Alfama

The Portuguese called Goa… golden Goa. It was a link to the outside world. The main port for activity. And now the chef’s at Cidade De Goa have taken their signature restaurant Alfama and made its preparations on the menu with Goan masalas and ingredients as the center or the link to the gourmet’s tastebuds. The décor of the restaurant takes one to the Bohemian area called ‘Al Fama’ The Alfama town square in Lisbon is the inspiration for the restaurant. Alfama was known as the bohemian quarter of Lisbon and the birthplace of the Fado. The unique ambience of this intimate restaurant has romantic balconies and alcoves for musicians to serenade guests during the course of a candlelit dinner. A replica of the original town, right to the twinkling starts embedded in the ceiling overhead is not in Portugal but here in Goa. And it does not stop with the décor. Signature dishes include Pan Fried Tiger Prawns served with amaranth, mashed potatoes and peri peri chili sauce. Yes the amaranth leaves are part of Goans leafy diet while the peri peri sauce? Brought in by the Portugese from Mozambique its spiced flavors still titillate the taste buds. Fish is not the only recommendation although the Goans love their fish. The Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb with celery mint croquette, picked tomato, wilted spinach and vindaloo sauce. The musical strain of the fado plays. A fadista sings, her serenade strums a fado with recorded contemporary Portuguese music. But there is live music too five days a week, with a special Fado Nigh (the word fado comes from the Latin word fatum (destiny/fate) on the first Tuesday of the month. Let fate play a hand in your choice of desserts the saffron spiced Panna Cotta with Milk Dumplings, one of the many preparations the chefs are willing to trade from their kitchens. When it comes to food this is one link to the outside world cuisines, but inspired by Goa.