L'Orange

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3 / 5
• Service: 3 / 5
• Decor: 3 / 5

-By Odette Mascarenhas

There was a story about two children who robbed an orange from a tree and were punished by their father who made them work in the orchard, thus increasing the harvest so that they could feast daily on the produce. Perhaps proprietors Asheen Lobo and Joe Dias did feast on the first orange because their labour has definitely created an experience where one can feast daily. L'Orange - the very name speaks volumes...they have used bright hues, a golden glow and the ambience is vibrant. L'Orange in the heart of Candolim is a foot tapping, spirited endeavour of the duo. A small cosy restaurant with waiters dressed in funky, trendy uniforms. Joe's mixes in the bar with the honky-tonk names like Lady Monroe or Desperate housewives...sure to add to your spirits escalating with every sip you take. While Asheen? His domain is the kitchen. Goan and Grills. Perhaps the oranges go into the preparations too...but the creations are mystical. His mother's recipe of the Roast Pigling Jirem Mirem is a must, finger licking good spiced as is the Crab Xacuttii. As for the seafood sizzling on the grill - they have the fisherman's catch of the day (snapper, prawns, calamari, pomfret). A choice of the Mai Thai fish or perhaps the Beef Tenderloin… Another treat is the warm peaches flavoured with orange liqueur and cinnamon served with vanilla Ice cream...maybe keeping in with the theme of the restaurant. And the music - Jazz and Blues, Salsa and rock, as well as a 'retro' evening, great entertainment. L'orange offers a chilled out experience a great balance of good traditional food, spirits and music. Savour the warm, casual ambience, form a circle with friends, sing out loud… Feel young again.