Goa
is home to a few iconic business establishments spread across the state –
restaurants, pubs and watering holes that have, over the years, earned synonymy
with Goa. These establishments have been incepted out of passion, love for food
and a desire to live Goa whilst living in Goa. However, every year, as the rains
approach, some of these down the shutters and the respective men (and women)
who run the show, head to their respective countries or just take to other
commitments that keep them busy during the monsoons. But for many others who
choose to keep their businesses open and cash in on what can be called the
‘monsoon tourist season’, this is an equally busy time.
It’s
been a couple of years since Goa established the fact that there truly is no
off-season during the monsoons. Yes, a few places do slip into hibernation
around this time of the year, but many others continue their business
operations to cash in on the tourists who just can’t seem to have enough of
Goa, and the locals who don’t need a reason to party! This has given the
required confidence to those seeking a share in the pie of Goa’s nightlife to
start new ventures before or during the rains. A few years ago, Cohiba proved
to be an exception to what was considered to be a rule then, by starting
operations in a rainy September, and there has been no looking back. A few
weeks ago, located a few hundred metres away from Cohiba and in close proximity
to SinQ, Showbar followed suit by recently starting operations and has already
taken Goa’s nightlife by storm.
Every
year, the monsoons bring with them a wave of freshness, painting the state in
varied hues of green. You won’t have the Thalassas and the Sakanas open, but
for those seeking to spend an enjoyable time here, there are tons of other
options to choose from. The Banyan, a new Pan Asian restaurant in Assagao, best
known for its Baos and Dim Sums will be more than glad to serve you. For those
having pangs of Mughlai or Hyderabadi cuisine, Saligao Stories is a place that
should be on your list. Even in the southern part of the state, there have been
more frequent and exciting developments. Some names on this list include Ignia,
next to Uddear Springs neighbouring Soul Soufflé, that has managed to get
the right kind of attention with their food and drinks. Goodfellas, an Italian
restaurant in Benaulim, could be your only place in the vicinity for authentic
Italian cuisine. Soul Soufflé too has been constantly changing things on the menu and on
the entertainment front too, they offer a fresh experience.
The
pleasant change has come about as a result of ‘realisation’. The tourist has
realised that there’s much more to Goa than just the sun and sand. The
businesses in Goa, too, have realised that the locals also form a major part of
the clientele, apart from the domestic and international tourists. A lot more
restaurants and pubs are willing to stay open in the monsoons to cater to the
Goan clientele. The locals always knew that Goa is great during the monsoons,
but now, the domestic tourists from Mumbai, Delhi and other metros have also
realised that monsoons are a great time to make the most of special hotel rates
and monsoon special menus across different restaurants in Goa. Whatever the
reason, everyone can have a good time in Goa, 365 days a year.
