Alfama

Critic´s Review

• Food: 4 / 5
• Service: 3.5 / 5
• Decor: 3 / 5

-By Odette Mascarenhas

Journey to a Bohemian area called 'Al Fama', where the fados originally belonged - the little cobbled streets and the voices singing the ballads. A replica of the original, right to the twinkling stars embedded in the ceiling overhead is not in Portugal but here in Goa. A journey is about to begin. One has the choice between the a la carte menu and the specially prepared menu. Take note of the Chicken Kafrial, spelled with a 'K'. After some studied research the Cafreal, was found to have its origin in Mozambique. The poetry on the menu - 'Dusk turns to blue, a lamp turns a cobble street golden' - perhaps one might think of the flickering candlelight that is orange-gold but the Kokum Gazpacho, the thick soup served in demi tasse cups, is poetic reference. The musical strain of the fado plays. A fadista glances yet sings, her serenade strums a fado. There is music five days a week, with a special Fado Night on the first Tuesday of the month. The music tempts the soul as you feast on Lobster Thermidor with paprika rice or perhaps the African Cayenne Pepper Chicken with the banana cinnamon rice or may be the Grilled Norwegian Salmon with shrimp rice; the palate perks up in joyous bliss. The word fado comes from the Latin word fatum (destiny/fate). Let fate play a hand in your choice of desserts - the Tali de Doces (thali of desserts). A tempting array of Cashew/Honey Cake, Bebinca with vanilla ice cream topped with orange flavoured sauce, or perchance a la carte? And when the journey is nearly at an end, and the chocolates arrive remember, one can never find a more apt destiny.