Goa Garnishes

Paper Moon

Fort Aguada Beach Resort & Spa, Sinquerim, Candolim, Goa 403519

Ph: 0832 6645858

Meal for two: Rs 4500 + taxes, without alcohol

Goa, upping the ante in epicurean offerings, adds another trinket to its culinary tapestry bringing a Milanese institution established in the '70s, to Fort Aguada Beach Resort & Spa. Enter a world that brings alive authentic Italian gastronomic tradition, in a modern crisp avatar draped with their iconic white ensemble the world over. Understated yet opulent, one is greeted by friendly smiling staff upon entry. The menu is quintessentially Italian with English subtitles – the imagery on the walls exudes charm and panache with undertones of a Federico Fellini directorial.

Wasting no time, the sommelier fires off recommendations from the exquisite wine collection curated from various regions of Italy. For the Insalate, the Paper Moon con Rucola, Pomodorini e Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi is a wild rocket salad with cherry tomatoes sprinkled with a 24-month aged Parmesan cheese, paired swimmingly with the Pinot Grigio. This light-bodied, delicate and refreshing white wine emits a fruity aroma of grapefruit, and hints of lime, melon, apple and pear, diffusing the tan of the aged Parmesan. The portions are wholesome – the philosophy lies in ‘just how mama cooked it in her kitchen’, white plates showcasing quantity that could easily be shared between partners. As the wine trickles, a piping hot Pizze Porcini e Tartufo – Mozzarella, porcini and seasoned truffle  – makes way along with the Pizza Diavola for carnivores with tomato, Mozzarella and imported spicy salami. The famous Barolo, originating from the Piedmont region, the country’s finest and most popular red wine by far, respects the cured meat, almost to perfection.

For the mains or Secondi Piatti, Merluzzo in Tempura, Salsa Tartara Fatta in Casa e Cetriolini – a cod fillet fried in tempura batter with home-made tartar sauce and chopped gherkins – is a revelation. Fresh and light, it’s an Italian version of what many love; Fish & Chips cooked in the choiciest of condiments. For the Primi Piatti aka first course, Risotto Alla Milanese – a saffron risotto with aged Parmesan cheese – is paired with Burrata con Pomodorini, Basilico Fresco e Olio di Oliva Extra Vergine – a decadent Burrata with tomato and basil drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. The creaminess oozing out of every morsel is the stuff dreams are made of.

For a ‘pick me upper’ their signature tiramisu with a shot of un caffè will teleport you to the streets of Milan immediately from the shores of Goa.