Pastry Cottage

Critic´s Review

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

-By Odette Mascarenhas

Its buzzing, it’s alive. In fact, this little confectionery is so crowded that one has to wait in turn to be served. Savouries and desserts create cravings of hunger in the old and the young alike. Mothers with young children drop in to give their hungry youg ‘uns’ a treat, working people drop in to pick up a mini meal, older people wait their turn to try out some forbidden treats. So what is on offer? Gauri Karkal has created a niche in savoury and confectionery delights with traditional as well as ‘tweaked traditionals’ to create this culinary fervour for the office goers and children alike. Walk into the little parlour as the spider said to the fly and you will be hooked. Like the little shop, the display cabinets seem to be overflowing with goodies. Which one should you try? Savour the Pan Rolls filled with chicken in white sauce, or the traditional Spring Roll (chicken or vegetable). The croissants are stuffed to capacity with a spiced chilli chicken. Opt for a Mini Meal, a Fried Rice or a Biryani. Easy take away packagings for those working in the hub of Panjim. The display counters are full with creamy fillings, chocolate toppings, cakes and pastries. Among the pastries the new bestsellers are the Mango Mascarpone and the Chocolate Hazelnut. The old traditional Chocolate Truffle Cake still rules. Goan sweets, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, breads - it seems a one stop shop for everything. Party orders for cakes, the fresh cream, the fruity variety or even a fancy one - they have it all. Remember that you just need to walk into that parlour.