Eat & Stay Goa - JANUARY 2023 ISSUE

Editorial

Hi friends,

Welcome to this month's issue of Eat&Stay Goa. This month, on the cover, we have featured Mynt, an All-Day Dining restaurant located at Vivanta Goa in Miramar. With its comfortable plush seating, well-spaced out, and a pleasing ambience, Mynt- All-Day Dining is the perfect spot for a quiet meal, family celebration or even a business lunch. Check out the article to know more about the fabulous food offered at the restaurant.

Our inside pages feature stories on Backstreet Bites, a food truck in Anjuna run by 55 year-old Manda Naik, and on ‘Cake-A-Licious’, a Panjimbased home bakery that specialises in customised cakes and confectioneries.

A recipe write-up on how to prepare Ragi Banana Chocolate Pancakes by Mumbai-based nutritionist and home chef Greta Fernandes also features in this month's issue of our e-magazine.

The month of February is just around the corner and it promises to bring along with it a host of exciting festivities and events. The famous Goa Carnival will be held this year from February 18th to February 22nd. The four-day carnival will begin with a carnival parade in the capital city Panaji.

From Panaji, the carnival will make its way to Margao on the 19th, Vasco on the 20th and Mapusa on the 21st. The carnival promises to attract thousands of revellers who will throng the streets to welcome King Momo and his entourage of dancers, clowns and musicians.

Also, the Goa Saraswat Samaj will be organising the Saraswat Food and Cultural Festival from the 10th to the 12th of February at the BPS Sports Club grounds in Margao. The event will give Goans the opportunity to taste traditional Goan Saraswat food and will also provide Saraswat members with a platform to exhibit their skills in various cultural activities. Meritorious students from the Saraswat family in the past three years will also be felicitated at the event on February 12.

The Marriott group is all set to open its first JW Marriott property in Goa next month. The hotel, which is located on the coast of Vagator, is just a few minutes from the historic Chapora Fort and Chapora and Vagator beaches.

The property, which boasts 151 luxurious rooms and suites, offers guests lovely views of Goa's lush tropical greens. At the hotel, guests can enjoy quality time in the JW family entertainment centre with virtual reality games, a bowling alley and a children's play area. They can also spend time in the outdoor swimming pool or treat themselves to some holistic massage treatments at Spa by JW. Guests can also enjoy some delicious food and drinks at any one of the four restaurants on-site.

I hope you enjoy reading this month’s issue of our e-magazine. Do share it with your friends all across the world.

Until next month, cheers!

Jessyl Fernandez Editor

Editorial Team

Light’ By Paresh Maity

Introduction

Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals - the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blogbased website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine – a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc.

Chief Editor Jessyl Fernandez

Content Manager Steve Antao

Content curators: Prataya Sarkar Greta Fernandes

Sales & Marketing Donald Fernandez

Graphics & Layout Shankar Kamble

Social

Tucked away, just a little off Miramar Beach, ensconced in a green neighbourhood, lies Mynt, the All-day Dining at Vivanta Goa, Miramar. Step out of the elevator, on to the 1st floor and you’re transported to an achingly cool oasis. Casual, but chic, with its appealing décor in pastel hues, this place is strongly reminiscent of the seaside and an inviting ambience, putting you at ease. The relaxed vibe, as you settle into a comfortable chair, permeates your being.

With comfortable plush seating, well-spaced out, affording enough privacy, and yet, an intimate space, in which to share a meal and conversation amidst the buzz, this 60-cover all-day diner, proves to be the perfect spot for a quiet meal, family celebration or even a business lunch.

The elegant, but understated contemporary décor gets accentuated by the abundant natural light which generously filters in through the multiple windows and is offset by the wooden tables and chairs.

The unobstructed view of swaying palms and tree-lined boulevards, from the window-facing tables, which are absolutely coveted, is calming and idyllic. Come evening and the metal accent lighting transforms the place, exuding a warm amber glow, creating a cosy atmosphere, apt for sipping the handcrafted cocktails.

A convivial, all-day dining venue featuring global dishes, timeless classics, comfort food and local favourites. The menu at Mynt, is exhaustive enough to offer something for every palate, across age-groups.

Begin your day with a freshly prepared Continental or Indian a la carte breakfast - Eggs cooked to order, Upma, Poori Bhaji, Ros Omelette, whatever tickles your taste buds, as each dish is nourishing and wholesome. Pair these with fresh juices or hot beverages and you’re good to seize the day.

At lunch or dinner, start your Mynt experience with the Almond and Broccoli Soup and allow its mellow flavours to invade your taste buds. Indulge in hearty Indian starters like Ajwaini Fish

Tikka or Tandoor Malai Jhinga grilled to perfection or perhaps relish the finger-licking Filled Crab Shells, a la Goa.

For mains, there are a plethora of options, across cuisines - Global, Indian, Pan Asian. Nile Perch Steak, Nasi Goreng, Spaghetti Carbonara, with their subtle but pronounced flavours and myriad textures, will appease your palate. One can also opt for robust Indian favourites like Dal Makhni, Gosht Rogan Josh and pair these with freshly made Indian breads or rice. And if local Goan delicacies are what you’re after, look no further. From a Traditional Goan fish Curry to a Bhindi Sola and a White Pumpkin Caldine to a crab preparation, you can savour them all here. The Vegetarian selection abounds in all sections of this menu.

There are Comfort food options galore too and one can settle for a Hawaiian Chicken Pizza or a Chicken Kathi Roll or perhaps a Keema Pav.

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Beetroot Peanut Tikki

Finish off your meal with a Caramel Custard, Moong Dal, Halwa or even a Dark Chocolate Mousse, from the wide array of desserts. The portion sizes are generous, artistically presented and value-for-money, all the way.

The warm, alert and unobtrusive service, allows you to enjoy your dining experience without having to worry about catching the eye of the waiting staff and yet, lingering over a meal undisturbed, if you wish.

No matter what time of the day you decide to visit Mynt, there is something for you to enjoy – a light bite, unwind with a coffee or gorge on an all-out gourmet feast.

Designed to deliver an atmosphere that complements and elevates the culinary experience at Vivanta Goa, Miramar, Mynt,

View of the dining area at Mynt

Cactus Juice

View of the lounge at Mynt

e

Interview

Chef Narasinh Kamath

In a brief conversation with ItsGoa, Chef Narasinh Kamath, Executive Chef, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji, shares insights about his journey in the world of hospitality, his favourite Goan dishes, his culinary idols, and lots more...

Article

by:

ItsGoa Team Images by: DoubleTree

by

Hilton Goa Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Chef Narasinh Kamath serves as the Executive Chef at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji. He joined the hotel in November last year, bringing along with him over a decade of experience working in the kitchens of some of the top-rated hotel properties across the country. Chef Kamath has a penchant for perfection and credits his innate ability of team involvement as the recipe for success.

In a brief chat with ItsGoa, Chef Narasinh shared insights into his life, his journey in the world of hospitality, his favourite Goan dishes and lots more...

Excerpts

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. While my ancestral roots are from Mangalore, I was born and brought up in Mumbai. I went on to complete my BSc H&HA from IHM Hyderabad.

2. What was your childhood ambition?

As a kid, I was drawn toward music and art and was ambitious to become an artist or a musician.

3. What inspired you to take up culinary arts as a full-time career?

I was lucky to grow up in a culture-rich cosmopolitan city and along the way crossed paths with people of varied cultures and states. My curiosity was piqued by their cuisine, which grew into a passion over the years and that’s how I picked a career in the culinary arts.

4. How did your interest in cooking begin?

I used to enjoy watching cookery shows on television in the late 90s and started cooking at a young age as my mother had a full-time job. I found it delightful to lend my mother a helping hand in preparing dinner when she got back from a long day at work.

5. Take us through the journey of your professional career after you completed your higher studies.

I completed my degree in the year 2004 post which I joined Hyatt Regency Mumbai as a Commis Chef and then grew up the ranks to Chef de partie. I got an opportunity to work for Michelin Star Chef

couple of years. After this, I joined Grand Hyatt Goa and then Hyatt Centric Goa followed by a short stint at Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi.

6. Name a few Goan dishes which are your personal favourites.

Website: www.itsgoa.com

Chef Narasinh with his team at Feliz, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa

Crab Xec Xec at Feliz, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji

Chicken Xacutti at Feliz, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji

7. Name a few dishes offered at Feliz which are very popular with diners. Prawn Ghee Roast, Appams with Chicken Stew, Crab Xec Xec, Lobster Rechado and Elaneer Payasam are a few dishes which are always appreciated by our guests.

8. Did you face any challenges during the course of your career as a chef? It was challenging for me to choose the cuisine I want to excel in during the initial days of my career as a chef. Under the guidance of my senior chefs, I was finally able to decide what I wanted to specialize in.

9. Could you name a few celebrity chefs to whom you look up to for inspiration and consider as your role models?

The list is endless but to name a few Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Chef Rakesh Sethi, Chef Vikas Khanna, Chef Vicky Ratnani, Chef Atul Kochhar, Chef Ranveer Brar, Chef Marco Pierre White, Chef Raymond Blanc, Chef Heston Blumenthal, Chef Alain Ducasse…..

10. Finally, what thought would you like to leave our readers with? Food is probably the only universal thing that has

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Prawn Ghee Roast at Feliz, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji

Tisrayanche Pilaf at Feliz, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji

home bakery

Cake-A-Licious

Founded by Samantha Pereira in 2015, Cake-A-Licious is a home bakery that specialises in customised cakes and other confectioneries

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Article by: Steve Antao

Images by: Samantha Pereira

Samantha Pereira is a young entrepreneur from Panjim. Her love for baking a few years ago led her to start Cake-A-Licious, a home bakery based at St-Inez in Panjim. Cake-A-Licious offerings include a wide range of customized cakes (2D as well as 3D), chocolate fudge brownies, mousse bowls, cake pops, as well as corporate orders/ hampers as per the client's budget. “At Cake-A-Licious, my aim is to make your occasions memorable through my delectable custom-made cakes, which is a great way to celebrate that someone special!” says Samantha.

Professional Profile Samantha is a geologist by profession. She holds a Master’s degree in Earth Science from Goa University as well as an MBA from Goa Institute of Management. She is associated full-time with one of the top mining firms in Goa. Along with being a part time-cake artist, she has also dabbled in Konkani cinema, bagging cameo roles in two movies, along with modelling deals for couture brands.

What Inspired Her To Start Cake-A-Licious? Samantha's journey in the field of baking started off initially as a hobby when she began trying out different recipes, baking cookies, and cupcakes. “The first product that I vividly remember baking was chocolate-mint cookies, which I distributed among my family, friends, and neighbours,'' says Samantha. “The feedback I received from them regarding my cookies was extremely encouraging. This motivated me to continue making and selling these amazing cookies,” she says.

The next item that Samantha tried baking was a cake for her birthday - it was a rich chocolate cake loaded with strawberries and since then, there has been no looking back for her. “I baked a couple of free cakes for many of my friends and family's birthdays and that is how I practiced and gained confidence. Gradually, through word of mouth I started getting my orders.”, she says.

Samantha continued to receive great feedback from a lot of people who tried her products. Many of them kept suggesting that she should go commercial and that’s how ‘Cake-A-Licious’ was born.

Being a ‘one-woman army,’ Samantha does not provide delivery of her orders. Hence, all her clients from near and far pick up their orders from her place in Panjim.

Samantha’s USP Samantha’s signature at ‘Cake-A-Licious’ is her 3-D cakes which are a one-of-a-kind offering in Goa. These cakes bring the design requirement to life in 3-D view and that too all in cake! Samantha provides ample flexibility to her clients to mix and match ideas, reference images, etc. “In short, a completely customizable cake from scratch,” she says.

Samantha's forte does not include just customized cakes for weddings, birthdays, and other occasions, but also exquisite festival/special occasion hampers. She receives orders for cakes and other confectionery products, not only from people within Goa but also from people living in other parts of India and abroad. This is a testimony to the consistent quality of her products. Every product of hers is made utilizing the choicest quality raw materials and her secret ingredient “love,” to make your cake exquisite and delicious.

Cake depicting the generations for a 90th birthday celebration

competitions in Goa and has won many prizes for her work. Some of the feathers in her cap of achievements include:

-2nd place at the Cake Bake Fest powered by Goa Times, Universal Alliance Group, and Monginis in 2013 -2nd place at the Sweet Treat contest powered by Zomato, Monginis, IFB, and Lakme in 2019. -Recognised as the “Best Outstanding Entrepreneur” by the eminent GoWomania platform spearheaded by Mrs. Siya Shaikh in 2020

Challenges Faced “Every venture has its ups and downs, but each situation always has a lesson to be learned,” says Samantha. Market saturation due to an increase in the number of home bakers and cartelization of prices are among the few challenges Samantha faces while running Cake-A-Licious. Also, customers who haggle had initially been a challenge for her since she was still trying to make her place in a market that was oversaturated. However, with time, she understood that her time and expertise are what makes her home-bakery unique. This led her to cater to high-end clients only.

Her Support System

Samantha says that she would definitely credit the success of her enterprise to herself first since it definitely wasn’t easy to push through the crowd. Also managing two job profiles wasn’t an easy task and required strong multi-tasking skills. Nonetheless, her family as well as a few of her close friends have been of constant support to her. But most importantly, even to this day, if there’s one trusted business partner who has helped her with managing her Christmas orders, it is her mother – Maria. “She makes many things easier for me, be it with the preparation or dispatches. She is of immense help always,” she says.

Her Message

Samantha says that if you believe in yourself, then nothing can stop you. “There will be challenges all throughout the journey. There may be times when it gets too much and you want to give up, but you have to keep yourself motivated, take breaks to rejuvenate, hustle and work hard, and the results will show up. Keep learning and keep growing!,” she says.

To place orders for cakes and other confectioneries with Cakelicious, contact Samantha on:

WhatsApp: +91 96734 43087

Facebook: facebook.com/pg/sam7antha/about/ Instagram: instagram.com/cake_a_licious_stinez

Samantha with the prize she received for winning 2nd place at the Sweet Treat contest in 2019

IHCL, GOA SHOWCASES ‘INFINITE LIGHT’ BY PARESH MAITY

‘Infinite Light’ - a multi-genre exhibition of paintings, large-scale installations, sculpture, theatre and soundscape by renowned artist Mr. Paresh Maity recreated its magic in Goa on 21st January at Aguada Port & Jail Complex in Sinquerim.

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) brings to Goa ‘Infinite Light’ - India’s largest solo exhibition showcasing a body of work created over the last 40 years by renowned artist Mr. Paresh Maity. After a resounding success at its debut in Delhi, the travelling exhibition recreated its magic in the paradisiacal state of Goa on the evening of 21st January at Aguada Port & Jail Complex in Sinquerim.

IHCL has been home to the country’s largest collection of over four-thousand artworks by celebrated artists and over a hundred priceless masterworks. In keeping with IHCL’s dedication towards supporting local artists, the exhibition space is uniquely ordered to highlight not only the oil and watercolour paintings of the famed artist but also the monumental installations that Mr. Maity is recognised for.

The preview evening opened with many of Goa’s prominent and familiar faces, collectors, art connoisseurs and curators. The glittering celebration also witnessed the launch of the book named after the ongoing showcase - Infinite Light at the hands of Mr. Maity along with Chief Guest Mrs. Anju Timblo, Managing Director - Fomento Resorts & Hotels Ltd., Mr. Vincent Ramos, Senior Vice President – Goa and other dignitaries.

Guests were given a special walkthrough by the artist himself. The highlight of the artwork displayed at the exhibition space is the tribute

Painting by Paresh Maity (L-R) Jayashri Burman and Aarti Valaya

(L-R) Naresh Kumar, Sheetal Pai Kane, Pradeep Mansukhani and Sunil Pai Kane

paid by the artist to the spiritual ghats of Benaras, which have had a large impact on many of his artworks over the years. The artist’s ode to Benaras was accentuated by a specially curated fashion show, on the theme of Benaras presented by ace designer, Chhaya Mehrotra a response to the installation ‘Time Pas’ at dusk amidst the breathtaking sunset view of the waterfront.

The artists’ single edition ceramics section, being showcased for the first time at Infinite Light, has been a major crowd-puller during the Delhi, Mumbai and almost concluded Kolkata chapters. Maity’s Mystic Abode, sculpted with 8,000 brass bells coated in metallic paint, will also be on display. Infinite Light’s Goa Chapter spans a period of almost 40 days, up to the end of February 2023.

Fashion show presented by Designer Chhaya Mehrotra on the theme of Benaras

(L-R) Subodh Kerkar in conversation with Anju Timblo, Paresh Maity and Ashtad Poonawala Paresh

BACKSTrEET BITES

Article by: Prataya Sarkar Images by: Backstreet Bites

Backstreet Bites is a food truck located at Dmello Vaddo in the heart of Anjuna village. The food truck, which started operations in 2021, offers authentic Goan light bites like Prawn rissois, and snacks like burgers and wraps.

At the helm of affairs of Backstreet Bites is 55 years ‘young’ Manda Naik. She runs the food truck along with other members of her family. For many years, Manda always dreamt of starting her own food truck. She has been catering from home for the past 20 years and now overlooks the food truck operations at the back end. Her family has been in the culinary and hospitality industry for many years. During the pandemic, they found a way to keep themselves busy by catering from home; subsequently, the idea of starting a food truck emerged.

Backstreet Bites aims to become that one go-to destination for Goenkars and tourists coming into Goa from different corners of the world. Their rissois make them stand out from other food trucks. Their prawn rissois are prepared fresh and for vegetarians, they offer a mushroom variant as well.

A large number of people living in Anjuna and surrounding areas have always had a love affair with Backstreet Bites as it always existed as one of the favourite go-to food trucks in Anjuna and had a varying menu.

They changed the entire menu once they got their hands on it and are still one of the favourites in Anjuna. They plan on opening another outlet of their food truck at another location soon.

Ragi Banana Chocolate Pancakes

In this article, Mumbai-based home chef Greta Fernandes shares her unique recipe for preparing Ragi Banana Chocolate Pancakes Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa

Aticlby: Gta Fs re reernande

Images by: Greta Fernandes

Hello to all health enthusiasts out there!

We Goans are well-verse with ‘Nachni’ or ‘Ragi’ an we o use it quite extensively in our meals. Be it to make ‘Tizan’ or ‘Ragi Malt’, our househol s have known this superfoo for ages.

The goo news is that 2023 has been eclare as the ‘Int rnational Y ar of Mill ts’ by the Unite Nations. We shoul all be extremely elate to know that the proposal for eclaring this cause was spearhea e by In ia at the Unite Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In ia is a hub for millet. Our lan is known for its won erful wi esprea range of millets growing all over the country an we shoul take pri e in the fact that for centuries, the farmers in all our villages have

It is a ki -frien ly recipe an a perfect evening snack - Pancakes !!!

This preparation woul take approximately 15 minutes an you get 6-7 me ium-size pancakes.

RAGI BANANA CHOCOLATE PANCAKES

Ingr di nts :

• Ragi Flour- 1/2 cup

• Wheat Flour - 1/4 cup

• Cocoa Pow er- 1/4 cup

• 1 egg

• Baking Pow er - 1/2 tsp

• Baking o a - 1/4 tsp

• alt - a pinch

• Butter - 1..5 tbsp

• Pow ere Palm ugar / Pow ere Jaggery - 1/4

5. Cook on medium flame. Cook until bubbles form on top of the pancake and flip it carefully. Cook the other side for 2 minutes. Repeat the same for the remaining ragi pancake batter.

6. I like to experiment, so I sometimes combine fresh strawberries and walnuts, or even orange juice and dark chocolate in the pancake mix. The latter is a little acquired taste. But I love it!

So next time, do throw a millet pancake party to impress your guests. They will certainly be delighted with your hospitality and in turn, this gesture will also give them a healthy alternative to the normal refined flour and sugar pancakes.

About the Author : Greta Fernandes is a Mumbai-based nutritionist and home chef. She runs Deliciously URS, an online confectionery that specialises in sugar-free cakes and confectionaries. Deliciously URS provides pan India delivery of brownies, cookies, and tea cakes.

To place orders for cakes and other confections, contact Greta on WhatsApp at 8369880446 Website: https://deliciouslyurs.com/

Website: www.itsgoa.com I Instagram: @_itsgoa I Facebook: Itsgoa