For a long time, I resisted writing about the bandstand because I was part of it and I do not like talking about myself, and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing. The Bandstand started a few years ago and somehow never managed to be more than a once in a while event. Then last year, it was rechristened the ‘Original Bandstand’, supported by the lovers of the city. The first year was a disaster because of a combination of a lack of publicity and awareness and also people taking good things for granted and not realising its worth until it’s gone. To me, it was a revival of Panjim’s weekend social activities and a place for friends to get together and enjoy the beautiful space in the middle of the city, while enjoying the two things that you can’t go wrong with in Goa: food and spirit.
This year, we came back with bigger participation, good musical entertainment and great food. More people are aware, the variety of food is better and the mood in the Jardim Garcia de Orta is brilliant. Previously it was just me serving my barbecue baby back ribs, peri peri chicken, spicy crispy chicken wings and staying true to Goa and the club culture I grew up with and fondly remember, the pao com chorico, pork roast bread and my newest creation, the sausage and cheese rissois, were a must and having Nepali staff and not having momos on the menu is plain stupid.
Enough about me, this year, we had Chickenman and Pizza Mia join the bandstand family with their succulent rotisserie chicken which is literally finger-licking, and an American Style pizza served by the slice, respectively. Then we were joined by a couple of ladies who come along with their home made specialities like potato chops, beef samosas and other typically Goan snacks. Cafe Athena’s were the next arrivals serving sandwiches, their best being the Steak, Egg and Cheese in Poi, and a hot dog that is as tasty as it is messy. The latest addition is Antojitos with a food truck menu that will be on the food truck when our authorities in Panjim finally wrap their brains around the concept and how attractive it can be to both locals and tourists. He has a small menu with nachos, hot dogs, a hamburger that calls for the use of several leaves of tissue paper because of the oozing juices and cheese, and my favourite topping, bacon. He also has off-the-menu items of which the stand out is the rare chimichuri steak, with Jamaican rice and beans, that takes me flying back to my time on the cruise lines. The spirit is also typically Goan with Fenitos being the preferred thirst quencher. For the uninitiated, the Fenito is a Goan version of that chilled Cuban Mojito.
The music is great and the bandstand is a perfect place for upcoming artists to get exposure, for musicians to promote their music, mainstream musicians to bring out their stifled creativity by jamming up with like minds and just to have a good time. Come over to the Original Bandstand at the Jardim Garcia de Orta and satisfy you soul, your stomach and definitely your spirit
