Goa doesn’t really need to ‘declare’ its season open; it’s a given that things will be
‘happening’ around this time of the year. After all, it’s all about the good
life. Having put the past few dull seasons behind it, the downpour of
‘season-opening parties’ held by business establishments across the state this
weekend, ring in good news for the state’s tourism and its direct beneficiaries
– the hospitality and nightlife industry.
Starting with the capital city, Goa Marriott Resort and Spa has
tweaked quite a few things. Simply Grills, the property’s specialty fine dining
restaurant, is seasonal as the stormy rains pose a hindrance to host guests
during the monsoons. Hence it remains shut from June till October. It is
November now and the restaurant recently had its season opening party for
selected guests. On the menu front, the chef has introduced some new marinades
and added a few more vegetarian options for the herbivores. The other in-house
restaurant of the property, Wan Hao, has had a complete makeover and now offers
an al fresco dining experience, set up against an intimate atmosphere of the
old world charm and serving Chef Ram Kumar Rana’s renowned culinary offerings.
Moving towards the north, there’s a brand new grillhouse and bar
– The Lazy Goose by Chef Rohan D’Souza that is having its grand opening party
today for its invited guests. Situated below the Nerul bridge, The Lazy Goose
promises to serve great local seafood, and meat cuts sourced from farms, served
in the most sustainable way. You can, of course, wash it all down with the
seasonal produce-driven cocktails, among other wines and spirits. A few
kilometres away, Tamarin, located on the busy Calangute-Candolim road, has now
moved to the Literati bookstore grounds in a by-lane nearby. Now known as
Gusto, the delightful garden café offers a Mediterranean and Kashmiri menu, the
specialities of the couple who own it – Jennifer and Bilal Dar.
Further north, in Baga, the Tito’s lane has finally witnessed
what was being considered the most awaited phenomenon this season. Cape Town
Café recently held its opening party, giving the creatures of the night a
glimpse of its brand new avatar after being shut for renovation for a few
months. The nightclub has been given a complete facelift – the makers have
taken cues from a lot of European-styled clubs. A lot has changed on the music
front as there will be new theme nights, like Techno nights on Sundays, and
Social Butterfly on Fridays, etc. The menu has also gone a makeover and Cape
Town Café will now be open from 11 am onwards.
Things
in the south have been buzzing too, courtesy a few players who have brought to
life the nightlife in this part of the world in the past few months. The
Southern Deck in Benaulim was undoubtedly at the forefront in bringing about
this pleasant change. After a good last season, the property was shut for the monsoons
and has now opened with a slight makeover. The season opening party last
Saturday, curated by Strobe Nightlife, made the not-so-subtle changes visible –
There’s an extended lawn area, warm ambient lighting, heat temperature control
and mist fans. For those who don’t wish to get their feet sandy, the property
now offers pick up and drop with its 4X4 vehicles. The place has a new VIP
lounge, live food counters and a fantastic F & B menu. What hasn’t changed,
however, is the same good vibe!
