I-95, Goa

While we were in Goa, we met up with "A"'s second cousin's wife's parents for some drinks and they graciously took us out to dinner. Since they spend half of their time in Goa, they've acquainted themselves with a lot of locals and of course, know of a lot of good places to eat.

If you're looking to dress up a little and experience fine dining in Goa, you should definitely check out I-95 (I know, the name sounds very much like an American highway ). You won't be disappointed. The menu is unpretentious and there is a good selection of wine to go with it.


The restaurant shares the same entrance of this age-old building which is also a gallery. The entrance reminded me a little of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.


Warm mushroom soups in test tubes. I was a bit weirded out by the presentation but the soup was a nice comforting start to our meal.








The dining area is simple and humble.

Overall Ratings:
Po's: 8/10

A's: 7/10

Would we return?
Very likely

Address:
Castello Vermelho,
Behind the Art chamber,
1/115 A Gauravado,
Near Kamats Holiday Homes,
Calangute 403516
Telephone: +91 832 2275213

Souza Lobo, Goa

Goan food is one of my favorite Indian foods. Unlike the majority of India, where local specialty foods often mean vegetarian (by the way, I have nothing against vegetarian food!), Goan food is often made with "catch-of-the-day" seafood. That said, it's never going to be as good having Goan food anywhere else.

Here's a restaurant that's been around for a long, long time. It's right on Calangute beach but you have to walk through a small, sandy lane and pass a few tattoo stores before you come to the entrance of this restaurant.


Chili-fry oysters.


Fish fry - seer fish marinated and lightly pan fried.


Mutton Vindaloo. The challenge I find with taking photographs of Indian dishes is trying to capture the deliciousness in the picture, which is not easy considering many of the dishes are in gravy.


Fish Curry - one of Goa's most popular dishes. Usually eaten with rice.


Crab curry


Souza Lobo restaurant.

Overall Ratings:
Po's: 7.5/10
A's: 8/10

Would we return?
Maybe

Address:
Calangute Beach

Florentine, Goa

I love stepping into a restaurant filled with locals when I travel. Florentine is a Goan restaurant that's tucked away (the good local ones are always tucked away) which we found out from a restaurant owner in Bangalore who visits Goa every other month. Here's what we ate.


Oyster rawa fry. Crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside.


"A"'s favorite food in the world; Goan style fish fingers.


Prawns Balchao - prawns cooked in Goan masala, is so good with just plain boiled rice or poi (Goan bread).


Chicken Cafreal - this dish made Florentine restaurant popular amongst the local, and I can see why! The chicken is marinated with green masala and grilled. Yum!


And for dessert, caramel custard or creme caramel or flan. I found out this dish originated from France and was spread all over Europe and now all over the world, and to this little humble restaurant, in Goa.


Inside Florentine restaurant.

Overall Ratings:
Po's: 8/10
A's: 8/10

Would we return?
Probaby

Address:
Chogm Road, Saligao,
Bardez, Goa