This is no place for the Square minded diner…well perhaps they could be entertained too, because the restaurant follows the objective pasted firmly outside the doors: The Square-Food outside the box. This all day dining is part of the Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort and Novotel Goa Shrem Resort. It’s a place that will appeal to the new age diner. The simplicity of the décor is broken by an array of colourful bharnis (orange, blue, green) which sets the tone to an experience stored with the goodies which will emerge from the chef’s kitchen. There is an air conditioned as well as an open deck to choose from .Tall green palms give the place a refreshing look.The open participative kitchen showcases some uniquely styled buffets.The menu is a mix of a molecular gastronomy, classical Indian with a preparing of a few other cuisines.
Start with the Lemon chicken Broth, interestingly presented with a tea bag-styled bouquet garni (lemon grass, kaffir lime and basil ). If soup does not catch your fancy, try the Summer Salad…just right ti beat the heat with caramelized walnuts on the watermelon. Or perhaps the Tomato Mozzarella with the balsamic pearls. Molecular gastronomy at its best! But hang on to those cravings…even the Indian has been creatively simplified to enhance the flavours. The Tandoori Prawn Salad with fruit salad salsa yoghurt is yumm. At the base is a streak of pomegranate reduction foam. For the vegetarians …the Bukhara Paneer Tikka stuffed with prunes or the Archari olive broccoli is just the appetizer for you. The Chandni Kebab,Keema ki Seekh and Zaytooni Jhinga are some of the chef’s USPs. The ‘out of the box’ surprises are many. Take the preparation Wilayati Subz Panchmen…sounds Indian enough, but the chef has used broccoli, Zucchini, baby corn, watercress and cooked them with Indian spices Don’t forget to order the Indian breads with them.
The blue Naan cheese,Mint Laccha Paratha, Cheddar Cheese and Arungula Naan…There are the traditional preparations too…but this is a place to wow that palate with the mysterious preparations that one has not tried before.Take the case of the Sikhander Raan (one has to order it two days in advance), the best to be had I Goa. The signature dishes Novatel Lobster with herb risotto and a few continental dishes also feature…but if you ask me what I feel is this restaurant’s prized USP is the Indian. The desserts…the Blueberry Cheesecake is a wow! Chocolate oozing out of every bite…order the Molten Chocolate Cake.At the end of the meal,It will not be food out of the box, you will be boxed in with those flavours …a memory that will linger for some time to come.
0832 2494915/ 2494949, 8408887490
Anna Waddo,Main Candolim Road, Bardez,Goa
