Cafe de Goa

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3 / 5
• Service: 3 / 5
• Decor: 2.5 / 5

-By Odette Mascarenhas

For a chilled relaxing experience

There is a place, which has a steeple, Come Sunday Brunch, it is full of people. It's the start of a rhyme.

In s sleepy 'nook' in Calangute...surprised? Yes amidst the Orchid Villas en route to Mapusa there is a red tower which resembles a steeple and on Sunday's it is packed to capacity as Emily Pereira has a reasonably priced brunch going for just Rs 450/-. So how does the rest of the week go? We decided to find out.

Decor 2.5

Cool, cozy and casual, that's their mantra. And to the three 'C's let me add another one too 'comfortable'. Emily wants to make Cafe de Goa 'at your own pace'. Relaxing cane chairs, small reading library, games for children which invariably compels the 'grown ups' to participate in, and a refrigerated cabinet stocking 'goodies' that are a feast to the eye. an 'oasis' to unwind in the monsoons.

Food 3

The menu is limited when it comes to heavy meals; but one can definitely expect a few of Emily' specials. They pop up on the 'blackboard' that showcases the specials. For 'bits and bites' this is the place. On the menu (it is inserted into magazine write-ups' on her place) Emily has a few 'on show' stoppers that will make you want to order them again and again. If you are in for a quick bite, Quiche Lorraine (bacon, spring onion, cheddar cheese), followed by the 'Emily's special-the all time favorite chocolate and salted caramel swirl brownie.

If however rumblings that herald 'pangs of hunger' start creeping in, look out for the Caf' de Goa platter. Now this dish is a 'mini' buffet. Emily who has learned her culinary skills in Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom has an assortment of 'goodies' which will titillate the taste buds with its 'different' flavors. Classical preparations like the German meat ball and the German potato salad. Spread tuna and Olive paste or the parsley garlic butter on the bread rolls offered as an accompaniment. Nibble on a black olive as you 'bite' into the chicken or the fish cutlets presented before you. But wait...take a moment to smear a little mango mustard or pesto on it before you take that bite. The two salads...the fruit vitalizer (watermelon, feta cheese, walnuts and basil) and the rocket salad are Emily's own creation. A 'unique' and tasty combo indeed!

There is a vegetarian combo too, or a choice of sandwiches or salads. Try the bagel with smoked salmon, sour cream, lettuce, onion, caper and cucumber is one such composition, or the Classic German potato salad (gherkins, onions, eggs with meatballs and mustard in a mayo yoghurt sauce... unique and special.

Plus and Minus

Emily's little 'nook' has a variety of 'niche' delicacies that one will not find in Goa during the monsoons. French Macaroons, Blue berry filled muffins, Gelatos, Sorbets. However, many 'local' taste buds unfamiliar with the taste of 'bagel' or the strong kodai coffee used in her Affagatto with vanilla ice cream (I must confess that once the flavor settles, the normal brew that one has will seem pale in comparison). On the 'flip' side an 'innovation' of local favorites like the 'poie' Emily tried it without the toddy, will not please the palate of those who know what the 'traditional' poie should taste like. She needs to keep those preparations as they are.

It is also not a place to be marketed for the 'great Indian family' tamasha. Her brunch on Sundays are a 'gourmets' delight. Don't expect the curry/rice fillers; they are light with 'theme' trappings interwoven in its menu- Spanish, Arabic. every Sunday a different delight. Moreover lack of space would prove a deterrent for big family outings.

There is a special discount of 30% after 4 pm, and a 10% discount on take away. There is a place which has a steeple, come Sunday Brunch, it is full of people. And to complete the rhyme one might add. where gourmets are fed, a book to be read, with delights like this nothing more needs to be said."