Cantare

Critic´s Review

• Buzz: 3 / 5
• Service: 0/5
• Decor: 3.5 / 5

-By Odette Mascarenhas

Cantare in Konkani means ‘song’….and yes, we have a song to sing when we visit the old wood panelled lounge situated in the by lanes of Saligao away from the madding crowd. Mr Marius Britto has converted an old double storey Goan mansion…antiques et al, to create a cosy niche for people to unwind and relax, perchance break into song after watching a football match on a six feet by six feet projection screen. Climb up a wooden staircase to old world charm. The menu holds an assortment of varied ‘finger food,’ although there is a choice of burgers and continental preparations - for the ravenously hungry. Nibble on the tortilla Chips with mango salsa, or the tomato and Basil Bruschetta. As the mood warms up, the kitchen turns out some hot Crispy Fried Calamari or Tempura Prawns. Dip the snack into the mayo and crunch on the starter between sips of your favourite spirit. If however you would want to linger on….the ambience does soak into your very fibre, then try out the walnut or Feta Cheese Salad or the BBQ Chicken. That Honey Glazed Chicken Breast in the BBQ sauce is saliva tempting. Besides the traditional burgers, the Rosemary Fish is a hot favourite. A simple grilled preparation flavoured with rosemary and accompanied with a potato medallion and blanched spinach - simple and very tasty. If you are there just to chill out after a heavy meal elsewhere, order a Thai style coffee or an espresso. Accompany that with a Chocolet Ganache or a Key Lime Pie. The chocolate and biscuit pudding or the lime flavoured creamy pie is just the ‘digestive’ for those with the after dinner ‘cafe’ habit. However, to pep up your spirits, a spirited ‘nightcap’ would be just what you would look for. And the spirits could even ignite a song.