Whats the worry? You’ve got an Eatinerary

So you’ve hit the Goan shores. Food on the plane was cold and dry. Negotiating for a cab mustn’t have turned out that great either. I get you. But get this. Your ride from here on will be smooth as silk. And this little compilation of my personal recommendations of things to do and things to eat as you do ‘em is sure to save you from disappointments. Actually, it’s kind of hard to be disappointed in Goa. Especially at this time of the year. The weather’s great; the streets aren’t swarming with that many tourists; there are hues of green at every sight; and only select places are open since the season is just about to pick up. Assuming that you’re coming down for a long weekend, say, three days two nights, here’s all you should try doing. And by doing I mean eating. In case you’re here for more days, you can always put it on repeat or look for ‘Picks of the Season’ in the contents page.

Day 1: Slow down, you just got here

As soon as you’re freshened up, rested, and have soaked in the hospitality at your accommodation; head out for some light meals. And your Eatinerary follows:

NORTH:
• Haven’t missed the sunset? Head to Palms & Sands in Candolim for a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and delightful cocktails to ease into the vacation mode.
• Catch a delectable and comforting international meal with a touch of Goan at Off The Wall, an art gallery and bistro in Sinquerim.
• As much as I would recommend you to catch some rest, I won’t stop you from going clubbing either. Head to Cape Town in Tito’s Lane Baga or Down The Road in Panjim for a groove.

SOUTH:
• Nothing better than a walk on the beach with no souls at sight for miles on end. If you’re up for it, carry an umbrella and maybe do that in Utorda while you can indulge in some scrumptious seafood and refreshing cocktails at Zeebop. • Head to Firefly or Zoya in Benaulim for some late dinner and dancing if you’ve got some juice left.
• Try sleeping early to catch the serenity of truly ‘sussegad’ mornings.

Day 2: It’s going to be a long day

NORTH:
• Nothing better than a wholesome breakfast to start your day with. One place I’d highly recommend is Shri Ganesh Juice Centre in Chapora. Don’t go on the name. You’d get passion fruit to dragon fruit juices freshly squeezed just for you. Juice up and maybe head to Chapora Fort which is minutes away for some selfies.
• Still hungry but don’t want to hog? Lila Cafe at Tito’s White House in Anjuna, an all-day-breakfast cafe, serves one of the best croissant sandwiches you’ll every taste. But don’t take my word for it. Head there. Try it.
• How about a late lunch and sundowners off a small rocky beach? Try out the everbustling Thalassa at Vagator for their Greek food and sparkling cocktails as you prepare yourself for the sunset. Check the calendar though since it only opens post October 1st.
• Well, you’re sure to go dress up for all the grooving you’re left to do. But if your lunch wasn’t filling enough, sample some amazing food at Baba Au Rhum in Anjuna or Picolla Roma in Chapora before you head to the club.
• Club Cubbana and Cohiba (Wednesdays or Saturdays) are to be the best choices, first one for Hip Hop and Commercial EDM and the latter for some rock and roll. I never thought I’d say this but drink responsibly.

SOUTH:
• Waking up to the chirrups of cuckoo shrikes is just divine. For breakfast, there’s always Carpe Diem, an art gallery cum cafe in Majorda. And their sandwiches, they’re just lip smacking.
• It’s not every day that you feel like a star. You can at least dine like one. Fame, a world cuisine restaurant by Planet Hollywood in Majorda, second of its kind in the world, should just cut it. What’s more, the hotel is right by the beach and their world cuisine kitchen spins out one of the most amazing Goan king fish and prawn curries in the state.
• Since you’ve already started feeling fancy, here’s a night you’ll never forget. Head to Susegado, Leela Goa’s exclusive beachside restaurant in Mobor for seafood like you’ve never tasted before and a sunset that’s so peaceful that it won’t let you move till the sun dunks into the sea. If in case you call up and it isn’t functional yet, you can always head the riverside Fisherman’s Warf in the same area. Their margaritas are just irresistible.
• If you got to catch the sunset, you wouldn’t really want to party. But Club Tito’s in Radisson Blu Cavelossim may change your mind. Check it out.

Day 3: Long on money but short on time

NORTH:
• Doesn’t matter when you wake up. Ruta’s in Assagaon will serve you a marvellous breakfast all day. Don’t miss out on their sticky buns.
• A drive up to Fort Aguada is one thing that your last sunset in Goa most definitely deserves. Post that, if time allows, head to Koi in Calangute for some pan Asian food that’s beyond satiating.
• If your system is not exactly saturated with alcohol, Sinq in Sinquerim could be an apt choice. The only micro-brewery in Goa serves up a storm when it comes to freshly brewed hops.

SOUTH:
• MOG in Margao is downright brilliant for desserts and light bites. Although there’s no seating, but a drive into the city traffic will be totally worth it once you have their sausage rolls and blueberry muffins.
• For a quiet lunch by the beach, Mickey’s Colva is phenomenal. Try Indian, Goan, Chinese, or Seafood; every portion is bound to mesmerize your palate. But that’ll only depend on how much spice you can handle. Look out for anything that reads ‘Chilly’ on the menu.
• If you aren’t too lazy after lunch and have the luxury of time by your side, taking a drive down to Cabo de Rama fort, just for those 10 minutes when the sun is starting to set. It’s going to blow your mind. Yes, this ‘Eatinerary’ doesn’t cover all. Honestly, when it comes to food and Goa, no guide can never be enough. Unless you’re talking about the Planet Goa Food Guide. But what you just read, is to make things simple and help you dodge the disappointments you may otherwise face. The best part, all these restaurants are places are geotagged on Google Maps just so you never get lost. What could be a problem though is not having enough time to cover it. I would suggest not to rush. You’re in Goa. Loosen up and relax. And if you come across places that are not listed here, do share with us by logging on to www. planetgoaonline.com. Till then, adios.