Review Monsoon Restaurant and Bar – Candolim Goa

Walking past Whispering Palms Hotel, heading for Candolim beach, nestled between a tailors and shops, you may well not spot Monsoon. Well that would be perfectly true, Monsoon has only been open one week.

 

 

VJ, the owner has recently returned back to his home terrain of Goa, after working in Leeds, UK, to operate this new venture.

So you could say, I had a blank canvass to work with. In a sense that as a new opening still in its infancy, I could forgive any minor errors, but at the same time see the potential.

So what pulled me to visiting Monsoon? A few days before MR R and I went on a potential review walk. My objective was to head off the main road and hit the side streets. If it hadn’t been for my persistence to keep walking, we would have never found Monsoon.

 

As soon as I saw Monsoon, I sensed this was a place for my next review. A stone’s throw from the beach, with a light, airy, uncluttered atmosphere even during the day. Right away, I loved the menu. There was just the right balance to cater for all tastes, without overwhelming you, and inexpensive in both food and drinks. What is the saying? Less is more. In addition no extra taxes or GST.

 I just knew I had to investigate further. Would my instincts be right?

DRINKS

60ml vodka Rupees 60/£0.66/€0.74/₽55.83/$0.84/₴24.43

Large Kingfisher Beer Rupees 100/£1.10/€1.23/₽92.79/$1.40/₴38.92

Diet coke Rupees 60/£0.66/€0.74/₽55.83/$0.84/₴24.43

STAFF & SERVICE

Kris was our waiter for the night from North India and what a sweet guy he was… and his first time in Goa, as a waiter. For a rookie, I was really impressed and could see great potential in Kris. He was attentive and friendly. Took and served both our drink and food orders professionally and promptly and also did a table check.

Once more, I was impressed that the owner, VJ took control of the floor, taking orders and serving food, along with his adorable, sister.

HYGIENE

The restaurant and bar area, immaculate, which one would expect after only one week.

Toilets, well if they keep to their already immaculate standard then perfect. Toilet duck freshener’s in the loo. Soap, toilet roll and extra plus hand towels.  

FOOD

Vegetable Do Pyaza Rupees 160/£1.77/€1.97/₽148.47/$2.24/₴62.27

Vegetable do pyaza is a famous north Indian recipe from Punjabi and Mughal cuisine, a common vegetarian menu in restaurants serving north Indian food. Prepared with mixed vegetables of potatoes, cauliflower, peas, carrot, beans, in a spicy onion and tomato based gravy. Kashimiri red chilli gives the red colour and adds taste to the dish. This is my second favourite curry. Did it disappoint? Oh no! Every mouthful was a total exposure of spice and at the same time flavour. Add to my much-loved, chunks of vegetables.

Vegetable Biryani Rupees 180/£1.77/€2.21/₽167.03/$2.52/₴70.06

Long grain basmati rice and an assorted vegetables in a spicy masala. Whole spices that gave a treat to all your senses. Need I say anymore?

FULL TANDOORI CHICKEN. Rupees 350/£3.87/€4.30/₽324.77/$4.89/₴136.22

What can I say? For the price marvellous, not only did it come with fries a PROPER salad too. Lettuce, red cabbage the works and the chicken, succulent and full of flavour. A 10/10 for the Tandoori King, MR R.

THE SCORES:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 4/5

AMBIENCE 3/5

STAFF    4/5

SERVICE 4/5

HYGIENE Public areas 5/5 Toilets 5/5

FOOD 5/5 5/5 5/5

DRINKS 5/5

 

 

OVERALL SCORE 4.5/5 Red Hot chillies 

WOULD I GO AGAIN?

Yes. Mr R and I had a wonderful evening. If this was Monsoon’s first week then they are on the right track. My advice is to VJ, just keep as you are and you will have a thriving business.  See you very soon!

 

MONSOON RESTAURANT AND BAR CANDOLIM GOA

 

 

Review of- Tiger Bar, Candolim Goa

Owners, Sheryl and Francis have succeeded to keep thriving, something that is sadly getting to be a thing of the past in Goa. Good old fashioned Goan hospitality and good food. The atmosphere was relaxed, laidback and friendly. There was a buzz of laughter and chatter from holiday makers enjoying a drink and meal.

The menu catered for all types of palates, offering Indian, Chinese and western food. There was nothing I found on the menu overpriced. In fact cheaper than most restaurants of the same standard and certainly drinks were cheaper. All in all, the menu is exactly the price’s one should be paying. Not to mention no extra taxes and GST.

DRINKS

60ml vodka Rupees 50/£0.55/€0.62/₽46.52/$0.70/₴19.53

Large Kingfisher Beer Rupees 95/£1.04/€1.17/₽88.40/$1.33/₴37.09

Diet coke Rupees 60/£0.66/€0.74/₽55.83/$0.84/₴24.43

STAFF & SERVICE

Nabin, our waiter was very sweet and attentive. For a while he seemed to be running the few occupied tables alone. Then the owner Francis arrived, who again was lovely. What really impressed me was, how Francis never battered an eye, he got right in there, running tables himself, taking orders, running out food and working the bar. At the same time he still managed to chat briefly with customers.

Nabin took both drinks order and food order that was taken and served professionally and always with a bit of light hearted conversation. Asked how spicy we wanted our food.

 Finding that all the staff where from North India, I had a good feeling that our food would be good. Was I right?

Food arrived in 25 minutes and Francis did a table check. Nabin was always around when we needed more drinks.

HYGIENE

The restaurant and bar area, clean, neat and tidy.

I won’t sugar coat it, the walkway to the toilets was untidy; however the toilet was clean and smelt fresh, with toilet paper and a hand towel.

Veg Kolhopuri: Rupees 150/£1.65/€1.85/₽139.58/$2.10/₴58.57

This had to be the best Kolhopuri I have ever had. Just how I would make it. Chunks of vegetables in an adequate about of sauce. As a rule, I am trying to find teeny-tiny pieces of vegetables, drowned in sauce. The taste was sublime, spicy but just how I like it. Spicy, yet I could still taste the vegetables. A very generous sized portion.

Mushroom Masala Rupees 150/£1.65/€1.85/₽139.58/$2.10/₴58.57

First impression, I was a tad disappointed seeing all that yellow masala sauce and not mushrooms. However, once I began spooning it onto my plate, mushrooms were plentiful, they had just dropped to the bottom of the serving dish. I loved, loved, loved the yellow masala sauce. Creamy and just enough spice that seemed to bring out the taste of the mushroom. Excellent.

 

 

Vegetable biryani Rupees 130/£1.43/€1.60/₽120.97/$1.82/₴50.76

OMG! When I saw it coming out, I just could not believe the size of it. As it made its grand entrance through the restaurant it had gasps of acknowledgment from other customers like a superstar. If it tasted as good as it looked, then Mr R and I were in for a big thrill. Was it? Oh yes! The best. Like our Kolhopuri, it had chunks of vegetables. The rice was divine, not soggy light, flavoursome and scrumptious. I never thought we would get through it, but it was so mouth-watering and yummy we had to keep going back for more. Even after we had finished our meal, a couple leaving stopped by our table and commented on the biryani. Saying they had one on the beach that day, half the size and more expensive.

 

 

 

Chapatti Rupees 15//£0.17/€0.18/₽13.95/$0.21/₴5.86

 

 

 

 

THE SCORES:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 3/5

AMBIENCE 3/5

STAFF    4/5

SERVICE 4/5

HYGIENE Public areas 4/5 Toilets 3/5

FOOD 5/5 5/5 5/5

DRINKS 5/5

 

 

OVERALL SCORE 4.1/5 Red Hot chillies 

WOULD I GO AGAIN?

Yes. The best vegetable biryani and Veg Kolhopuri as well as, unbeatable prices. As well I loved the simplicity of Tiger bar, Mr R and I had a wonderful evening. Sheryl and Francis don’t change a thing, what you have is amazing. See you soon!

Tiger Bar & Restaurant- Dando, Near Kingfisher Villa, Candolim, Beside Candolim Chapel, Fort Aguada Road, Goa 403515

 

 

 

Coastal View Holiday Home- Scarborough North Yorkshire

Coastal View, holiday home, is truly home from home.

On arriving at Coastal View we were greeted by Gillian, the lovely owner. Just taking my first step into the flat, I knew right then Mr R and I were going to be very happy in the upper ground floor holiday flat, for our one week holiday.

Immaculate is the only word I can express. As for the décor, nothing looked tired or worn. My only concern was dirtying the cream carpet throughout, but MR R sorted this by placing some plastic at the front door for us to step on and take off our shoes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our wonderful accommodation comprised of:

   Open plan living area with kitchen dining area and sitting area.TV with Freeview DVD and Wi-Fi. Gas central heating.

 

 

In the morning we enjoyed out breakfast looking out to the sea view.

At night after a home cooked meal, Gillian seemed to think of everything to make you feel at home. A snug throw over in the lounge for our cosy nights in. Not that we needed it as it was always nice and warm.  Side tables, coaters for our nightly bottle of wine and a footstool we took great advantage of while relaxing and watching the TV.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A contemporary galley-style kitchen: Electric oven microwave, fridge. I have to say for a holiday home I have never before experienced such a well-stocked kitchen. Full dinner service, serving dishes, wine glasses, saucepans and a full selection of bakeware and cooking utensils. As well provided with an array of cleaning materials, hover, iron and ironing board.

On arrival there was a full jar of coffee, milk and cookies left for us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A comfortable double bedroom with hairdryer, extra bedding and towels.

A modern shower room & WC.

Included in the price: Fuel and power, bed linen and towels.

Note: There are seven external steps up to front door, and two steps down to the shower room.

Parking is free. On arrival you will be giving a parking pass that you leave on show, on your car dashboard, as well as a permit that can be used around North Yorkshire.

 

I highly recommend Coastal View, rating it the best self-catering accommodation I have stayed in in the UK. Not just for its high standards in decoration, cleanliness and comfort, the location is idea.

Set in a small side street just a minute’s walk to the end of the road brings you fabulous views of the coastline and a path leading down to the seafront, with its golden sands, cafés and brightly painted beach huts.

Take a walk along the promenade or visit the castle ruins perched high on the cliffs.

There are pretty ornamental gardens, the open air theatre at Peasholm Park or the renowned Stephen Joseph Theatre in the round, which features excellent productions.

The town centre is just a few minutes’ walk with a good selection of shops, banks and supermarkets.  By car you have Whitby, Filey, Bridlington, Pickering and a Morrison’s superstore, as well as access to the Yorkshire moors and York.

 

Price at the time of booking:

£30 per night/Rupees 2,811/€34.35/$38.55/₽2,617/₴1,076

Booked through Sykes Cottages

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter Off-season Last minute Christmas

5/5 Already planning our next visit; that is how much we loved our stay at Coastal View.

 

 

 
 
 

Review Ryan’z Bar Candolim Goa

Have you heard the phrase, simple is best? Well this is perfectly true of Ryan’z Bar. Situated next to Fortune hotel, Ryan’z bar was a gem of a find. The atmosphere was a buzz of laughter and chatter from visibly hotel and restaurant staff enjoying a Friday night drink and meal after work, as well as a few of middle age Indian couples taking pleasure in night of good food and company.

The menu caters for all types of palates, offering Indian, Chinese and western food. There was nothing I found on the menu to be excessively overpriced. In fact cheaper than most restaurants and certainly cheaper than the beach shacks. Drinks too, very cheap.

DRINKS

60ml vodka Rupees 50/£0.52/€0.59/₽44.57/$0.68/₴19.08

Large Kingfisher Beer Rupees 110/£1.14/€1.29/₽98.05/$1.50/₴41.98

Diet coke Rupees 50/£0.52/€0.59/₽44.57/$0.68/₴19.08

For years now I have walked past every day, smelling the aromas wafting from the kitchen, which always get my taste buds salivating. It was for this reason, Ryan’z bar has been on my- To review list for quite some time now. The minute I entered I knew that I liked this place. The ambience, and the friendly staff had me right there. Not to mention no extra taxes and GST.

STAFF

MR and I were received with smiles and a gracious welcome by Prem. Passing small conversation about seeing us walk past every day, how long we had been in Goa and how pleased he was we had finally decided to eat there.  

All waiters were well-presented, attentive and polite. Chefs looked clean and smart in whites.  

SERVICE

No sooner had we sat, than Prem gave us a menu and a drinks order was taken.

Drinks were served quickly and efficiently.

On looking at the menu there were so many nice things, MR R and I were spoilt for choice.

Finally, when ready to order food, Prem was there promptly.

 Having repeated our order, asked if we would like more drinks.

There was an interval when the power went off for 10 minutes, but a candle was quickly place on the table. However, this did not hinder the arrival of food, arriving 30 minutes after ordering, then asking if we would like more drinks.

Table check on food, and once more asking if we needed drinks.

HYGIENE

The restaurant and bar area, very clean, neat and tidy.

Toilet were clean, with toilet paper, the hand washing area soap and hand towels. There is only one toilet, so when busy could cause a congestion.

 

 

FOOD

 

VEG KOLHAURI: Rupees 170/£1.77/€2.07/₽151.54/$2.31/₴64.88

This is one of my favourite curries. Lordy lord, astounding! Bursting with flavour and heat, and not a wishy-washy sauce. It was thick more like a puree that even so was pleasing on the palate. By the end of the meal, it was a fight to see who was going to wipe out the dish first, me or Mr R. Needless to say, I won!

FULL TANDOORI CHICKEN. Rupees 390/£4.06/€4.60/₽347.66/$5.30/₴148.85

When the plate was placed down in front of us the first thing Mr R and I said was, “Wow!” In all my years of having full tandoori chicken I have only ever had one that was a full chicken. 2 legs and two breasts. Trying my first piece, I have to say this is the best tandoori chicken I have ever tasted. Cooked just how we like it, burnt on the outside juicy and succulent on the inside and oozing with spice. A magnificent portion size. Well done!

ROTI: Rupees 20 /£0.20/€0.23/₽17.82/$0.27/₴7.63

 

THE SCORES:

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 3/5

AMBIENCE 4/5

STAFF    5/5

SERVICE 5/5

HYGIENE Public areas 4/5 Toilets 4/5

FOOD 5/5 5/5 

DRINKS 5/5

OVERALL SCORE 4.4/5 Red Hot chillies 

WOULD I GO AGAIN?

Oh yes! Mr R is already planning our next visit on the calendar.

Jo’s Aubergine Tofu tomato and basil Toasties

A scrummy supper.

You will need 2 slices of aubergine already fried for each bread roll/burger bun or poee (Goan Bread)

A slice of lightly fried tofu per bun.

A slice of tomato, basil leaf salt and black pepper per bun.

Cut bun in half and on the bottom layer as follows:

Slice of aubergine, slice of tofu, slice of tomato, basil leaf, salt and pepper. Top with another slice of aubergine.  

Put into a toasty machine until crisp and brown.

Serve with tortilla chips and salsa.

If you want to be really naughty! Then on top of the last slice of aubergine grate some cheese.

I also swap the tofu for paneer cheese.

 

5/5 for Amazon India.

Earlier this evening I received my Amazon order of 2 BOXES of 100 Ty-phoo Classic Assam Teabags. Or so I thought.

The first thing I noticed was, that the box had been opened.  Over the Amazon tape was now sticky tape.  Inside the package, I found one box intact, but one box had been ripped open and three packets of 25 bags (75 teabags) MISSING.

So where were they taken? And who has them?

Went straight onto Amazon India chat and spoke with a really nice guy, Harish. Within minutes he had refunded my order.

Jo’s Chicken mint & lemon Patties Serves 2

Jo’s Chicken mint & lemon Patties Serves 2

Quick and easy to make and oh so yummy. 

150g Chicken mince

1 small onion

1 small clove garlic

3 tbsp. mint

Pinch of chilli flakes

Juice of ½ a lemon (this is the small Indian lemons)

Salt and pepper

Put onion, mint and garlic into a processor and chop finely.

In a bowl combine the chicken mince with the onion mixture, chilli flakes, lemon juice and salt and pepper.

Divide the mixture into small patties. Put in the fridge for a couple of hours (Min of 30 mins if in a hurry.)

Lightly grease a riveted grill pan or frying pan and fry until brown on either side.

Serve.

I serve with homemade coleslaw and mixed vegetable rice.

I also braise them in my slow cooker. Place them on top of potatoes so not in liquid.