Martin's Corner

Critic´s Review

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

-By Odette Mascarenhas

Even the international media has found its way to this sleepy backyard in Betalbatim. Not so sleepy anymore, thanks to the singlehanded efforts of one woman - Carafina Pereira. Her passion for cooking has made the restaurant the most sought-after eatery. Sitting in the warm and cosy restaurant, red checked tablecloth on the table, one gets to see photographs of celebs who have patronized the place. After her husband's retirement, Carafina set up two small tables outside the house, which also served as a grocery store, and served Sorpotel, Prawn Curry/Rice and Pork Chops to the staff of a five-star hotel in the vicinity. Her reputation grew, and so did her preparations. The grocery corner became a restaurant and was named after her late husband Martin. At this eatery you may try the Masala Fried Mussels: the secret lies in its marination. There is no fixed measurement of the spice used - just a quick flick of the fingers and the quantity is measured and standardised. Crab Masala Fry, Pork Vindaloo, Pomfret Caldin, Kingfish Balchao accompanied by the Goan rice - don't forget to mix it with the dry bombil pickle, the Kharachao, the home-made mango or the lime pickle. Carafina even makes those pickles which used to be served in most establishments in the past, besides her own toddy vinegar, which is a must in every Goan preparation. Jaggery and coconut crêpes are served for dessert. Not the flimsy pancakes that one sees tossed in a pan, but one that Grandma used to serve for tea on a rainy day. The Page 1 and Page 3 personalities who have visited it keep on returning. Sachin Tendulkar has a crab preparation named after him. The mistress of spice has created an institution for lovers of home-cooked Goan food.