Maracas

Relaxation is in very fibre of Goa. The city remains a very popular holiday destination all year round so to tackle the crowd they play host to a copious amount of small time pubs and bistros. Every tiny lane is crammed with many bakeries, cafes and pubs, all of them carrying the stamp of an easy-chic, which is quintessential Goa. It is in a corner like this called Penha De Franca, a Bollywood fashion designer turned chef has opened a charming pub called ‘Maracas’. A passionate team of Ralph and Ayesha Pinto has turned their colonial paradise into a culinary haven. You will find this charming spot near Porvorim Water Tank on NH 17 Highway. The love for food and life is clearly evident in every nook and corner of Maracas. It attracts many tourists, locals and foodies, who knows they will find the best serradura in Goa here.

Canopied under the lush tall trees is a white shed lined with a blue door, marking the entrance of Maracas. Inside the pub is built in such a way that it connects seamlessly with the outdoors. Done in the Mediterranean scheme of white and blue, the pub is made in comfortable style to encourage punters to laze around for hours. Mismatched seating of cosy blue sofas and wooden chairs is spread around the room. A vast courtyard surrounds the shed style pub and is fitted with some lightweight outdoor furniture. You have plenty of options in seating. If lonely sit at the bar to watch the kitchens up-close, if not slip into a chair under the shade outside on a pleasant Goan morning. The vibe is casual, friendly and easy going.

In the evenings the entire courtyard comes alive. Trees are aglow with twinkling fairy lights, adding to the cosy and romantic atmosphere. Food is presented in an eye-catching manner and doesn’t even cost much. For an affordable price, a company of two can have a pretty lavish meal. Seafood is Maracas’s forte. It’s recommended to indulge in that freely. Have a cocktail or two to get that heady buzz before tackling the food menu. Try their Kokum cooler or Feni Caipiroska, a regional signature. Food wise you can order yourself a storm of appetizers. They have plenty. Move further with, stuffed squid, classic Goan beef steak, pasta, prawn curry and wasabi cauliflower & potato gratin. Give their mango rasgollas a chance.