issue no: 24

Friday, April 25, 2014 | Vol. No. 2 | Issue 24 | Price Rs. 10 | www.goastreets.com | G-2/RNP/Weekly/Goa-05/2013-15

Dining at Deltin | Mining Resumes | Music & Nightlife

IPL Mania!

3

Friday, April 25, 2014

Cheenos, with one of the largest bars in North Goa

streetspick

Will and the People (Live)

A young band growing in strides in England, WILL AND THE PEOPLE (UK) will be performing LIVE in concert at fiesta on 28-04-2014. Come and groove to their best hits, including their MTV(UK) hit singles Salamander & Lion in the morning Sun, along with popular rock and reggae ballads of The Beatles and Bob Marley to name a few.

At Fiesta, Tito's Road, Baga On April 28 @ 8 pm +91 832 2279894/ 2281440

By Ananda Krishna

M

aybe there was a time you wanted to be a rock star. Or perhaps you associate with your first crush with a particular tune. Or tastes or smells that bring back a rush of memories. Have you felt the longing to awaken an emotion that has long been dormant?

This, to me, is the essence of the feeling you get when you walk into Cheenos, a great new pub next to the Baga Bridge. The lighting, the rock n roll memorabilia on the walls, the black-andred colour scheme, and the terrific music and food combine to conjure an intense mix of emotions that simultaneously draw on the past and trigger future yearnings.

If you do get a feeling of déjà vu, it may not necessarily be magic, however.

After all, the venue until recently was known as Malts n Wines, and if you’ve been there, you know there’s something special about the place, with its vast, breathtaking upper deck and lowerlevel ‘bunker’ replete with a large bar and glassed-in private rooms. And yet other than featuring the same “deck” and “bunker” concept, Cheenos bears little resemblance to Malts n Wines, with a new décor, a new menu, a new music style (retro rock) and a completely

different vibe.

Here’s how the folks who run Cheenos describe themselves: “Our longstanding love affair with music has led to the fruition of Cheenos with art works of all the Gods of rock n’ roll, music that will keep you tapping and restless for more, and a huge variety of food that will leave your tummy heavier but your heart a whole lot lighter.”

Turn to page 4

Karaoke Nite With O P Nayyar At Sincro Hotel, Fatorda @ 7.30 pm +91 9423820332/ +91 832 2741408

IPL Season 7 Season Grand Cocktails Packages includes 5 cocktails At rs. 1000 plus taxes Unlimited At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 4 pm and 8 pm +91 832 3011234

April 26

April 30 to May 4

April 25

The Last Blast With DJ Manu Ferrantini, Asa Mary, Pasinja At Mantra, Arambol beach Big Splash Pool Party 2014 With DJ Lasker, Navin, Usman, Armando At Soul Vacation, Colva 3 pm onwards +91 832 278 8186

April 27 Space Migration Featuring Parandroid, Shanta, DJ Ana Chandra At UV Bar, Vagator 5 pm onwards +91 9892602049

Matos2014 Super LiveNatalie Music Festival With Electric Pulse Classic rock, Elvis Lobo Project, Jam Session At Guru Bar, Anjuna 4 pm onwards +91 9960956691

April 30 International Jazz Day A concert at a beautiful new amphitheatre featuring some of India’s most accomplished jazz musicians in concert with visiting international virtuosos. The event is curated by Jazz Goa and hosted by show host Raymond Albuquerque. It will feature some of the most accomplished jazz artistes from all over the world, across India and Goa At Salvador do Mundo, Porvorim 8 pm to 10 pm +91 9657574480

April 16 to June 1 Season 7 IPL Watch live action from IPL 2014 on a giant screen At Guru Bar, Anjuna 8 pm onwards +91 9823383257 Season 7 IPL More IPL action on a giant screen.

At Terrace, Vagator 5.30 pm Onwards +91 9673050869 Season 7 IPL Indian Premier League screening At Soul Souffle, Verna +91 832 2782100 Indian Premier League Live Screening At North 16 Bar and The Games center At North 16 Goa Resort, Calangute From 8 pm onwards +91 832 6745555/ 5557 Pepsi IPL Fever At Curlies, Anjuna From 8 pm onwards +91 9822168628

VJT Festival Live Music, Dj. Konkani Programme, Fashion Show, Dance Group, Oechestra At Enfermos Ground Sinquerim, Navelim @ 7 pm +91 9823061965 joe / 9823116597 Simon

Every Wednesday Rock is Alive With Charley and the Music Factory At Baywatch Resort, Colva @ 7.30 pm +91 832 2747744

Every Thursday Thursday Night Live With Smoking Chutney At Sofala, Nerul @ 8.30 pm +91 777400882 Sundown Karaoke With DJ Colett and… you, if you’re in the mood to help Colett with your voice and talent.

At Cocopazzo, Chapora 7 pm onwards. +91 9561212810 Silent Disco With Dj Mr. R & Flakey Spinning EDM. Nothing ‘silent’ about this disco (if you’re wearing headphones, that is).

At Alpha Bar, Palolem 9 pm onwards. +91 9890281505 Every Friday Wicked Friday A journey through deep tech house, minimal tech and progressive house At Waters Lounge, Ozran, Anjuna +91 9702025555 Every Saturday 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

Every Sunday Jazz, Blues & Bossa Nova With Steve Sequeria and Kittu (check out the Goa Streets story on this jazz power couple at http://www. goastreets.com/steve-sequiera/) At Go With the Flow, Baga 7 pm onwards +91 8975514481

On-going Cavala Every Wednesday: Cavala Aucutic Latin Retro Every Friday: Band Tidal Wave Every Saturday: Piono Played by Bosco At Cavala, Calangute - Baga road, Baga 8.30 pm onwards +91 832 2276090

The VIP lounge

Hippies Ocean Cafe Live Music Every Wednesday, Friday & Sunday At Hippies, Anjuna @ 10 pm +91 7507486444 Park Hyatt Every Day Dinner with Music Thurs: Acaccio Live Fri: Shalini | Sat: Savio Western Music Sun: Edriya & Taniya 7.30 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2721234 Cantare Every Monday: Live band with Lester Every Wednesday: Live band with Steve Sequeira and Kittu Every Friday: George and Group At Cantare, Saligao 8 pm onwards +91 832 2409461

Ajit Singh

Poolside Sunset Parties At La Cabana, Palasha The breeze from the Arabian Sea is so-o must-experience.

Ashvem 5.30 pm onwards. +91 88 88 636334 Resort Rio Every Monday: Grill n Chill with the ‘Music Fever’ Every Wednesday: Sing Along says Bonny – Its Karaoke Nite Every Friday: Joe ‘solo’ – “Rio Goan Festival” Every Saturday: Sing Along Says Bonny – It’s Karaoke Nite.

Every Sunday: “Sunday Funday” by the Pool side (Rain Dance) & In house DJ Music” At Resort Rio, Arpora 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 2267300 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 Kapriz Restaurant Manic Mondays: Silence, instrumental (Keyboards, violin, trumpet) BBQ Retro Thursday: With Music Fever and specials on Bbq Jazzy Fridays: Jazz music with Yvonne Gonsalves Sultry Saturday: Pink Sky Sunday Brunch & Amore: with Amore (Sharron & Darryl) At Kapriz, Baga Arpora Road, Baga 7.30 pm to 11 pm +91 9820134503

From page 3 With the Baga venue, Ajit Singh, 25, and Arpan Gupta, 27, along with Ajit’s mum Mary, have opened up the second in the line of Cheenos pubs, the first being in Noida. At 10,000 sq. feet, it’s one of Goa’s largest venues. That the place remains as comfortable and cozy as it is, given the large space, is a feat in itself.

Ajit, who opened his first café at a small suburb in Delhi at the age of 20, learnt all the valuable lessons from hands on experience.

Besides running the two Cheenos pubs, he also runs the popular restaurant Xiian in partnership with Arpan in Noida. He used to own a place in Delhi called Manajsa that hosted some stunning musical talent.

Ajit understands that opening up a food/nightlife venue in Goa can be challenging, even more so than in Delhi, given the number of such establishments that have been forced to shut down for lack of business. That is why he thinks you have to strive to deliver impeccable service that leaves no room for complaints.

Cheenos in Noida pays regular rock tributes and has nights dedicated to Beatles, Pink Floyd and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, to name a few.

Ajit in the past invited top-class musicians to Manajsa to perform, including the likes of Bobby Cash, a singer from the foothills of the Himalayas, and Lou Majaw, a guitarist and singer from Shillong. He had the popular band Thermal and a Quarter from Bengaluru flown up to play. Manajsa has also attracted quite a few celebrity patrons, such as the chief minister of Meghalaya and actor Naseeruddin Shah.

Photographs by ANANDA KRISHNA

Friday, April 25, 2014

A bike with neon lights for interiors

As for the new Goa venture, Ajit says that he wants to give Goans an experience like they’ve never had before.

“Cheenos has a very close relationship with music,” explains Ajit.

As it says on their Facebook page, “Are you ready to have your mind blown?”

Let’s start with the food. Cheenos serves up world-class, authentic Indian cuisine, in addition to continental and Goan cuisine. Great care is taken to ensure the flavour of the food is a cut above the rest. A whole lot of smoked meat is bound to delight your epicurean tastes! That’s in addition to juicy burgers, giant thin crust pizzas, Mexican delights and Goan delicacies.

On the music front, there’s Karaoke Night and Ladies Nite, in addition to evenings with some of Goa’s premier bands.

Ajit says he believes Cheenos will be a national brand in the not-too-distant future. With the kind of vision he and his partners have shown in Noida, Delhi and now Goa, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s right. 

6 The Lowdown

The Lowdown

Bruschetta

It’s IPL mania! For the love of cricket, for the sheer joy of the game, we decided to place this beloved Indian national pastime on our cover. We hope you enjoy reading about it!

Crabs

Of particular interest in this edition of Goa Streets is our story on the resumption of mining – taking a step back and looking at the whole issue from a wide perspective. Don’t miss our coverage of two very special art events in different parts of Goa – one in Panjim, the other down south in Palolem, as well as our mouth-watering food story on Deltin Suites and our Music & Nightlife piece on Cheenos, the fabulous new pub in Baga. On these pages we tell you about an extremely worthwhile organization that fights to protect Goa’s most vulnerable dogs and cats. And when you read our piece on the 10 Things Never to Say to Your Boss, think about how many of them you adhere to!

Thandai

Please also check out our regular feature Wheels on Streets, with its valuable information on all things automotive. And our story on well-known Italian Chef Alfonso Montefusco, who’s now in Goa for ‘An Italian Sojourn’, the Italian food festival at the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa. We’d also like to welcome back Sex & Relationships Columnist Acaricia May, who’s back with Goa Streets after a relatively lengthy hiatus. We hope you enjoy her big-hearted advice!

Before we depart, we’d like to draw your attention to a wonderful new radio play on All India Radio sponsored by Goa Streets. Stay tuned for details on www.goastreets.com and our Facebook Page GoaStreets!

The Goa Streets Team

Chocolate Bomb

“No, darling, of course I don’t dismiss what you think I sensed you believed I visualized.”

7

Friday, April 25, 2014

A Royal Treat

By Ananda Krishna

W

here in Goa would you go this summer for the finest culinary adventure in Indian, Mediterranean, European and Thai cuisine?

You’d probably have to make a long list of restaurants but what if I told you that you could find this dream come true under one roof? And all the while beat the blistering heat beside a dazzling blue pool and enjoy a cool breeze in the summer? Look no further than Deltin Suites in the serene village of Nerul.

Located in one of the most beautiful parts of Goa, Nerul is abundantly rich in nature, with a river running through it. Deltin Suites is just a short drive from bustling Candolim and the peaceful and clean Coco beach.

I was greeted with shots of kesari thandai as I entered the Deltin Suites restaurant. It’s a

hugely popular milk-based drink made from ingredients like cardamom and saffron. The chilled shots were served in vodka glasses, which added a touch of Russian drama.

This wasn’t on the menu but Chef Shubham Dhar dished out a quick round of bruschettas.

The dish was light, tasty and refreshing. What followed next was one of the highlights of the meal and a Deltin Suites specialty, a melon gazpacho.

April 19 to May 4 ‘An Italian Sojourn’ A marvelously authentic Italian Food Festival At Waterfront Terrace & Bar, Simply Grills and AZ.U.R!, Goa Marriot, Panjim +91 832 246 3333

April 20 to April 27 Traditional Steak Fest 2014 Eat & Gastro At Leda Restaurant, Colva 8 pm onwards +91 832 278 1458

April 3 Onwards HIGH TEA @ NORTH16 GOA Savour a robust cup of coffee or tea, beat the heat with fresh fruit smoothies and treat yourself to an enticing selection of snacks from finger sandwiches, amuses bouches, pastries and soufflés. The North16 GOA High Tea brings you an afternoon of relaxation and culinary indulgence at GRAB N GO. Planning a special event?

Ask about our tailored High Teas, specializing in birthdays, children’s events, get together for small and large groups High Tea is served daily at Grab n Go at Rs. 350 ++ per person.

From 4 pm to 6 pm At North 16 Goa, Calangute +91 832 674 5555

Every Saturday Saturday Brunch @ Rs. 950/- Including Taxes with Unlimited Mojito, Vodkatinis, Daiquiris, Frozen Cocktails Saturday Live “Latin Connection At The Park, Calangute +91 8805028194

Every Sunday Sunday Family Brunches 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 Sunday Fun day A fun weekend with the family starting with breakfast, lunch, and high tea.

Lots of entertainment for kids throughout the day.

Adults pay Rs 849 and kids Rs 599 At O Goa, Hotel Fidalgo +91 8806663865/+91 9158055222 Sunday Bikini Brunch Sunday BBQ Brunch @ Rs. 950++ with Unlimited Alcohol. Enjoy Live Karaoke with Emmanuel At The Park, Calangute 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm +91 8805028194 Re-Orient Yourself Make your own meal. Don’t worry; you won’t actually have to do the cooking!

This place serves up some of the finest Asian cuisine in Goa. At Wan Hao, Goa Marriot Resort & Spa, Panjim +91 832 2463333

Baga, Calangute & Around A Reverie European, Asian One of the finer establishments in the state. Popular dishes are seared fillet steak tournedos, smoked Australian duck breast, insalata caprese, basil oil, baby bocconcini, smoked tuna, chicken liver pate.

At Holiday street, Calangute 7 pm to 12 am +919823174927 /+919823505550 After Seven French, European Try the camembert soufflé, warm squid in balsamic vinegar and rum, steaks and lemon infused prawns At Gauravaddo, Calangute 12 pm to 11.30 pm +918322279757/+91 9226188288

Amigos Indian, Goan, Seafood Hearty food in an attractive village Below Nerul Bridge, Nerul 12.30 pm to 4 pm & 7 pm to 10.30 pm +919822104920 Aquamarine Bistro & Bar Indian, Goan, Continental Perhaps the top draw is the riverside location. Good place for golden fried prawns and a nice sunset view over the river.

7 am to 10.30 pm At Baga Land’s End, Baga +91 832 2276084/2275482 Bhatti Village Indian & Goan There is chicken cafreal, pork roast and beef roast, sorpotel, samaranchi kodi, feijoida, all the different varieties of chilli fry and fish Roe. At Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +919822184103 Big Pecker’s Chinese, European, North Indian & Seafood Also offers grilled sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, baguettes and jacket potatoes.

At Calangute beach road, Calangute 9 am to midnight +91 9823226977 Britto’s Chinese, English, Goan, Seafood At Baga beach, Calangute 8.30 pm to midnight +91 832 2277331/ +91 832 2276291 Café de Goa Attractive Café with lots of fresh small bites and innovative offerings.

At The Red Tower, Calangute 10.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2279961

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 & Restaurent Goan, Indian, Chinese, Seafood & European Some popular orders like paneer pasanda, fish masala, chicken vindaloo, seafood pasta, seafood sizzlers.

At Anjuna Beach, Anjuna 8.30 am to midnight +91 9822586268 Baba au Rhum A coffee shop with a twist A favourite among the foreign crowd, this popular eatery offers lots of tasty choices.

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 Bean Me Up It’s a small garden restaurant in Anjuna specialising in world vegetarian cuisine At Deulvaddo, Anjuna 8 am to 11 pm +918322273479 Biryani Palace Goan, North Indian, seafood At Anjuna beach road, Anjuna 11 am to midnight +918323257586 Blue Tao Italian & Seafood Organic Food At Anjuna beach Rd, Anjuna 9 am to 11 pm +918975061435 Coba Indian, Grills, Seafood At Double Tree by Hilton, Arpora 10 am to 11 pm +91 832 66556672 Frangipani Global Cuisine Start with the chicken satay- stewered 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

Angaara Tandoori, Goan, North Indian & Seafood. With excellent 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 Banyan Tree Thai An open air restaurant surrounded by lush green lawns At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm 10.30 pm +918326645858 Barbeque and Grill North Indian, seafood, grills Live entertainment Seafood Bazaar is on Monday and Wednesday At Fortune Select Regina, Candolim 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323988444 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 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 Bomra’s Burmese and other Asian Cuisine Good option for Asian food At Souzawaddo, Candolim 6.30 To 11.30 pm +91 9767591056 Bon Appetite Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai Check out the crab in butter garlic sauce or the seafood platter Near Vivanta holiday village, Sinquerim 11 am to 11 pm +91 832 2479477 Caravela Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai A long-time favourite haunt among Goans and visitors alike At Vivanta Holiday, Sinquerim 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 6645858

Panjim & Around A Lua Chinese, European, Goan, North Indian, Seafood 11 am to 11 pm At, Bella vista, Sangolda, contact: +91 832 2416671/ 73 At Porie Bhatt, Verna, Contact: +91 832 2782760/ +91 9881272080 At Bhueem Bhatt, St Cruz, Merces, Panjim, Contact: +91 832 2448172/ +91 2448757

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 A’tona Bar and Restaurant Goan, Portuguese Good choice for grilled dishes and highly competent Goan food. Recently the winner of the Goa Streets Readers’ Choice Award for Best Xacutti.

At Carina Desa, Betim 7 pm to 11 pm +919823129239 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 Antonio D’silva Goan This one is strictly for the sausage lovers.

At Goa Velha, Panjim 6 am to 9 pm +91 9822184433 Avanti Bar & Restaurant Indian, Goan & Seafood Serves up Goan specialties like rawa fried prawns, stuffed squid and gratinated 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 hotelavanti@yahoo.com Baba’s Wood Cafe Italian Pizza oven and homemade gelato.

Wide choice of pure Italian dishes with beef fillet and fish always on the menu.

Closed on Tuesday At Mala, Fontainhas, Panaji 12 pm to 3 pm & @ 6 pm – Midnight +918323256213/ +919923414098

Margao & Around Ruta’s World Café World Cuisine Located on a quiet side street near the City’s Latin Quarter, Ruta’s offers up some of the most tasty fare in Margao. Worth checking out.

At Dr Miranda Rd, Behind Nanutel, Margao 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2710757 Alcoves Goan, Indian, Chinese Good choices here are the Chinese Crispy Chicken, Cafreal, Veg Kolhapuri, Veg Crispy and Chicken Vindaloo.

Near Cine Vishant, Aquem, Margao 8.30 am to 11 pm +91 83 22735062, +91 832 2730536 Allegria Goan, Portuguese Fine-dining restaurant at the Taj Exotica serving up very good food. On offer are all the classic Goan dishes like Chicken Cafreal, Pork Sorpotel and Kullanche Mass Kottnim, which is crab meat in a shell, plus your Fish Curry Rice.

At Taj Exotica, Calwaddo, Benaulim, Salcette 7.30 pm to 10.45 pm +91 832 6683333

Food & Drink 9

Friday, April 25, 2014

Café Tato Pure Vegetarian Check it out if you’re in the mood for a good Goan veg lunch. Try the puri bhaji.

At Apna Bazaar complex, Margao 7 am to 10 pm +91 832 2736014

Jaitooni Malai Panner

Canacona Baba’s Little Italy Chinese, Goan, Indian, Italian & seafood.

At Palolem Beach, Canacona 9 am to 11 pm +91 9923749449 Big Fish Restaurant & Bar North Indian, Chinese, Italian, European Try out the bruschetta, the opensandwich-style bread with all kinds of different toppings, or the Marguerite Pizza, the Foccacia and, of course, the pastas.

At Palolem beach, Canacona 8am to 11 pm +91 9418097133, +91 9904312298 Bhakti Kutir European, Goan, Indian, Seafood At Palolem, Canacona 8 am to 10 pm +91 832 2643472 Canacona Coffee shop There’s Indian, Goan, European and some Chinese on offer with a contemporary, fusion touch to the items. There’s a buffet breakfast and an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner.

At Intercontinental the LaLiT Goa Resort, Rajbaga, Canacona +91 832 2667777

Morjim & Around Café Nu Chinese, European, North Indian & Seafood At Junaswaddo, Mandrem 10 am to 2.30 pm, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm +91 9850658568 4X Bar & Restaurant Sword Fish marinated in wine, Tuna Steak, Salted Tuna, Pork marinated in garlic and wine At Morjim Beach, Vithaldas Vaddo, Morjim: +91 9850357876 Club Fresh European At Morjim-Ashvem Road, Morjim @ noon +91 8805028779 Coros by the Sea European Coros by the Sea is a good place for food and relaxation.

At Ajoba Temple, Morjim 8 am to 11 pm +91 8605020020 Everest Restaurant European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Tandoori At Cliffside, Arambol beach, Arambol 11 am to 11 pm

The taste was exquisite and this cold soup is Europe’s one up during the summer months. Originally the dish comes from Andalusia in southern Spain and it’s incredibly refreshing.

My appetite whetted nicely by the subtle flavours of the gazpacho, I was just in the right mood for the Jaitooni malai paneer, which arrived next. This is tandoori paneer stuffed with olive and mint. Pleasantly surprising, the dish can be described as ethereal (I’ll save you a visit to the

dictionary – that means heavenly and refined!). A new, welcome take on paneer.

The most impressive thing about the Greek salad on the menu was its presentation.

The tomatoes were a wonderfully bursting ripe red balanced by a sprinkle of white harmony from the feta cheese.

This kind of voyeurism was soon replaced with a very normal looking plate of falafel. It was the first Mediterranean dish of the meal and it did not disappoint. The crunchy chickpea fritters were indeed “small tasty things,” which is what their name means in Arabic.

Bhatti ka murg, a twist on tandoori murg (chicken) was yet another exceptional item for the day.

The meat was so soft that it melted in my mouth the moment I bit into it. It was cooked perfectly. These tender bites of delight are not easily forgotten. Highly recommended!

Another delectable Mediterranean offering, with exquisitely subtle flavours, is the rubian meshwi – grilled prawns with garlic dip. The presentation was just as lovely as the taste.

Don’t ask me how you pronounce

the Thai dish pla neung manow, but with my mouth watering as it was from this steam basa fish in lemon chilli coriander sauce, I doubt I’d be able to utter the words even if I were Thai. I couldn’t help myself from taking another extra serving and I could have gone for more! It was only because I knew crunchy crabs were on their way that I stopped.

Thankfully, Deltin Suites has its three eating and drinking establishments – the 24-hour restaurant, Vegas and Whiskys Lounge Bar - nestled among its cozy buildings and beside a tranquil pool. The ambience and serenity of the place greatly enhance the pleasure of this wonderfully versatile cuisine.

The red, fiery crabs on the platter looked hotter than the sun but the sight of perfectly cooked meat made me throw all caution to the wind. We immediately dove into this hard-shelled crab dish. Tossed in a pungent Goan sauce, rich in flavours and aroma, it was spiked with toddy vinegar.

This was a perfect ending to the meal.

Stirred by the exotic experience, I could hardly ask for more.

But then Chef Shubham dropped a bomb. I mean a chocolate bomb for dessert.

Well what’s the difference, I mean when both of them knock you off your feet! 

10

Goatimeline Panaji Property Fair

G

oatimeline Panaji Property Fair, is a Builders Expo.

This expo shall be held from 26th April 2014 to 27th April 2014 at Kalaacademy,Panaji. And it will be inaugurated by Shri.Surendra Furtado |Mayor|CCP|Panaji, Shri.

Dinesh Pai |DGM|Zonal Office|Syndicate Bank|Goa, Shri. Jagannath(Desh) Prabhudessai|President |CREDAI|Goa on 26th April 2014 at 11.00 A.M Goatimeline Property Expo is the biggest property expo held in Goa. There will be total 34 stalls of the Builders, Banks, Construction Companies, and other related companies.

Prominent names to exhibit are Priority Group|Chandan Group | Horizon |Abhiyant Group|Sukhtanker Associates|Sardessai Group|Green Valley Realtors |Abel Oak Leaf|Ocean

G

ail da Silva, Second Runner up Femina Miss India beauty pageant was honoured yesterday at hotel Mariott, Goa. Gail is the only Goan to achieve the Miss India Crown who is purely born and brought up in Goa. Cartoonist Alexyz thanked Gail for making Goa proud.

Mathew Kurien, social worker addressed the gathering and expressed gratitude to Gail for her initiative and support for the child rescue organisation. Gail was the calendar model for child rescue organisation.

Prasad Pankar , Patrick Cardozo , Shweta Pinto also congratulated Gail during the event.

Gail’s parents thanked everyone who supported during the pageant.

A mocktail ‘CHOCOLATTEE GAIL FORCE’ was unveiled in honour of Gail by Mr Rahul, Director, F&B, Mariott Goa. Gail expressed her thanks to all Goans for supporting her for the pageant and inspired other Goans to reach the title.

Park|Linc Property |Reliance Constructions |Sun Hosuing|Gera Developers| HighlandConstructions|Acr on Developers|Milroc|Four Seasons Shelters|Risara Proeperties|Virani Ventures|Civilco Engineers |Green Acres|Scholar Builders|Concrete Lifestyle |Naiknavare|Classic Square |Remus Group|Raj Group|Cement & Metals| Jadser|A.N.Kumar|State Bank Of India|Designer Homes Property Fair facilitate the Buyers and Builders meet ,Spot Booking, Spot Housing Loans, Spot Vastu Consultancy under one roof . No entry fees and it is open for public from 10.00 AM to 9.00 P.M both days (Saturday & Sunday) There are lucky prizes for lucky visitors also.

Goatimeline Proeperty Fair at Kalaacademy shall be the 06th edition of property fair from Goatimeline Group.

Gail Nicole D’silva • Take a stand on what you believe is right • fbb Femina Miss India 2014 2nd runner up winner hails from Margao, Goa. At the age of 21, she has made the country proud and is all set to represent India in the International pageant.

• Gail has done her graduation in Commerce and Economics from Dempo College, Goa and has done her schooling from St, Pius X Convent High School.

• Gail is a model by profession. Her key interests lies in dancing, playing basket ball and table tennis.

• Gail was also crowned the PCJ Femina Miss Timeless Beauty

Feature 11

Friday, April 25, 2014

After the celebrations, sighs and groans, more questions are raised than answered

By Crespo D’Souza

F

irecrackers bursted and sweets were distributed after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on iron ore mining in Goa. And yet the stunning decision has raised far more questions than it’s answered.

When will mining, long the state’s largest revenue earner, actually resume?

Will new players be allowed into the industry? Or will the same old mining oligarchy continue to run the show?

Will the corruption and environmental degradation be controlled this time around? Is the court’s “cap” on total iron ore output the right one?

In lifting the ban, the Supreme Court also declared that all mining leases, barring around a dozen, actually expired in 2007. That means that the vast majority of mines operating between 2007 and the 2012 ban have now been essentially declared illegal. It also means the handful of Goan families who have controlled mining since Portuguese times - the Dempos, Chowgules, Salgaocars, and Timblos among them – have no guarantees they’ll be able to secure the new concessions.

If mining is to restart, leases will have to be allotted afresh. And the traditional mining families aren’t the only ones who will be in the race for fresh leases.

How and when the government begins the process for issuing those leases remains to be seen, with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar saying he will come up with a “transparent” policy by June.

Parrikar has hinted that he’s not keen on an auction process, since the Supreme Court gave no such specific instruction.

But a group of dedicated Goans is watching his every move. Chief among them is renowned environementalist Claude Alvares, who has warned he wouldn’t hesitate to re-approach the Supreme Court, “should the procedures for grant or renewal of leases not be fair or transparent, or in consonance with

constitutional requirements.”

Will Goa’s traditional mining families have any advantage in the granting of leases? Perhaps, but the Supreme Court decision looks sure to bring in bigger and more powerful mining players operating in other parts of the country, or even foreign players.

Among the most important aspects of the Supreme Court decision was its annual cap of 20 MMT (million metric tons) of total iron ore production. The argument goes that since a blanket mining ban is no good because it’s bad for the economy, and since a mining free-forall is no good because of what it does to the environment, surely a happy medium must be in order. Thus was born the idea of placing a cap on total production.

Environmentalists are divided over the cap.

“On what basis has the figure of 20 MMT been arrived at? A dosage has been prescribed without the patient being examined,” Ramesh Gauns, an award winning teacher and staunch anti-mining campaigner, told Goa Streets. He said no mining should be allowed until a comprehensive study on the cumulative effects of mining have been carried out.

But Gauns’ bigger worry is one that he shares with much of civil society and greens across Goa: “Can the state government be trusted to act in the best interest of the state or in the interest of the mining companies?”

And not without reason. Since coming to power, the chief minister has often spoken the language of the mining companies, saying there was no illegal, only irregular mining in the state, questioning the authority of the Supreme Court, terming the intentions of the petitioner, Alvares’s Goa Foundation “malicious” and even saying that illegal mining had cost the government just

5,000 crore (a figure activists consider ridiculously low).

The Justice Shah Commission of Inquiry investigating illegal mining in Goa spoke of illegal mining reaching Rs. 35,000 crore between 2007 and 2012 - and Claude Alvares puts the figure at closer to Rs 65,000 crore, all of which he believes needs to be recovered.

“I do not trust Parrikar to do the right thing,” Alvares told local reporters.

Gauns was no more optimistic.

“The entire machinery is being used to see how loopholes will be found in the laws, in the judgement. It wasn’t as if there weren’t any laws in place when the mining scam first started. The administration will now work out ways to bypass this judgement too,” he said.

Another environmentalist, Rajendra Kerkar however, is happy with the judgement, saying it will “restore the faith of the people in the constitutional principles guaranteed to every individual and the relief offered by the courts.”

The declaration that mining was illegal from 2007 does open the door for proceedings to recover tens of thousands of crores – a prospect that, if achieved, could be a windfall for the state treasury.

In the meanwhile, the State of Goa is already getting the sales proceeds from the disposal of inventories of 15 million tonnes, which are in the midst of an e-auction. This will be worth Rs 4500 crore.

If the mining was illegal, another big question is will anyone be prosecuted for it? The list of those who might have to answer for the illegalities include industry barons and powerful politicians.

BJP legislators representing mining belt areas, Subhash Phaldessai from Sanguem and Pramod Sawant, from Sanquelim, had little to say when questioned on whether anyone would be

prosecuted, saying they’re not sure and that it’s “for the police to act.”

Officials at the Directorate of Mines and Geology said the nine mining leases which did not expire in 2007 would be the easiest to restart. Further there are another 20-odd leases which have paid a renewal fee to the government and they, too, will likely be able to restart ahead of the others. In all, it’s expected that around 60 of the previous 90 leases will at some point come into effect.

Sesa Sterlite, the state’s largest mining company, is optimistic.

“The Company is working towards securing the necessary permissions for commencement of operations at the earliest,” a statement from the company read.

Mining companies have remained unusually tightlipped over the judgement, with the Goa Mineral Ore Association issuing a terse statement welcoming the Supreme Court ruling.

In this entire process, perhaps the hardest hit have been the truckers who now find that at least half their trucks are redundant. Interestingly, deep pocketed mining companies have very little liability towards truck and machinery operators, who have had to bear their own investments.

In the midst of it all, falling demand

by China and an increase in production by the state’s two top competitors, Brazil and Australia, has put pressure on international prices. Renewed supply from Goa would add to an expected surplus pushing down prices.

Global iron ore prices are currently at $117 a tonne and have fallen more than 13 percent this year.

How long will it take for mining to actually restart? “Your guess is as good as mine,” Alvares says. Don’t expect anything before the monsoons. 

12 Cover Story

B

By Goa Streets

ring on the cheer girls – the IPL circus is here! Go to any bar or hangout in the evenings these days, and you’re likely to find everyone’s eyes glued to the large TV screen, closely following each and every wild shot, every catch and dismissal of the Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL) which last week got off to a rocking start in faraway UAE (United Arab Emirates). Controversially, the IPL, which is supposed to be the premier domestic cricket league, is being played in the UAE because of the general elections in India, for safety reasons. But it will come back to India in the latter stages, once the elections are done.

Goa, of course, is no exception to the IPL mania, with folks all across the state glued to the good game.

“I watch IPL for the fun of it. The hours are convenient and it helps me watch out for new young players to root for,” said Jovito D’Souza, a young professional, adding that he wasn’t particularly rooting for any team and didn’t know which side to take.

To be sure, the Goan obsession with IPL has not always been pretty. Back in 2012, two minors helped kill their grandmother from Velim and then stole her gold and cash worth Rs four lakh.

They later confessed to the police they wanted the money to bet in the IPL. For the most part, however, it’s all in good fun – and it’s the love of the game that motivates the fans. Lots of venues

around the state will be hosting IPL events and screenings, including Grand Hyatt Goa in Bambolim, Alila Diwa Goa in Majorda, North 16 and Cricketer’s in Calangute, Kamaki and Infantaria in Baga, Curlies and Guru Bar in Anjuna, Tina’s Pub in Candolim and Soul Souffle in Verna.

“The IPL has got me watching all the matches no matter where they are played and no matter where I am. Even if I am in a pub, I would like the match to be screened,” said Amey Lawande an avid cricket fan, who is unperturbed by the controversy and fixing scandals surrounding the game.

Controversy, of course, is never far from the IPL, with the owners of two of the teams, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, being investigated for their involvement in match-fixing during the last IPL. The teams, though, showed no signs of being under the clouds when they took to the field, with Chennai Super Kings scooping up a onesided win against Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals giving a tough fight, before losing to Kings XI Punjab in Sharjah.

This, and the thumping victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday evening, of course, has brought the dimples back on the face of Preity

Zinta, co-owner of the Punjab team.

Glenn Maxwell is turning out to be in inspired form for them, with two 90+ scores and one 89 in three matches, and is now being described as the ‘Storm Man’ after their victories, starting with the one against Chennai Super Kings in the opening match. Kings XI Punjab are clearly the team to watch, and luck also could be on their side. As Maxwell put it, “You don’t expect to make two big scores like that in a row and I have had a bit of luck as well. Hopefully, the luck stays with me.”

Maxwell was with Mumbai Indians in the last season, and Neeta Ambani and co (owners of Mumbai Indians) will be left regretting the fact that they allowed him to go, apparently because they had doubts about his form. The highest scorer for Kings last season was David Miller who has been retained by them.

For its part, Goa has only one of its players in the IPL this year. While attacking opening batsman Swapnil Asnodkar was not bought by any team, his former team-mate Shadab Jakati from Vasco is the only Goan to be seen in action this season, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore as a left-arm spinner. He was earlier playing for Chennai Super Kings since 2008, and shot to fame during the 2009 IPL in South Africa when he made the most of the ample turn on the South African pitches.

The next year too he was one of the stars of his team by claiming 13 wickets.

Swapnil, too, has had some great innings in the previous IPL’s, even earning high praise from captain Shane Warne while at Chennai Super Kings for

his fearless attacking style. The 2007-08 Ranji season was particularly memorable - he scored 640 runs at 71.11 with a personal best of 254 not out, against Railways.

Back to the here and now, fortunes are sure to keep fluctuating with each game as the eight teams battle it out in the seventh edition of the richest cricket league in the world (the last edition was valued at $3.03 billion), with the TV cameras zeroing in on the most impossible of catches. In fact, catches are turning out to be the most important facet of these matches. As India and Chennai Super Kings skipper Mahendra Dhoni put it after the win over Delhi Daredevils, “Catches win matches and it was proved in this match.”

Defending champions Mumbai Indians, however, have started off their campaign on a disastrous note, with two defeats against Kolkatta Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Of the 11 clubs to have competed since the inception of the Premier League in 2008, five have won the title: Chennai Super Kings (twice), Rajasthan Royals (once), Deccan Chargers (once), Kolkata Knight Riders (once) and Mumbai Indians (once).

There’s a long way to go before the winners are found on June 1 when the IPL will conclude. It could be anyone’s tournament with each team having their own special fire-power with some of the best batsmen in the world, besides of course the most varied attacking bowlers.

Some expert commentators feel Royal Challengers Bangalore have an edge over the others because of their strong middle-order batsmen comprising Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, AB de Villiers and Albie Morkel. But then each of the teams has their own strengths.

In a strange coincidence of sorts, Chennai Super Kings has four national team captains in the team: Faf du Pleiss of South Africa, Dwayne Bravo of the West Indies, Brendon McCullum of New Zealand and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, captain of the Indian team, which kind of makes it top-heavy.

One of the highlights of the IPL every year is the annual auction of players, where cricketers are bought and sold by their teams. This year’s auction saw 154 players being sold. The costliest was Yuvraj Singh who was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 14 crore.

The costliest foreign player was Kevin Pietersen who was bought by Delhi Daredevils for Rs 9 crore. This year’s star batsman Glen Maxwell was bought – and sold – ‘cheaply’ for Rs 6 crore. 

14

Friday, April 25, 2014

April 25

May 13 to May 15

A Fado concert by Fadista Claudia Duarte from Portugal Organised by Semana da Cultura, Indo Portuguesa committee along with Fundação Oriente, and Cidade de Goa At Institute Menezes Braganza Auditorium, Panjim +91 832 222 4143

Mango Festival The Directorate of Agriculture is organizing a three day state level mango Festival At Kala Academy, Panjim 10.30 Onwards +91 832 242 0450

April 26 Re Juvenation - 2014 Organised by the Kerala Cultural Association, Vasco The joy of being together - a programme of music and mimics At Mormugao Port Institute, Vasco From 7 pm onwards +91 9326745212/ +91 9764507360

April 27 Coconut & Cashew Festival Know about Fenny - Medicinal values, cashew cooking competition, traditional games and more At Big Foot, Loutolim From 10 am to 5 pm +91 832 277 7034 Folk Dance Compitition Every participating team will be allowed eight to ten minutes to perform and will be allowed to perform in only once dance.

At Shri Sai baba Mandir, Sangolda @ 4 pm

Till May 15 Tribal and Miniature art Exhibition Mahbubani Art forms the Folk art segment and an eclectic collection of Vedic Illustrations framed by British designer & stylist Michelle Banarse with artisanal handmade wood frames with an antique distressed & 4 Zen inspired Black & White contemporary art pieces completes the SeShah House Collection of over 50 exceptional pieces of Art up on exhibit & sale At Cheshire Cat Gallery, Assagao 4 pm to 5 pm +91 9373001747

April 25 to 27 April A Painting Exhibition

By Yash Sawant At Kala Academy, Panjim +91 832 242 0450

April 27 to April 29 The Art of Writing Haiku

By Kala Ramesh, well known Haiku Poet At Sunaparanta - Goa Centre for the Art, Panjim April 27 @ 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm April 28 & 29 @ 4 pm to 6.30 pm +91 832 2421311

Galleries of Note Go back in time, visit San Thome Museum A real Jewel in Goa’s treasure chest.

Free entry, so go with as many friends as you like.

At Varca 9 am to 8 pm Yahel Chirinian Interesting mosaic mirror sculptures At Monsoon Heritage Studio 9 am to 6 pm +91 9822122771 Gallery Gitanjali An elegant art gallery in Panjim’s Latin Quarter; definitely worth popping in when you’re in the area.

At Fontainhas, Panjim 9 am to 9 pm +91 9823572035 Panjim Art Gallery A dose of local culture: figurative, individual work by Goan artists.

At Panaji Art Gallery, Panjim 9 am – 8 pm +91 9822168703 Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery Fashionable wearables. It’s all about style ladies. Jewellery and accessories.

At Bairo Alto, Assagao.

10 am to 7 pm +91 9822580898 Gallery Attic More local talent on display: paintings

by Goan Artists. 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm Opposite Don Bosco, Panjim +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 musical performances.

At Gauravaddo, Calangute 10 am to 1 pm & 4 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2277144/ +91 9823217435 Arte Douro Art Gallery Even if you aren’t into serious art, check out these paintings on canvas, original and prints, international and local.

At Porba Vaddo, Calangute 9 am to 9 pm +91 832 22882266/ +91 9822147148

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 Salvador-do-Mundo, Porvorim area 9 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2410711 Sunaparanta- Goa Centre for the Arts The centre houses several exhibition galleries, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, an inhouse film club, sketch club, studios, open air amphitheatre, pottery studio and an open courtyard that houses the Cafe Al Fresco. Open to the public, and the food at the Café is recommended, from 10 am to 6 pm, with brunch on Sunday.

At Altinho, Panjim +91 832 2421311

The Art Crusader She May Shock You. But That’s A Good Thing.

Big Foot Art Gallery Display of works by various artists from India and abroad.

At Loutolim 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2777034 Surya Art Gallery Contemporary works - Goan canvas paintings & artifacts.

At Bandawalwada, Pernem +919404149764 Moksa Art Gallery Salvador’s paintings. Salvadore Fernandes, that is, and others.

At Naikawaddo, Calangute 9.30 am to 8.30 pm +91 832 2281121/ +91 9326717386 Casa Araujo Alvares A 250-year-old mansion showcases our heritage in Goa’s first automated sound & light museum.

At Big Foot, Loutolim 9 am – 6 pm. +91 832 2777034 Email: bigfoottrust@gmail.com Website: www.casaaraujoalvares.com Gallery Esperance Go back in time: Retrospective Art in Oils, Watercolors, Crayons Portraits, Landscape and Still Life Photographs.

Near the Our Lady of Merces Church, Merces Carpe Diem Carpe Diem, an art and learning centre in Majorda brings to lovers of art a number of exhibitions. Look out for the workshops there.

At Majorda 10 am to 6 pm. +91 8888862462

K

By Karan Bhagat

anchi Mehta, the founder and curator of Chameleon Art Projects is a woman on a mission – to educate Goa about what art can look like in the 21st century. And if there is a bit of debate along the way, so much the better. “I love the idea of shocking people with art,” she says, chuckling irreverently.

Mehta’s new exhibition – appropriately entitled ‘The Summer Project’ displays photography, street art and installation work alongside traditional paintings. In keeping with the theme of surprise, it’s housed in a restaurant and neighboring clothing store.

The venues in question are The Black Sheep Bistro and Sacha’s Shop. Both are located within the same building in central Panjim. The restaurant does ‘globally inspired’ cuisine using local ingredients and the store sells designer clothing and accessories.

Concurrent with the exhibition, they are serving up special dishes and fresh designs, respectively.

The work of 5 artists is on display. Two of the artists are from Goa, one is from Mumbai and two are from abroad (Portugal

Arts&Entertainment 15

Friday, April 25, 2014

Fundação Oriente Art Gallery Permanent exhibition of paintings by Antonio Xavier Trindade (1870-1935) – a well-known Goan painter At Fontainhas, Panjim 10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 5 pm +91 832 2230728/ +91 2436108 Garden Central Gallery Permanent exhibits, paintings and sketches by artist Derek Monteiro.

At Panjim From 10 am to 5 pm +91 9921372036 Kerkar Art Gallery The Kerkar Art 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.

At Loutolim 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2777034

and U.S.A.). But all the pieces were produced in Goa. There is conceptual photography, performance painting and street art on show. Just one little hitch – the restaurant is only open in the evenings these days (the shop is open all day and into the evening).

Mehta calls the enterprise an ‘experiment.’ By this she means the art hasn’t been chosen based on what people have told her that Goans either like or dislike. Instead she has simply chosen what appeals to her, using her own aesthetic tastes and bearing in mind also the spaces in which they would be displayed.

When I ask what the response has been like so far she is brutally frank. “Its been mixed. The artist crowd I invited loved it. They have seen this kind of thing outside Goa and are excited to see it coming here for the first time.”

But others have been more critical. “Some visitors were a bit thrown by not seeing many paintings. To many, art still means only paintings – and not photography or installations. Some were like: ‘What is this rubbish?’”

But Mehta seems more than happy to take such criticism on the chin. “That’s ok,” she says. “To my mind, it’s what art does. It evokes emotions and prompts you to think and reflect, perhaps at a later time.”

Mehta’s previous exhibition – ‘Rebirth of Detail’ at Sunaparanta – also pushed boundaries. Though housed in a traditional gallery, it included displays of video art, audio art, installations and performance art alongside paintings and sculpture. I ask why she persists with what seems like an uphill struggle. Pat comes the reply: “If you only show people Shah Rukh Khan movies, then that’s all they will know and possibly all they will want. They won’t know what Naseerudin Shah or Nandita Das do. I’m trying to show them that.”

‘The Summer Project’ runs till 10 May at The Black Sheep Bistro and Sacha’s Shop, 526 Swami Vivekananda Road, Panjim.

The Black Sheep Bistro: Tues-Sun, 7pm till late Sacha’s Shop: Mon-Sat, 10am – 8pm

Siddhakala Dance Institute & Events Bharatnatyam, Hip Hop, Bollywood, Contemperory and Fusion Folk dances organised and performed by shows at all over India. We have six branches in Goa : Panjim, Mapusa, Calangute, Bicholim, Siolim and Sanqulim Call Janvi for more Information Contact No: +91 9823680930/ +91 832 2256277/ +91 9422449058

Maxie’s Music & Dance Academy

21th April - 21th May Swimming, Craft, Dance, Music, Guitar & lots more fun Lawande Pathology, Behind Prabhu Acquepuncture, Porvorim

Call: Ms. Daisy 9890117220

Maxie Miranda, an internationally renowned dance and music teacher, is offering Argentine Tango, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Forro dance classes; and in music Guitar, Keyboard and Voice training, all under one roof at Maxie’s Music & Dance Academy in the heart of the capital city Panjim, opp.

Big G. Maxie has travelled extensively worldwide for his work, particularly in Latin America.

The summer batch of dance and music classes will begin from April 7. One-toone and group classes available.

For further details, Maxie may be contacted on 9011882880.

16 Arts&Entertainment

Here’s a little secret: It’s now home to some great art

W

By Amy Perez

ho said Palolem is just for sand, hippies and silent noise?

When it comes to its reputation, this gorgeous beach in South Goa (way south!) has been on something of a roller coaster ride. Just two decades ago, you couldn’t find a restaurant here – a true virgin paradise known only by Goans and a smattering of well-informed foreigners.

Then cut to 2012, when the news site Business Insider named Palolem one of the Top 10 Party Beaches in the world, putting the once sleepy fishing village in the company of Miami’s South Beach, Psarou Beach on Mykonos Island, Bali’s Kuta Beach and Ibiza! Among the biggest draws: the “silent noise” parties where revellers don headphones to dance. More than a few folks, however, bemoan the beach’s rapid development. Compared to its pristine past, they say, the beach has been ruined.

Whatever your view, it’s abundantly clear that there’s more to Palolem than meets the eye.

And here’s something else showing Palolem’s depth beyond the waters off its coast: it’s now home to some highly interesting art.

Since 2010 a wonderful establishment called the Art Resort has been exhibiting artwork by contemporary Indian artists at the resort’s onsite gallery situated in

their beautiful open air restaurant. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions, art receptions and workshops throughout the season.

Owners Bhuwan Chandra Pandey and Horst Springer dreamt up the “Art Resort” to share their love of Goa and India while also “fulfilling their hearts’ desire” of championing talented contemporary Indian artists. The art program is geared exclusively to support the artist, with 100 percent of all art sales going directly to the artists (the standard split in the art world is 50/50).

Art Resort collaborates with the Goa College of Art and other universities, colleges and art schools all over India to find young artists working in a variety of mediums and give them the opportunity to present their work.

Art Resort’s current exhibition featuring the work of both emerging and established artists runs through April 30th. The drawings of Suguresh Sultanpur and paintings by Swaroop Kaintura share the gallery’s main wall while a group exhibition titled “The Mini Print Show 2014” is presented on the back wall.

Suguresh Sultanpur earned degrees in both painting and printmaking and currently lives in Gujarat. His artwork has graced the walls of galleries and institutions throughout India, even as far as Japan. On exhibit are fifteen prints and small drawings using pen & ink and collage which explore ideas of contradiction in our reality by combining

identifiable figures with forms that are distorted into curious shapes. Visually, they are intriguing and invite the viewer in for a closer look to admire the fine line work and, oftentimes, ambiguous imagery.

While the work of Suguresh is delicate and mysterious, the small acrylic paintings of Mumbai artist, Swaroop Kaintura, are colorful and bold with a touch of whimsy. Colorful stick-like figures dance on the canvas. Portraits and abstract figurative paintings are layered with rich color and bold brush strokes.

From the age of fourteen Swaroop set out to do what he loves best… to paint.

The twelve paintings in the show give you a small glimpse of this talented artist’s diverse painting style. Swaroop’s art continues to evolve as he pushes the boundaries of his medium by painting with sticks, his fingers and incorporating collage. He says, “I try to do unique and original pieces. I love to paint and I love color”. By keeping his work affordable and accessible to everyone, Swaroop’s artwork is now in the homes of people all over the world.

The “Mini Print Show 2014” presents 22 emerging and established printmakers from all over India.

The exhibition was curated by internationally recognized artists Rajendra Usapkar and Ryan Abreu, showcasing small scale imagery made by printing techniques such as traditional line etching, engraving, woodcut and lithography to contemporary digital processes. The aim is to advance the appreciation and awareness of art on paper while encouraging the artists to exchange techniques and ideas.

Images of bees flying out of the tops of pants, an expressionist portrayal of a pregnant woman and a tortoise and hare morphed into a singular animal are just a few of the imaginative and intense prints on view. The artists in the “Mini Print Show 2014” take the age-old technique of printmaking to a higher level by combining modern imagery and technique with a fresh approach.

Prices in the exhibition range from 2,000 to 10,000 rupees, giving the aspiring and veteran art collector a good motive to make a purchase in support of these artists. Don’t wait too long….with the close of the month comes the close of this year’s’ season of the Art Resort and its gallery. 

Friday, April 25, 2014

April 7 to May 22 Summer Camp 2014 Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim organizes its annual summer club 2014. This year the camp will feature coaching in 14 sports disciplines, training in 18 different talents and hobbies, 3 dance forms and a host of other camps and programmes. Parallel activities include a campfire, beach trek and night cycling. At Don Bosco Oratory, Panjim +91 832 2221986

April 12 to April 30 Windsurfing Training Camp The Goa Beach Sports Academy organizes its 4th Annual Windsurfing Training Camp.

At Hawaii beach, Dona Paula +91 832 2275173/ +91 9822122171

April 14 to May 4 Bookworm Summer Program The program includes language, art and creative areas of reading, writing, creating, imagination, discovery and exploration and outdoor experience.

At Bookworm, Taleigao +91 9890336417

April 14 to April 30 Kids Summer Camp The school is organizing summer camp for kids between the age of 2 and 5, and 6 and 14. Lots of games, fun, magic craft, singing, dancing, etc.

At Wisdom School, Tilamol - Quepem +91 9890336417

April 15 to May 15 Summer Crash Course One month crash courses will be conducted in basketball, football, keyboard, guitar, wushu, drums, and theatre acting. The students will be taught all the basics and advance skills comprising theory & practicals.

At St.Thomas H.s.s, Aldona +91 9823945094

April 24 to April 28 Pretty Home Exhibition Add colours to your Pretty Home At BPS Sports Club, Margao 10 am to 8.30 pm

April 24 to April 26 Workshop on Developing Writing Skills Will encourage and guide students to improve their skills in essay-writing, vocabulary and grammar. Hands-on training will be provided under the guidance of trained faculty.

At Chowgule College, Margao From 9 am to 1 pm +91 9923963418

April 26 to April 27 The 3rd edition of Herald Auto expo 2014 At Campal Parade ground, Panjim @ 3 pm

April 24 to April 27 Vipassana Meditation Course Goa Vipassana Samiti organizes a three-day residential Vipassana Meditation course for men only.

At Queen Laura, Alto Porvorim 8.30 am to 1.30 pm +91 9850457636/ +91 9420165865

April 26 to May 4 19th European Union Film Festival in India Organised by Delegation of the European Union to India At Maquinez Palace - Panjim @5 pm +91 832 2428111

April 26 Opera - tion How do you get a dead man to change his will?

Resource Person : Dr. Luis Dias At Carpe Diem, Majorda @ 6 pm +91 8888862462

April 28 to April 30 100 Windows of Goa A unique showcase of beautiful Goan windows through wall art, Home Decor, Fashion & Lifestyle Products At Kala Academy, Panjim +91 9822160275/ +91 9822127845

April 26 to April 27 Goa Time Line Property Fair Builders from Goa and other states, construction contractors, steel manufacturers, and elevator/ air conditioner companies will be participating in this world-class event.

At the exhibition, property buyers will find multiple options under one roof, saving their time and money.

At Kala Academy, Panjim 10 am to 9 pm. +91 832 2420453

April 28 to May 31 Pencil Line Summer Art Camp A wonderful initiative by Rajendra Usapkar – at one of Goa’s most important art centers. At Carpe Diem, Majorda from 10 am to 1 pm +91 8888862462

April 30 to May 15 Summer Creation - Art and Personality Camp An art and personality camp for children between 5 to 14 years of age. Include crafts like key chains, wall hangings, bags, candles, flowers, shells, and dance and personality sessions.

At Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa +91 9423886063/ +91 9822155805

Go Karting Track I Goa Karting Single and tandem go karts are available for Rs: 180 for ten laps or Rs 200 for ten laps tandem At Panjim - Margao Highway, Nuvem 4 pm to 10 pm +91 832 2757899/ +91 9850736334

Track II Goa Karting Single and tandem go karts are available for Rs: 180 for ten laps or Rs 200 for ten Laps tandem At Anjuna - Calangute Rd, Arpora 4 pm to 10 pm. +91 832 2914526

Great Goan Experiences Birds & Breakfast Have your morning breakfast watching birds. The best time for bird watching is October to Mid April.

At Gaurro Waddo, Calangute +91 832 2276711/ +91 9822149002 Horse Riding Majorda Beach Horse Riding offers riding on Goa’s longest beach At Majorda. From 5 pm to 7 pm +91 9822586502 Goa Butterfly Park & Conservatory A small park on a hill that’s a great place to spot stunningly beautiful butterflies.

Near Tropical Spice Plantation, Ponda +91 832 2985174, +91 9822125474 Canopy Eco – Tours Offering a wide variety of experiences including nature treks, butterfly tours, dragonflies and damselflies tours, plus boat safaris on the Zuari River as well as their original six unique birding tour.

At Housing Board Colony, Margao +91 9764261711, +91 9764052225 The Bushmasters Owner Rahul Alvares is one of our state’s most experienced snake rescuers. Snake Watch programme costs Rs. 1600 per person inclusive of transport and breakfast.

At Almeida Vaddo, Parra 6.30 am to 9.30 am +91 9881961071

Jewellery Stores in Goa Tanishq A Tata Product Tanishq Taj is known for gorgeous craftsmanship, wrought in gold, diamonds and silver At Milrock Building, near Azad maidam, Panjim +91 832 2427331/332 Waman Hari Pethe Jewelers Great for Maharashtrian and traditional Marathi Gold / Diamond Jewellery At 18 June Road, Panjim +91 832 2230832 / +91 832 2230833 Ulhas Jewelers Another great option for fine jewellery.

At New Market, Margao +91 832 2738558 Chintamanis Jewelers One of the most prestigious names when it comes to gold, platinum, Kundan, diamonds At Margao +91 9320154644 Lagu Bandhu Jewelers Precious Stone Necklace Sets, Gold Necklace Sets, Diamond Necklace Sets At Orion Building, Panjim +91 832 2429988/ +91 832 2422284

Orra Jewellery Great for diamonds and platinum jewellery At Dr. Gama Pinto Rd, Altinho +91 832 2232698 Gitanjali Jewels Fine jewellery in gold, silver, platinum, with international, classic, traditional and casual styles. Great selection.

At Inam Complex, Panjim +91 9823034289 Manek Gem Jewellery Manufacturer, supplier & exporter of precious sparkling diamonds, among other gems. At MG Road, Panjim +91 832 2426727/ +91 9823067769

Lifestyle Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery The Gallery showcases jewellery, accessories and fashion, among other delights At Bairo Alto, Assagao 10 am to 7 pm +91 9822580898 The Private Collection Featuring an eclectic collection of sophisticated women’s apparel, bespoke jewellery, colorful accessories, lifestyle, furniture and design pieces and many more.

At Anavaddo, Candolim 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2489033 Maria Elena’s Wardrobe Elegant Ladies and Accessories Party wear, Ladies wear and Accessories At behind Fidalgo, Panjim +91 9049079769/+91 7769043301 Mandi - Your Indian Fix Mandi, meaning ‘market place’ in Hindi, features apparels, eco-friendly Ayurvedic fabrics, accessories, furnishings, Indian art, handmade paper and quirky ideas that you never imagined.

At Betalbatim behind Jasmine Hotel in South Goa +91 9545500938.

Paper Boat Collective Specializing in ceramics, textile, furniture, clothes, children items and more!

At Bella Vista, Chogm Rd, Sangolda From 10.30 am to 8.30 pm +91 832 6521248 Solberg A Scandinavian Designer in Goa At Pedro Martina Resorts, Gaura Vaddo, Candolim +91 9822364978 TukTuk From apparel to silver jewellery, bags to accessories and souvenirs to curios, everything at TukTuk is handpicked from across India.

At A 104, Pereira Plaza, 1st Floor, Opposite Hospicio, Margao 10:30 am – 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm – 7 pm +91 9049017182

Shine Beauty Parlour Herbal Body Massage or Body Scrub @ 1000/Call on +91 8888947629

Fabindia The shop is famous for ready-to-wear garments for men, women, teenagers and children At Dattawadi, Mapusa 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2253585 Artjuna An unusual boutique in an Old Portuguese villa showcasing, among other items, leather crafts. Also features a lovely outdoor café At Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna 9 am to 6 pm. +91 9822686640 People Tree The first outlet in Goa, creating and selling contemporary crafts and cool clothing. At Saunta Vaddo, Assagao 11 am to Midnight +91 832 2268091/ +91 9582018969 Bebel Boutique Designer fashion accessories At Opp. St Anthony Chapel, Calangute +91 832 6451489

Spas of Note Tatva Spa Elements The only family spa, the largest spa chain in Goa. Well worth a visit!

At Panjim, Margao, Dona Paula, Calangute, Ashvem, Candolim, Arpora +91 9325637431 Quan Spa Try signature treatments like Marine Algae Bath, Aroma Fusion Massage and Quan Foot Ritual.

At Goa Marriott, Panjim +91 832 246 3333 Sereno Spa Ancient Ayurvedic and yogic healing traditions are infused with the revitalizing allure of the Arabian Sea. At Arossim Beach, Cansaulim, Park Hyatt, Arossim +91 832 2721544 Snip Salon & Spa Be Inspired, Be Inspiring At Padmavati Tower, 18th June Road, Panjim +91 832 2420898 www.snip.co.in Zara Spa The Luxury Spa At Tambudki, Arpora, Bardez 8 am to 8 pm +91 832 2267300/ www.zaaraspa.com Sohum Spa and Wellness An Absolute wellness spa in wonderfully luxurious surroundings At Kenilworth, Utorda, Salcete +91 832 6698888 www.kenilworthhotels.com

18 Feature

From Doghouse to Home One of these cuties can be yours. But adopt only if you can commit

By Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello

Need a pet to hug or play with? An ‘Adopt-aPet’ camp run by the Goa Animal Welfare Trust could be just the place for you. It’s where cute little bundles of fur and loving owners find each other. Psychologist Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello finds out more about these camps that have been running in Goa for nearly 15 years.

T

he NGO started 15 years ago as a response to the barbaric treatment meted out to stray dogs in Goa. Today, the Goa Animal Welfare Trust, or GAWT, is one of the most important institutions in the state fighting for the well-being of dogs and cats.

It now runs numerous animal welfare programmes which include weekly anti-rabies camps, puppy adoption camps, a daily walk-in clinic, weekly community visits by their mobile vets and a school education programme.

Its boarding kennels also provide a loving and friendly environment for pets while owners are vacationing or on business trips.

Additionally, it has also sterilized more than 12,000 animals since 2003 as part of the government sponsored Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme, significantly reducing the stray dog population in Goa. But what most caught my interest were its pet adoption programmes.

Charmian Byrne, Founder Trustee, Treasurer and Events Co-ordinator of GAWT, talked me through the concept.

“The adoption of puppies and dogs from the GAWT Animal Care Centre to a normal home environment starts with stray puppies, abandoned or dumped by owners whose dogs have littered. They are unwanted,” she explained. “We usually have female pups.

We take them in, look after them, treat them and put them into the adoption programme when they are fit and healthy. These strays are local and mixedbreed pups. We do not have full-breed puppies. We believe the Indian domestic dog is one of the best and most faithful in the world. It is a great pity that Goans buy expensive breeds which are not suitable for this climate. Consequently they experience problems with the dog’s upbringing,” adds Charmian.

Anyone interested in adopting can walk in at GAWT’s Curchorem based Animal Care Centre. They are shown the puppies and dogs which are already sterilized and suitable for adoption. Or dogs can be adopted from GAWT’s weekly antirabies camps held on Sunday mornings throughout South Goa. Occasionally, puppies are also available at their weekly Wednesday and Friday Clinics in Chinchinim.

Charmian says, “We give 2 free antirabies injections to each adopted puppy plus a free sterilization operation when the dog is 5 months old. For all this, we ask for a Rs. 200/- donation.”

But be warned: The adoption procedure doesn’t simply involve having a look around and picking up a pup or dog of your choice. Prospective foster parents have to field several questions before they end up with an animal in their homes. Charmian says, “I have refused puppies to certain people. It is important to find the right home for the puppy.”

If you’re considering adopting one of these cuties, be sure you understand that raising a dog requires a lot of time, commitment and love. If you cannot make that commitment, you shouldn’t adopt.

Once suitable foster ‘parents’ are found, adoption papers are filed and full details are provided on feeding, bathing, looking after the dog, vaccinations, deworming and training.

It’s not all been smooth sailing.

Describing a painful incident, Charmian says: “There was this instance where we received a call that a puppy had not been eating food for 3 days, but despite our advice to get it to one of our vets we later came to know that the puppy had died.

People just don’t care enough.”

That said there have been rewarding moments too.

“Many people return to us to adopt a second dog. Or they will bring along a dog at our camps and

tell us that this one was adopted about 12 years ago from us,” she says.

Incidentally, it’s not just puppies in the adoption programme.

They also have kittens at times (for which the prospective foster parent has to pay a donation of Rs.100).

Charmian explains that volunteers can be a great help. Some GAWT volunteers ‘foster’ puppies and kittens that are 3 or 4 weeks old in their own homes until they are old enough for adoption – usually at 7 or 8 weeks of age. In these cases quite often pups and kittens are adopted by people known to the volunteers. The same adoption procedure is followed. “We wish more people would come forward to help like this, as it gives these small animals a start in life,” she says.

In addition to ‘lay’ volunteers, veterinary doctors Dr. Nukul Shete, Dr. Keara Carvalho and Dr. Erica Carvalho have been working with GAWT for a number of years. “We have about a dozen volunteers helping us out. It is a great team effort,” says Charmian.

These programmes have been a huge success. Many pups and kittens have been saved and adopters have found loving companions. Yet, though public awareness about pets has increased Goa still has a long way to go. “There have been cases where people realise that their dogs need to be vaccinated only when there is a rabid dog in the vicinity,” says Charmian, illustrating the point. 

Friday, April 25, 2014

Y

ou have been changing jobs every year, or been given the boot too often. You’re famous (or infamous) for your flaring temper, big mouth, grapevine talks, and extremist views.

Even if you are all that and more, you might find some salvation by keeping your mouth shut once in a while. Here is a list of MUST-NEVER-TELLYOUR-BOSS statements, prepared by psychologist Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello to ensure professionalism and a healthy work environment.

Watch your words, dear worker.

Never say: “My dad owns a yacht.”

Your dad, a billionaire, moves in elite circles. You have decided to prove your mettle rather than be known as your dad’s daughter. No need to reveal this true story to the folks who sign your paycheck. For one, you might not get the raises you deserve because it’s perceived you don’t “need” it. For another, you might get classified as a spoiled rich kid, and that in turn could prevent you from climbing the corporate ladder.

2. “I can’t do this.”

Never say “NO” to your boss when she assigns additional tasks, even if they are alien to your expertise. You may feel tempted to blurt out, “This is not my field. Mr. Pramod will do a better job.”

Think of that long desired promotion.

Use the invisible tape to stifle those naynay replies of yours. Given the required training, you will pick up skills other than your specialization. A good employee is keen to learn and will be rewarded with his share of corporate success.

3. “I feel we ______ (religion/sect) are more pious than________ (religion/ sect)” Quoting verses from the Bible or reciting scriptures from the Bhagavad Gita could get you entangled in religious disputes.

Nobody is interested in knowing your religious beliefs, especially your boss,

who worries not about the divine, but about the bottom line. So unless you’re working in a church or temple, keep quiet about religion.

4. “I voted for _____ in the Lok Sabha elections.”

Ah! The game of politics…. Interesting topic for lengthy discussions. Is it gonna be Congress? BJP? The Kejriwal led Aam Admi Party? Or Trinamool Congress?

You could denounce a politician or heap praise on some demagogue or pledge your allegiance to the broom. Do so at your own risk! You are bound to ruffle feathers and build animosity among the folks who decide your professional fate. Or you might be deemed too “open-minded” or too “close-minded” for this or that promotion. Keep your political opinions to yourself, especially if you’re a radical!

5. “I can’t do overtime.”

No boss likes it if you keep eyeing the clock every half an hour. So far, you hold the unbeatable record of making a quick exit on all working days. An overtime request from your big boss is always met with a predictable ‘No.’ Your flimsy excuses of “I am ill” or “I am in the

hospital” could work against you when you meet one of your colleagues at the Inox movie theatre. Do you want your job? Utter an enthusiastic okay!

6. nothing Silence is golden? Not always! Though keeping mum does pay rich dividends at times, your boss could interpret too much of it as lack of intelligence, loss of motivation or interest. Do remember that good bosses love inputs or suggestions from their employees. But… Don’t vent

knowledge or catching up with some key clients. Your boss doesn’t have to know that you had a date last night with his pretty secretary or you were partying till the wee hours of morning, only to turn up groggy and a half hour late for work!

Your night life is nobody’s business but your own and those you share it with.

Telling your boss you get drunk at night may make him think you’re irresponsible and not deserving of the things you think you deserve!

8. “I like to be dominated in bed” If you tell your boss that, she may just decide to dominate you at work, too. Your sex life is personal. Keep it that way.

9. “Goans are more lethargic than Maharashtrians.”

Your Goan boss and colleagues could be fuming red over such racist remarks from you, the only Maharashtrian employee in the company. Those 6 words could send you packing right back to Mumbai!

If you’re a racist, that’s the last thing you want your boss to know. And even better than keeping the info from your boss, don’t BE one!

your feelings of wrath and frustration every time the boss assigns you new tasks. Know when to speak up.

7. “I got drunk as a skunk last night” Your boss does not need to know what you do after hours, unless it’s taking a course to further your professional

10. “That’s not my responsibility” Most jobs are team efforts, and caring about what happens outside your immediate purview is a sign of a conscientious employee. If you show that you care about the success of all areas of the business, and that you’re willing to pitch in wherever needed, you will be rewarded.

20 Interview

Chef Alfonso Montefusco An Italian Sojourn

By Ananda Krishna

A

s soon as I stepped inside the restaurant at the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, with a dazzle of light behind me, I muttered my greetings to Chef Alfonso Montefusco. Pat came the reply, “If you step away from the light, I can see your face.”

To some, Chef Alfonso might come across as just a little gruff, his keen sense of humour just a little cutting.

I guess it’s the same kind of feeling people might have when they bite into a piece of dark chocolate – bitter, but entirely happy.

As our lunch progressed, I watched Chef Alfonso interact with his guests.

We were lucky to have been invited over for lunch by the Marriott team on the occasion of “An Italian Sojourn,” the ongoing Italian food festival taking place at the hotel’s Waterfront Terrace and Bar and Simply Grills. The celebrations draw to a close on the 4th of May, so you still have time to check it out. My guarantee: You won’t be disappointed if you do.

Curious and engaging, Chef Alfonso asked about everything from Indian culture to Goan food to the intricacies of local architecture. He seemed particularly thrilled to have discovered a street cart peddling rasa omelette near the main Panjim church.

Currently head chef at Alto Vino, the Italian restaurant at the Bengaluru Marriott Hotel, Alfonso also happens to be an extremely accomplished author and radio and television personality back home in Italy.

It’s definitely fair to call him the premier Italian chef currently residing on Indian soil. And it’s also fair to say we’re pretty lucky to have him here in Goa for An Italian Sojourn.

Once everybody invited for lunch had arrived, Chef Alfonso excused himself and wasn’t seen again for some

time. He reappeared with the dish Insalata Caprese, a simple yet tasty fix. The interesting part was that the colours of the caprese match that of the Italian national flag – green (basil), red (tomato) and white (mozzarella cheese).

The meal consisted of Fritto Misto and Risotto alla Pescatora, Porcini Risotto, Grilled Sea Base and Tiramisu for dessert.

It was all truly delightful and wonderfully cooked.

One of the favourites from the menu was Grilled Sea Bass. A fresh fish tossed in olive oil and herbs, served in a crispy skin with a lot of colourful vegetables like onion, tomato, broccoli and mushroom.

After lunch and sipping coffee, I asked a few questions to Chef Alfonso.

Thanks to his spontaneous, original and uncensored thoughts, it made for a funny and yet meaningful chat.

Here are some excerpts.

AK: How did you end up as a chef?

AM: Pause… I was helping my family with our tannery business. At that time I was living in New York and did not want to work for my family any longer. I was fighting with my father. If you do business with family there is always a risk of fights.

I wanted to quit…

I wanted to be a designer but my father didn’t want to pay the money for my course. So he told me, “if you don’t want to work for me, no nothing, no money.” I didn’t have money to live in New York.

You even have to pay for the air you breathe there. So the best thing I did was

to join the restaurant business. At least I knew I would be fed.

AK: What has the journey been like?

AM: Surprisingly, when I entered the kitchen, things began to fall in place. The process of ingredients becoming food, the balance of it interested me. That’s when I said to myself, “that’s the place I want to be in.” I’ve also been very lucky to meet the right people at the right time.

I started working with Nobu, the super famous chain of Japanese restaurants (co-owned by Robert DeNiro). After 5 or 6 years, I left to become involved with Italian and Continental food. Since then I’ve been promoting myself as an Italian chef.

AK: What places have you become fond of on your travels?

AM: Maybe my previous life I was an … Asian. Because I feel at home in places like Thailand, Japan. India too has so much to offer. I really enjoyed the drive from the airport to the Marriott Resort & Spa. There was no traffic and people didn’t look tense and strange like they do in Bengaluru. I loved the architecture I saw on my drive. In Bangalore, I don’t get the tomatoes I want, so I’m growing my own tomatoes and basil in a farm at the edge of Bangalore. If you were to blindfold yourself and take a bite from the tomatoes, they’d taste like dessert.

AK: How would you describe yourself in the third person?

AM: As a third person, “He’s a liar. Not everybody understands his jokes. It’s a very Italian thing, to joke sarcastically.

He’s very hot tempered but very generous and supporting. If you need him he’s there.”

AK: If you had to change one thing about Indians, what would it be?

AM: The curiosity. People are very curious to know your private life. They ask me ten times a day if I’m married or not, how many kids I have…

AK: If you could take back one thing from India to Italy, what would it be?

AM: (After struggling with it for sometime, he is suddenly greeted with a moment of clarity) I would take the variety back home. 

Hot Streets 21

Friday, April 25, 2014

Hot. Red Hot.

Love Advice from Acaricia May Dear Acaricia May, I am a 23-year-old woman from a traditional family in love with a 27-year-old man from a family that has a more free-spirited view of life. I think maybe that’s one of the things that attracted me to him. He’s really fun-loving, is willing to try anything and loves to turn life into some kind of adventure. He (I’ll call him Simon) always makes me laugh.

We do things like hang out at the beach and go to parties. Sometimes we stay out late together. Considering what we’ve been through together in the love department, I’d say at this point we probably could have written our own version of the Kama Sutra or something. Let’s just put it this way. Our relationship is hot. Red hot. I love him so much I don’t know what to say. I think about him all the time, and literally count the minutes before we’ll see each other again whenever we’re apart. Now here’s the problem. My family thinks Simon’s a good-for-nothing jerk. They think

he’s a terrible influence on me, and that he’s corrupting me to the core.

Fortunately, I can always point to his accomplishments and standing in the professional and academic communities, which is very high.

Simon’s a high achiever (chemical engineer) and everyone – from professors

to bosses to anyone else who comes in contact with him – thinks he’s great, just like I do. Two weeks ago, Simon asked me to marry him. He said he wants to elope, and forget about asking for my parents’ blessing, since we already know the answer. I decided I couldn’t do that, and I told my parents about the proposal and that I want to marry Simon. My mum’s response: “It’s him or us. You choose.”

I’m sick about this. Just sick. What do you think I should do, Acaricia?

Signed, Gloria in Panjim

Dear Gloria, You sound like you found yourself a winner. A smart, high achieving young man who also happens to be a whole lot of fun. Sounds like a recipe for a strong relationship. Congratulations! Now for the hard part. Dealing with your folks. Here’s what I might say, if I were you. “Mum, Dad, you know how much I love you. You know that I would go to great lengths to avoid hurting you, and protecting your feelings is very important to me. But my own life and happiness are also important. I want my relationship with you to be based on love and mutual understanding. If you make me choose between you and Simon, I cannot guarantee I will choose you, because from him I am getting laughter and love, and from you I am getting bitterness and ultimatums. But you have raised me to have a big heart, and I know that what you’ve said and done is because you love me and want what’s best for me. In time, I know you will come to love Simon just like I do. Please give us a chance.”

Gloria, the paths we choose in life are not necessarily “right” or “wrong”. They just lead to different places. Follow your If you have questions about sex, relationships or heart, kiddo. It will guide you any other matter relating well. And good luck! to the heart, please Love, write to Acaricia May at Acaricia May acaricia@goastreets.com

Images from the April 14, 2014 celebration in Panjim of the North Indian Festival of Vaisakhi, marking the establishment of the Khalsa, the collective body of initiated Sikhs

22 Wheels on Streets

Volkswagen introduces Vento Preferred edition

V

olkswagen has launched a limited edition of the Vento labeled as the Vento Preferred edition. The new edition is based on the Vento diesel Comfortline and comes with a number of accessories which make the sedan an attractive buy.

The Vento Preferred edition is equipped with Side Door Protectors, Sun Visors, sporty Alloy Wheels, Chrome Bars and a sporty Spoiler to boot on the outside. A Reverse Camera with Navigation System and Doorstep Garnish jazz up the inside. The Vento Preferred edition is priced at Rs. 10.74 lakhs ex-showroom.

The Vento is available with a choice of Petrol & diesel engine options. The limited edition is available on the diesel engine option only and is powered by a 1.6 TDI engine which develops max power of 105 Ps (77ks) @ 4400 and Max torque of 250 Nm @ 1500 – 2500 rpm.

For more details on finance and prices contact your nearest Volkswagen dealer in Goa.

Honda launches Amaze anniversary edition

H

onda Cars India Ltd introduced the ‘Anniversary edition’ of its family sedan Honda Amaze to mark the 1st Anniversary of the car in the Indian Market.

The ‘Anniversary edition’ comes loaded with distinctive sporty features including front under-spoiler, side underspoiler, rear under-spoiler, trunk-spoiler along with door visors and exhaust pipe finisher. The interiors of the car have been further enhanced with premium upholstery and contrasting wooden finish panel on the dashboard. These value additions have not only added to the overall appeal of the car, but also created a unique combination of stunning features and styling.

The car will also have an ‘Anniversary edition’ emblem to highlight the special edition and will be available in ‘VX’ and ‘S’ variants in both Petrol and Diesel.

The ‘Anniversary edition’ of Honda Amaze will be available at a special price of Rs 71,861 over the price of the standard ‘VX’ and ‘S’ variants.

Audi India announces price increase

A

udi, the German luxury car manufacturer, announced an increase in prices by an average of 3 percent in India. The increase in price is effective from May 1, 2014. The price is increased to offset impact of rupee volatility.

Audi began the year with a momentous step – the introduction of the most powerful Audi model from its product range - Audi RS 7 Sportback.

The company will introduce the A3 Sedan in the second half 2014.

Buy your favourite Audi before the price hike if you want to save a few bucks.