It’s not just the regular patrons, who have been talking
about how she has reinvigorated the brand that, but tourists and locals
visiting from all over too share the same viewpoint. The brand in question is Chef Fernando’s
Nostalgia, and the person garnering the praise: Runa Aggarwal, the niece of
Margarida De Noronha Távora e Costa, and the granddaughter of Augusto de
Noronha e Tavora.
“I’ve always been stationed out of Goa. Moving back gives me
the chance to live and experience work life here and be a part of what Chef
Fernando – my late uncle – had been passionate about and brilliant at,” says
Runa, who recently moved to Goa from Hyderabad.
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Runa has fond memories of Nostalgia that was set up by the
late Chef Fernando Da Costa, “to preserve a little corner of Goa”. She is also
inspired by the philosophy of Margarida who has done wonders in keeping the
legacy of the Raia based restaurant
alive.
“For me, it is about making each guest who comes through our
archway experience Goa, both on and off a plate. In fact, our new menu for the
season has exactly that as a listed item – ‘Goa on a plate’!” explains Runa.
She emphasises that Nostalgia has always been about Goa and
her food and also celebrating every facet of Goan life, whether work, sport or
tradition. For instance, in her
experience, she has had the pleasure of interacting with Goans residing in other parts of the world and
India who come back for a taste of Goa as it was, for dishes eaten only at
their grandmother’s table; items like Salted Ox Tongue, Suckling Cabidela or a
Bolo Sans Rival (cashew nut cake layered with an almond butter icing) or even
the humble Alle Belle (crepes with a traditional filling, usually eaten as a
tea time snack); or simply for a touch of Nostalgia! “They take back memories
to last them until their next trip here,” muses Runa.
The aptly named restaurant does take you down memory lane.
Be it the Mario Miranda original mural on its walls, the collection of old
kunnems (pots), a traditional sanna steamer and the garrafaos and buillaos used
to store vinegar and feni or the traditional clay pots the food is served in,
everything reflects the life of yore. Runa points out that they want to ensure
that Nostalgia’s ethos is unchanged for others to experience.
“We want someone to experience as much as they can in the
short time they are with us, at the same time, revelling in the ‘susegado’ of
Goa,” she says.
Unknown to many, Nostalgia’s extensive vegetarian menu has
been drawing in many domestic tourists who have temples dedicated to their
family deities in South Goa, Mangueshi among others, and who come to Nostalgia
for a meal after a visit. “Most people relate Goan cuisine to non-vegetarian
options, when in fact, that there is a rich heritage of the Saraswat Brahmin
cuisine here, which is delicious,” adds Runa.
Adding new zest, Runa has introduced live music 6 times a
week, bringing in reputed artistes from all over the country. “There is a
younger generation that is getting out more frequently during the week, looking
to combine food and entertainment. I would like to make Nostalgia relevant to
them as well, by providing great evening entertainment with a superlative food
experience,” says Runa, while talking about how Nostalgia has enhanced the
dining experience.
For South Goans, Nostalgia has enhanced the dining
experience in their own background and
Runa feels that this is an alternative for those who travel all the way
to the north for good music and entertainment.
While they make it a point to celebrate eclectic events like
World Whiskey Day, Nostalgia has been known to soak up the football spirit.
They are currently running with FUTEBOL FEVER – ISL 2015, where they have Happy
Hours with different offers till the finals. However, the biggest take away are
the two Nostalgia cars – the Yellow and Green Maruti Zen and Brazilian flag
painted Maruti Omni. “I am often recognised as belonging to Nostalgia because
someone has recognised the humble little car!,” concludes Runa on a lighter
note.
