The Black Sheep Bistro

When one defines a bistro in the heart of Panjim city, what comes to mind? Is it artisanal coffees accompanied with sweet bites? Or a gin and wine bar with locally sourced wholesome food, or stellar desserts to choose from where patrons can come and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with family and friends alike? All this and more is what The Black Sheep Bistro has to offer, and then some.

The husband-wife duo Prahlad and Sabreen Sukhtankar have, over the years, crafted a menu that is inspired globally but created locally. With a cosy, well-designed establishment showcasing art and quirk set in an old Portuguese house, slump into the lounge and relax with killer drinks like The Werewolf Killer and Silver Bullet Martini or allow Prahlad to impart his sommelier skills and set you up with a fine wine.

With the 'gin movement' gaining momentum in Goa of late, Sabreen allows you to order off the freshly-muddled, infused spirits with local influence. From turmeric to locally-inspired fruit they carefully select a menu that allows you to enjoy your spirit with tasty bites. Apart from the lounge, one could move into the inner dining area or even the outdoor terraced area. The food menu as mentioned earlier focuses on locally inspired produce. A crowd favourite is the Red Salad and is a must have. A carefully-diced beetroot salad with local red leaves, anaar with a beetroot purée sprinkled with Feta cheese and caramelised onions, this encompasses the couple's belief in the farm-to-fork philosophy. Tapas is the rage here with the Jalapeno Dahi Poppers for the herbivores stuffed with cottage cheese, yogurt, coriander roots and jalapeno for that hot after-zing. More locally-focused is the Inspired Chorizo Pao - Goan chorizo laced with caramelised onions, dark chocolate shavings within a local poee.

The menu is well-balanced to serve one and all. The Peanut-Crusted Seared Fish Fillet is flavoured to perfection and marries perfectly with a fine-textured potato mash. The Malwani Mushroom Stroganoff with mushrooms, cream and vegetable stock accompanied with Basmati Pilaf is a gourmetís delight. Sweet bites spoil the diner for choice with the Deconstructed Puran Poli and the layered Pistachio Kheer. However for the Spanish end to a perfect evening are the Churros served with a rich dark chocolate dip that will have one licking the bowl clean. Team it up with a Cappuccino or a Cinnamon Latte. This bistro sure leaves one on a happy high note.

Swami Vivekanand Road,
Near ICICI Bank, Panaji,
Goa 403001
Mob: 0 91461 90901
Meal for two: Appoximately Rs. 1500 + taxes, without alcohol