Bottlejack Bistro

As one trudges along the bumper-blocked highway leading to Panjim, a vision in artistic minimal steel and glass visually arrests ones senses, enticing you to enquire or take note of the establishment in mention. Welcome to Bottlejack Bistro – a passion driven venture between Karlton de Souza and Nilesh Amonkar. Notwithstanding the monstrosity of the enduring construction of the new Mandovi Bridge up ahead, the bistro, of interiors with pleasant contemporary lines, is a place for those who appreciate simplistic art and good food.

Enter the lower level and be greeted by the vastness of space provided within. It is not air-conditioned but the open-spaced effect come the monsoons will be a delight. Climb up to the air-conditioned area... the full-glassed enclosure has relaxed seating – a casual avatar; just right for a fine-dine palate- salivating effect. With their 'less is more' philosophy ruling the preparations focused on cause and effect of sensory delights, stick to the classics that define Karlton with the Seared Tenderloin with onions and mushrooms on a bed of garlic mash potatoes. Simple, easy and juicy is the way one would describe his labour of love at his other establishment in the heart of Candolim, Karlton´s Horizon Grill. With an ever-changing Specials menu, it´s balanced to cater to both the herbivore and carnivore in you. The goat cheese bruschetta with caramelised onion and fig jam tantalises with four crispy platforms of interesting flavours while the Slow-cooked Pork Spare Ribs served with velvety mash potatoes is a winner all the way. Prime glazed meats tenderly falling off the bone is the apt way to describe it.

For the dessert lover, this is Shangri-la discovered. Spoilt rotten for choice with a definite unscheduled visit to one´s dentist in the offing, do not let that stop the order for their signature must-have, the Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart. If one feels investigational, we would suggest an interesting offering, A Citrus Garden. This piece of art consists of elements like blueberry gelée, white chocolate namelaka, orange streusel and lemon curd put together to create this verrine or the Choco-co La Rouge; layers of chocolate mousse, coconut jelly and a raspberry sponge; a dessert dominated by the much-loved hazelnut, the praline flavours of the mousse and the crémeux filling dressed in a velvet coat.

Each morsel brings a smile to your face. Fret not if you can´t sample them all, there is always a parcel service for these decadent creations to savour in the comfort of one´s home. With an undertaking that the menu gets a revamp every quarter, ample parking a mere block away, food easy on the pocket and a swanky ambience, Bottlejack Bistro hits all the right notes. 

Plot No. 8, Pundalik Nagar,
Porvorim, Bardez,
Goa 403521
Mob: 0 78878 33388
Meal for two: Approximately Rs. 1600 + taxes (no alcohol served)