A relatively quiet elite residential area with large parks, gardens, playgrounds and a cultural centre, the Dayanand Bandodkar Marg along the tree-lined avenue of the capital city has evolved into a bustling centre. From boutique hotels to multiplexes, supermarkets, spas, bookstores and offices, the cultural hype along the route is being redefined. Hooking on to this bandwagon, chic cafés and restaurants have been sprouting en-route, taking the dining experience to a whole new level.
This fact reflects in the observations of long-time resident and ex-Deputy Mayor of Panjim, Kabir Pinto Makhija. “Due to its convenient location and the fact that people are always looking for new dining experiences, a number of new restaurants have sprouted along this route. Today, customers are looking for a combination of great food, good service and ambience, right prices and a variety of cuisines when dining out, and with the numerous restaurants on D B Marg offering all of these, people are spoilt for choice,” he maintains.
Fisherman’s Wharf, which recently opened curtains in the heritage precincts of Campal, expresses a similar view. “We are looking at anybody who enjoys good cuisine matched with good hospitality and affordable rates,” avers owner Xavier Furtado. “We did not consciously choose this place, but wanted to be in Panjim; what better place than an old heritage house in a heritage area to do so. The vibes out here are totally different,” adds Xavier of his 200-cover boutique restaurant with its ‘Margarita’ bar lounge.
With a focus on the potential Panjim has for revenue and people’s willingness to not only experiment with new cuisine but expectations of the best, Tao, near the Campal grounds, is offering its clientele the ‘oriental’ experience. “In the one year since we have opened we have received a response way beyond our expectations. Panjim is buzzing with activity, from offices to boutique hotels, this stretch from Campal to Miramar has a very high potential. Also, the city is cued into a hectic social life and people are not only looking for a variety in cuisine, but also expect the best,” explains partner Greg Furtado.
Mum’s Kitchen, which was one of the earliest restaurants along this route at Miramar, opened doors in the Martin’s ancestral home way back in 1997. Today, renowned for its authentic Goan cuisine, it’s dotted on the world map. “Most people know or have heard about this place through word-of-mouth. I would enumerate quality, ambience, hospitality and value for money as its USP,” states Manager Akshara Gaonkar.
But if we are to rewind way back to 1952, the charming Riorico restaurant at Hotel Mandovi, was an elite stop for authentic Goan cuisine. “In the early days, people dressed in ties and suits to dine at the restaurant,” recalls F & B Manager, Everisto Pinto. The dress code may have since simmered down, but what keeps the clients coming to this restaurant is its authentic Goan cuisine, served only a la carte, which has remained consistent over the years. “We have a lot of repeat customers, even foreigners who make it a point to visit the restaurant when in Goa. Very often people residing in five star hotels also visit. Similarly, Goans from Panjim, Mapusa and even Margao make it a point to come here with their families,” he adds.
As D B Marg steps up the cultural pace, the dining experience is proving to be an appetising one too!
