the newest desktop GPU in the award-winning AMD Radeon R9 series graphicsfamily.The Radeon R9 285 graphics cardbrings the robust feature set of AMD’s Radeon™ R9 290 series graphics, like support for Project FreeSyncandAMD TrueAudio technology, to even more gamers. The AMD Radeon R9 285 graphics card has been designed to run the most demanding games with ultimate settings at 1080p and beyond. AMD first unveiled the AMD Radeon R9 285 graphics card during its 30 Years of Graphics & Gaming event on August 23, 2014. It comes packed with the latest Graphics Core Next (GCN) Architecture1innovations like support for the upcoming DirectX®122and AMD’s revolutionary Mantle API3. The newest addition to the Radeon™ family features anengine clock speed of 918MHz, and 2GB offrame buffer running at5.5Gbps. The Radeon R9 285 GPU is capable of delivering up to 3.29 teraFLOPS of computing performance,

offering extremegaming detail that outshines any card at 1080p and beyond in its category. Custom and overclocked AiB SKUs are available today. Additional features of the AMD Radeon R9 285 graphics cards include: • 1,792 stream processing units

Celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest 2014 at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa Experience the German revelries, with unlimited brews and Bavarian food fare

njoy the world-famous Oktoberfest in true style at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. Unravel the weekend with unlimited barrels of beer, select wines, German pretzels and wursts at the Tent at Village Square, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. Feast on traditional German delights such as Chicken Schnitzel; Kroketten - German style potato croquettes; assorted German style sausages Frankfurters, Weisswurst, Bockwurst, Knackwurst, Bratwurst; Sauerkraut - sour cabbage and German style cream spinach to name a few. To conclude the meal choose from decadent desserts like autumn fruit strudel; German black forest cake and stolen bread. Enjoy live entertainment by Music Oasis on 27th September 2014; we assure you an unforgettable evening. Priced at INR 1500 plus taxes per person on 26th & 28th September 2014, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm and priced at INR 2500 plus taxes per person on 27th September 2014, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm For further information or to make a reservation please call +91 9923207054

• • • •

Up to 918MHz engine clock 2GB GDDR5 memory Up to 5.5Gbps memory clock speed 3.29 TFLOPS Single Precision compute power • API support for DirectX® 12, OpenGL 4.3 and Mantle • Support for AMD Eyefinity

technology • Support for Project FreeSync • Support for AMD TrueAudio technology

AMD Radeon R9 285 graphics cards are available today atRs. 19990/AMD also launched “Never Settle: Space Edition,” the latest iteration of AMD’s popular game bundle promotion.This bundle also includes Alien: Isolationand theMustang Omega Variant Racer4from Accelerated Mass Design in Star Citizen.AMD is following its tradition of offering choice by letting gamers select from a strong line-up of in-demand games as a reward for purchasing select AMD Radeon™ graphics cards. Users will receive up to three choices from a library of up to 29 different games. This stands out as the widest selection of games in the history of the “Never Settle” program. “AMD has always been committed to offering worldclass graphic solutions for our valuable customers and today’s announcement is a re-iteration of the same. The newest addition to the Radeon family AMD Radeon R9 285 GPU is the most compelling product in the market for high resolution gaming” said, Raja Koduri, Corporate Vice President, Visual Computing, AMD. “Also, continuing our dedication to AMD’s Unified Gaming Strategy, we have also announced the newest ‘Never Settle’ bundle,” to showcase the strength of our relationship with the world’s most renowned game developers”, he further added. 

Goa Tourism to organize World Tourism Day Celebrations

oa Tourism is organizing celebrations for the World Tourism Day themed around Tourism and Community Development in various places across the State from 27 to 29 September, 2014. These events will highlight the involvement of various communities through the activities. Mr. Ameya Abhyankar IAS, Director, Department of Tourism said, “Communities play an important role as stakeholders in tourism and thus community development is essential for tourism to be sustainable.”

Programme highlights for the celebrations: • Sensitization Programme on Miramar beach by Panjim school students of Don Bosco High School, Green Rosary High School and Sharada Mandir which will be followed by a beach run at 8:30 am • Photo Exhibition on the topic: “Goa, then and now” on the Ground Floor of Miramar Residency followed post the beach run • Drawing and painting competition for students of Mustifund High School, Red Rosary High School, Progress High School, People’s High School and Mary Immaculate Girls High School Panjim at Dayanand Bandodkar Samadhi, Miramar at 11:00 am • “Heritage Walk” for students from S. S. Dempo college of Commerce and Economics, V.M. Salgaocar College of Law and Dempe College which will commence at 4:00pm from Viceroy’s Arch, Old Goa and wind up at Basilica of Bom Jesus. The walk will be conducted by Shri. Sanjeev Sardesai, promoter of Hands on Historians in conjunction with Goa Tourism • Boat Cruise for special children of Sanjay School, Porvorim will be organized on September 29, 2014 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Saturday, September 27, 2014

By Perin Ilavia

had always been a big fan of MF Husain’s art but never in my wildest dreams did one expect to meet him in person; it was like being granted an interview with God! However, the icing on the cake came at the stroke of midnight, when Husain, who happened to be a dinner guest in my home, sketched two coconut palms with the ocean as a backdrop on a piece of paper and wrote ‘New Year, Calicut 1992/93’ and signed it. To say I was enthralled would be a vast understatement. Alas, the sketch was pocketed by the District Collector who had invited Husain to our town. Ten years later, whilst covering the launch of his coffee table book ‘Where Art Thou’ in Bangalore, I showed him a photograph that had been taken at that eventful dinner and asked ‘do you remember this picture?’ Husain, who was famous for his keen memory, immediately replied, ‘When I had dinner at your house in Calicut?’ I couldn’t believe my ears! I managed to get his phone number and we kept in touch over the next few years. The next time we met, he was exhibiting at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai, exhibiting 80 paintings commemorating his 80th birthday. “What do you think of the younger artists?” I

My Evening With MF Husain “When I begin to paint, hold the sky in your hands as the stretch of my canvas is unknown to me” - Maqbool Fida Husain M F HUSAIN Art admirers celebrate him on the 98th anniversary of his birth September 17, 2014

One of the paintings from The Indian Civilization series displayed at Victoria & Albert Museum, London

asked. “I’m a young artist, do you think I’m old? I’m still growing.” Was there any way not to love this man? To rewind, Husain’s mother died when he was only four years old and his search for the elusive memory of her face led to the Mother Teresa series where seemingly, the deliberate omission of features provided a faint resemblance to his mother. As a child he often wondered why the British were white, why coal was black and why horses galloped. In 1934, a 19-year-old Husain sold two of his watercolour landscapes for the princely sum of Rs 10 each. “In those days you could run a house for a month with Rs 20. The sale gave me tremendous self-confidence. Even my most expensive paintings haven’t given me the same thrill,” he said in an interview in 1979. By the ‘40s, the

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Sept 23 to Oct 22   Spandan’s Art Festival  Spandan is a series of national art exhibitions organized by art enthusiast and curator Anant Vikas of Enhance Exhibitions & Events. It will showcase talented artists, photographers and sculptors. At the Entertainment Society of Goa in Panjim and at Kala Academy, Panjim. +91 8975453600

October 9 to October 12

EXHIBITION - Asturi 2014 The GCCI Women’s Wing is organizing their Annual Exhibition “ASTURI 2014”  This four-day exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for women entrepreneurs in Goa to market products that are manufactured by them. Goan businesswomen who trade in various products can also display their products at the exhibition. At Darya Sangam, Kala Academy, Campal, Panjim. +91 832 2424252

Untill October 14 The Rangoli Exhibition By Geeta Kapadia At Fundacao Oriente, Panjim +91 832-2230728, 2436108

Galleries of Note Off The Wall Daily Art Exhibitions At Fort Aguada Road, Sinquerim +91 9820083497. +91 9823289123 San Thome Museum Go back in time and visit a real jewel in Goa’s treasure chest. Free entry. At Varca 9 am to 8 pm +91 9822363917/ +91 832 2745017 Panjim Art Gallery Get a dose of local culture: figurative work by Goan artists. Near Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim 9 am – 8 pm +91 9822168703 Mario Art Gallery Original paintings and other memorabilia of the great Goan artist/cartoonist Mario Miranda. Buy “The Life of Mario”, as well as prints, mounted prints, frames, tiles, mugs, card sets and other books. At ‘Houses of Goa’, Salvador-do-Mundo, Porvorim area 9 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2410711 Gallery Gitanjali An elegant art gallery in Panjim’s Latin Quarter; worth popping in when you’re in the area. At Fontainhas, Panjim 9 am to 9 pm +91 9823572035 Moksa Art Gallery Salvador’s paintings. Salvadoran Fernandez, that is, and others. At Naikawaddo, Calangute 9.30 am to 8.30 pm +91 832 2281121/ +91 9326717386

Arts & Entertainment 15 Casa Araujo Alvares A 250-year-old mansion showcases our heritage in Goa’s first automated sound & light museum. Entry Fees Charged Rs.50 At Big Foot, Loutolim 9 am – 6 pm +91 832 2777034 Email: bigfoottrust@gmail.com Gallery Attic More local talent on display: paintings by Goan Artists. Opposite Don Bosco, Panjim 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm +91 832 2420929/+91 2257931 Art Chamber - Galleria de Belas Artes Featuring works by Goan artist Yolanda D’Souza and others. Whilst you’re there, check out their programme of musical performances. At Gauravaddo, Calangute 10 am to 1 pm & 4 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2277144/ +91 9823217435 Sunaparanta- Goa Centre for the Arts The centre houses several exhibition galleries, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, an in-house film club, sketch club, open air amphitheatre, pottery studio and an open courtyard that houses the al fresco café, Bodega. Open to the public with highly recommended grub. Try the salted caramel cake and carrot salad; brunch on Sundays. At Altinho, Panjim 10 am to 6 pm +91 832 2421311 Gallery Esperance Go back in time: Retrospective of art in Oils, Watercolors, Crayons Portraits, Landscape and Still Life Photographs. Near the Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces 9 am to 6 pm. +91 9545536437 Arte Douro Art Gallery Even if you aren’t into serious art, check out these paintings on canvas - originals and prints, international and local. At Porba Vaddo, Calangute 9 am to 9 pm +91 832 22882266/ +91 9822147148 Fundação Oriente Art Gallery Permanent exhibition of paintings by Antonio Xavier Trindade (1870-1935) – a well-known Goan painter of the time. At Fontainhas, Panjim 10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 5 pm +91 832 2230728/ +91 2436108 Kerkar Art Gallery This gallery exhibits installations and sculptures by local artists such as Subodh Kerkar and selected works by contemporary artists from all over India. At Gauravaddo, Calangute 10 am to 7 pm. +91 832 2276017 Ancestral Goa A mock village depicting the culture & traditions of Goa from a century ago and perhaps even earlier. Great for history lovers. Entry Fees Charged Rs. 50 At Loutolim. 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2777034

price inched up to Rs 200. For eighteen years he lost himself in the garish world of Bombay’s red-light district pocketed with cinema halls, painting film posters and after a span, graduated to painting backdrops for stage and movies, being paid four annas per square foot. Fast forward to the next century, Husain’s ‘Empty Bowl at the Last Supper’ sold for US$2 million, the highest sum ever paid for an Indian work of modern art. In his glory days, this bare foot artist jetted between Paris when it sizzled, London when it drizzled, to fast paced New York and the exotic Far East. Husain was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1986 and twice awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1973 and 1991. His infatuation with women drove him to turn them into his muses – from the first Miss India Indarani Rehman to famous Bollywood movie stars like Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif and Vidya Balan (the last whom he wanted to paint in the nude). Husain’s inevitable foray into films commenced with ‘Through the Eyes of a Painter’ in 1967 and received recognition at the Berlin Film Festival. Next he flew to Prague with actress Tabu,

to make a film in memory of a past love Maria titled ‘Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities’ which attracted controversy from various Muslim organizations and was thus pulled out of movie theatres a day after its release. Unfortunately, in 2006, protests ensued around the country due to his painting of nude Indian deities and forced him to leave India. ‘Though I cannot return to India, it’s in my heart. I miss my Irani hotel chai (tea) and samosas,’ said the Picasso of India who died on the 11th of June 2011, at a London hospital. Husain painted over 70,000 works in his lifetime and his prices are definitely higher than when he was alive but by no more than 10-15 %. “It’s easy to buy and difficult to sell a Husain, difficult to buy and easy to sell a S H Raza” says the founder of a Delhi-based art advisory organization. Husain was as generous with his paintings as he was productive, gifting them to friends and casual acquaintances. I may not have the coconut palms he drew in my living room. But they are etched in my memory forever. 

International Writers & Readers Festival 2014 is honoredto announce its key sponsors YES BANK as the Presenting Partner and Flipkart as the Principal Sponsor

oa will witness the much awaitedliterature festival – International Writers &Readers Festival 2014 which will take place at Kala Academy from 4th to 6th October, 2014. At a press conference held today at Hotel Crown Goa, the International Writers & Readers Festival Armando Gonsalves and Alaham Anil Kumar announced YES BANK, one of the leading private banks in India as the Presenting Partner and Flipkart, one of the leading e-commerce players as the Principal Sponsor for the first ever literary festival happening in Goa. The International Writers &Readers Festival will have India’s highly acclaimed and leading authors from all-over the globe along with notable well-known personalities from Goa. The festival will witness simultaneous sessions scheduled throughout three days with a strong emphasis on literature, poetry and politics, facts and fiction, images and painting, as well as focusing on all genres of writing and sessions which will celebrate the rich literature available across the world. Mr. Alaham Anil Kumar, Founder & Director, Writers & Readers Festival, 2014, said, “The International Writers & Readers Festival 2014 will mark a phenomena in the literary world. The first edition willencourage books, creative ideas and dialogue showcasing the diversity of the global literature and writing. We are very delighted to announce YES BANK as our presenting partner and Flipkart as our principal sponsor for the festival and look forward to a healthy and fruitful association.” Mr. Armando Gonsalves, Founder, Goa ForGiving, “We have been active in working with slum and other children over the years, and the involvement of the International Writers & Readers Festival, in taking books and encouraging education and literacy in the slums, is something that will be a huge boost in making Goa an example of how to handle these dwellings with heart, love and compassion. Goa is the pivot in so many ways, this initiative will give further boost to the process!” 

16 Wheels on Streets

TVS Scooty Zest 110 launched in Goa

ŠKODA Rapid launched with new 1.5 TDI diesel engine and 7 speed DSG transmission Š

KODA AUTO India introduces the new Rapid with new 7 speed DSG automatic transmission and a powerful 1.5 litre TDI diesel engine. With superior build quality and exclusive features tailor made for the Indian market, the Rapid model range will start at Rs. 7.2 lakhs (Petrol) ex showroom Delhi. The Rapid will be equipped with a new 1.5 diesel engine which develops 105PS at 4,400 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. Customers can now choose from six exciting colour options – Brilliant Silver, Candy White, Cappuccino Beige, Deep Black Pearl, Flash Red and the new Toffee Brown colour (the Toffee Brown colour is expected to be available in November). The Rapid gets new features such as Cruise control, Card holder, parking sensors on rear and ESP (on DSG). The ŠKODA Rapid will also be available with a new sporty exterior design with the set of black elements: headlamps, fog lamps, grille with logo-lip, multi-spoke alloys and external mirrors.  Engine

Gearbox

1.6 MPI / 77kW (BS4)

Manual

1,6 MPI / 77kW (BS4)

Automatic Manual

Active

722,230

838,772

Ambition+

Elegance

Elegance Black Package

817,181

872,017

885,117

914,940

968,583

981,683

924,813

974,324

987,424

1,034,813

1,084,324

1,097,424

1.5 TDI / 77kW (BS4) Automatic DSG

Wheels on Streets 17

olkswagen, Europe’s largest carmaker has introduced the Vento facelift in India. To suit a wide range of requirements and driving preference, the Vento is available with a range of four-cylinder engines – 1.6 MPI, 1.2 TSI and a new 1.5 TDI powerplants, all of which offer an excellent blend of power, performance and fuel economy. The Vento 1.5 TDI is now available with Volkswagen’s technologically advanced 7-Speed Dual-Clutch DSG automatic transmission, a feature that is unique in this segment. The new Vento’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder TDI turbo-diesel engine produces 103 horsepower and 250Nm of torque, which provides impressive performance on the road, while its fuel economy figure of 21.21kpl provides uncompromised efficiency.

aruti Suzuki has introduced limited versions of the popular Swift hatchback and DZire sedan in Goa. Christened as DZire Regalia and Swift Sliver Plus the two models offer a number of accessories coupled with a lower price

tag. The Swift Silve Plus edition is equipped with Sony audio system and speakers, reverse parking sensors, mobile holder along with charger, premium seat covers & steering cover and premium neck pillow and back cushion. The accessories if bought individually will cost Rs. 31,745, but Maruti Suzuki is offering the Silver Plus edition Kit at Rs. 27,500 which offers the customer additional benefits of Rs. 4,245. The DZire Regalia edition comes Signature Leather Wrinkled seat covers, attractive body graphics & decals, reverse parking sensors, designer floor mats and interior styling kit. The accessories if bought individually will cost Rs. 18,810 and the Regalia limited edition Kit costs Rs. 13,800. Maruti Suzuki is also offering special exchange bonus on the Swift & DZire.

The 1.2 TSI engine produces 103 horsepower and 175Nm of torque, and delivers 16.93kpl in terms of fuel economy. The 1.6 MPI engine produces 103 horsepower and 153Nm of torque, and returns 15.04kpl. Changes to the car include - Dual front airbags on all variants, redesigned 15-inch alloy wheels, and new, more powerful dual-beam headlamps, at-bottomed multi-function steering wheel with integrated controls for the car’s entertainment system, footwell lights and Bluetooth telephony. New colours available for the Vento line-up include Toffee Brown and Night Blue. Ex-showroom prices (Mumbai) are Rs 10.49 – 10.94 lakh for the new Vento 1.5 TDI DSG, Rs 8.57 – 9.90 lakh for the Vento 1.5 TDI, Rs 9.35 – 9.92 lakh for the Vento 1.2 TSI DSG, and Rs 7.44 – Rs 8.87 lakh for the Vento 1.6 MPI.

Limited Edition Wagon R Krest introduced

aruti Suzuki has introduced the limited edition Wagon R Krest to gear up for the upcoming festive season. The Wagon R Krest comes packed with 10 smart customer centric features making it more stylish, energetic and dynamic. Customers can enjoy these smart features worth – Rs. 32,500 at an additional cost of Rs 22,500/- only. 10 smart features offered on the Wagon R Krest are • Attractive Front grille • Double Din Audio system with Bluetooth + speakers • Reverse Parking Sensor with Digital Display • Keyless Central Locking • Elegant seat covers • Limited edition classy body graphics • Stylish wheel covers • Mud Flaps • Carpet floor mats • Steering wheel cover The Wagon R is powered by the 1.0 litre K-series, engine, which produces max power of 68PS power and a mileage of 20.5 km/l in petrol.

18 Movies

Drugs, Mafia and Revenge in the Sunny State Nafs: A New Movie Filmed In Goa (Goa Streets is proud to be Media Partner for this fascinating creative venture)

afs is a fictional tale, a Goan drug cartel revenge film based on the fable of the Three Little Pigs. Shot in Goa, it’s directed by Thomas Drissen, the acclaimed director from Amsterdam, with film and TV director Sonia Filinto. It stars Bollywood’s Peeya Rai and Adhir Bhat, as well as Marianne Borgo from Paris and Goa’s very own Rajesh Pednekar. Here’s how Aftab Khan Farooqui, creator of this Hindi feature film, describes the idea: While I look for words to replace ‘gang war’, ‘bloodshed’, ‘narcotics’ and ‘kingpin’, I realize that many have struggled to create magical cinematic moments using these as backdrops and a very few Godfathers have succeeded. With a team that is made up of a camera crew from Milan and France, an editor from Brazil and a director from Amsterdam, backed by the Goans, the oldest story of The Three Little Pigs where there’s ‘Huffing, Puffing and Blowing Houses Down…’, Nafs ( Ego in English) becomes a cleverly narrated, visually stimulating age-old mafia tale that follows a Guy Ritchie and Breaking Bad genre in Hindi. Performance driven by eccentric male, female and animal characters, this feature film gets told in eight languages where the Israelis, the Russians, the Nigerians and the Arabs come together to capture their drug market in one of the world’s most popular international destination of full moons, sunsets and Indian romance - captured on camera like never before. With clever hints on Acro yoga, raw food, environment and pollution, this soul-stirring story goes beyond three oinks and a wolf and boasts of the coolest soundtrack created by Middle Eastern, Indian and Spanish musicians and is cleverly paced with unpredictable moments, gut wrenching dialogue and well placed silence. Shooting began last year and the crew, from various parts of the world, in three different units, will wrap production by June 2015 and I will edit in Brazil after which we will bring it back to Mumbai for sound treatment and dubbing. It is expected to be released all

over the world next year. Proud to have Tito’s Group as Associate Partners on one of Goa’s most stylish films and Goa Streets as a Media Partner!

SYNOPSIS The film’s plot opens with Madam Raquel, Khan Bhai and Officer Iblees as the mismatched trio that head the drug cartel in Goa, where all kinds of narcotics are distributed through a network of couriers around the country. Raquel almost never steps out of her lesbian harem and relies on Khan Bhai to facilitate distribution while Iblees protects the cartel with his high-end connections. Business is going great when suddenly the drugs are seized at customs and some of the carriers murdered by a mysterious

man named Charlie. The three pool their resources to track down the killer and discover a face from the past – a surprisingly simple chap from a simple village who takes on the cartel in one of the most poetic revenge tales written for cinema. Statement from Director Thomas Drissen: Despite the thousands of different cultures and languages humans have shaped and created over the years, we often forget to realize that at heart, people are not so different universally. We all know anger, selfishness,

revenge, the love of money and power but simultaneously also know fear, desire, love and heartbreak. NAFS is a crime movie that tells the story of a wellorganized mafia led by various colorful characters who –at first sight–would not want to cooperate with each other. However, each of their individual motivations makes them a strong, evil force. The protagonist on the other hand, incorporates all these motivations into one single

French Actress Marianne Borgo and Goan Actor Rajesh Pednekar play Druglords

character, thereby flirting with the ambiguous balance between wrong and right. I believe by blending characters from various different races, religions and backgrounds into one coherent story in exotic India, audiences are able to identify themselves with the characters universally. Globally. A story without borders. Just like notorious fairytales, urban legends and folk tales. As a Dutch citizen I have lived in the Netherlands, the United States, Taiwan and India. Race, religion, and borders have not prevented me from making friends, falling in love, understanding and connecting. That’s what I aim with this film as well. 