Joe’s River Cove, Cavelossim

Idyllic serene surroundings, one cannot get closer to Mother Nature and the Goa of old. Joe Passanha has discovered a way to get those jaded senses come alive – his very own spa for relaxation and rejuvenation. Walk into a two leveled shack which leads right to the banks of a rivulet of River Sal. Warm, casual, open are some of the adjectives that comes to mind. Sit and watch the egrets and the kingfisher swoop for a tasty morsel as you browse into his multi-cuisine menu for your very own bite. At night the place transforms…the mangroves lit with an earthy green light, the light lapping of the waves a much needed sedative for relaxation. Although joe has crammed in a multi-cuisine variety to suit all tastes, it is his Goan starters and his Indian preparation that will have your tastebuds craving for more. Picture this, relaxed by this unique riverside ambience with a cold frosted glass of your favourite brew at hand, the waiter brings in your order of squid and mussels as a precursor to what is to follow. The Batter Fried Squid and the Masala Rawa Fried Mussels should be your choice. The vegetarians too will not be disappointed…crumb fried mushrooms stuffed with spinach cheese and dried mushrooms. The tandoori bits are soft and succulent…the masala fine tuned to complement the meat. Don’t forget to order the Cheese Garlic Naan and nibble on it (it could get addictive however) as the mains are prepared. The Prawn Tikka Masala served in the traditional copper containers, is emmersed in the thick caramelized onion gravy. And with desserts like Caramel Custard (smooth and creamy) and Banoffie Pie, your body will crave for more. This is a place to relax with a drink and a tit bit in hand but if it is food that one goes for, then the Indian section is one to be recommended. The minus is marginal – the Goan food (Caldin, Ambotik, Xacutti) needs the masalas to be worked on. But the restaurant is buzzling…the location, ambience and the Indian food will give your soul the lift were looking for. It’s a great place for families and foodies too…a culinary spa.