Restaurant Review: Black Vanilla Cafe

Location: Ground floor, Landscape Excelsior bldg, Opp Kala Academy, DB Road, Campal Panaji.

I had been seeing this place for quite some time now but could not get around to go. At first thought, when you look from outside, you seem to be little unsure what the place has to offer. But believe me, it's a wonderful place. It's a cozy nook for peace (+books+ food ) lovers like me.

One of the evenings when I was alone and wanted to grab a bite, I thought of checking this place out. It is located on the DB Road opposite last gate of kala Academy near Crossword Book Shop.

This cafe gives a feel that it is just picked from somewhere in US and placed here. They offer burgers, sandwich, pizza, crepe, salads, coffee, milkshakes and other beverages. I ordered a Pulled chicken sandwich and peach apricot iced tea.

Tree of books

The cafe has two levels. The lower level has the counter and 2 single seater stools with tables while upstairs there are about 6 tables with chairs. When I went upstairs, I could just say woww... What caught my attention was a bookshelf designed like a tree and few of bestsellers peeking out at me.

The food took me by surprise. It was an open sandwich with a dome of Shredded chicken mixed with barbecue sauce and some lettuce. And it was to say the least, MIND BLOWING. It tasted wonderful and was filling. The iced tea went well with the sandwich. It came in a mason jar and was super refreshing. 

Pulled chicken sandwich

Peach apricot iced tea

 Loved everything about this beautiful cafe. Waiting to visit again.

Food: 5/5

Service: 5/5

Ambiance: 5/5

Restaurant Review: Truffles cakeshop

Location: Landscape Shire Bldg, Dr. Jack Sequeira Road, Opp old Syndicate Bank, Kerant, Caranzalem.

This is indeed one of the hidden gems. Located at the junction of Taleigao-Caranzalem road, it is one of the pastry shops that serves some of the tastiest stuff.

Been here lot of times and now finally got around writing about it as I got some nice pics of the cutest macarons.

The place offers limited seating with 3 tables but is very well done with well displayed menu and presentation.

I had chicken cheese ball and chicken croquette. The chicken cheese ball was just amazing. I have never had anything like that before. The taste just lingers on your tongue for long.

Chicken cheese ball & Chicken croquette

I also took take away of red velvet cupcake and the macarons. The cupcake was as good as it looks. The three macarons were of pistachio, lemon and coffee. They were perfect; crispy, soft and flavorful.

Every time I visited, the place was buzzing with customers. Still, the service was quick.

Excellent place.

Food: 5/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 4/5.

Restaurant Review: Down The Road

Location: H No. 99, Near Old Patto Bridge, Panaji.

This is a beautiful restaurant housed in a beautiful old Portuguese style Villa at a beautiful location. Down the road has been there since many years but for some reason, I never visited the place before.

Once while scouting for a place for dinner with hubby, on an impulse, entered this restaurant. And... For sure. No regrets.

It was Christmas time and the restaurant was beautifully decorated with lights, stars and glass paintings. What I loved most is the utilization of space. There is indoor seating and gallery too accommodates people. We obviously chose to sit out. It was such a perfect setting, December cool breeze mixed with the smell of the sea and slow tracks playing in the background. Down the road won my heart here itself.

Now coming to the food part, everything was superb. For drinks, we stuck to our regular, Breezer and beer.

Started our meal with chicken mexicana pizza and Mongolian prawns. The pizza was a thin crust with chicken, onion, jalapenos and lots of cheese. It was profusely topped and extremely delicious. Mongolian prawns was ordered at the suggestion of our server. So it had to be good. And it was.. with the right mix of sauces and the tenderness of prawns.

Chicken Mexicana Pizza

Mongolian Prawns

Lastly, we ordered Mediterranean stuffed chicken. This dish was accompanied with mashed potato, bread, buttered veggies and a yogurt dip. The chicken was deliciously stuffed with cheese. It always makes for a great combination. Mashed potato was extremely smooth and perfectly gooey.

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken

Everything about this dinner was great. Will surely visit again for their other delicacies.

Food:4/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance:5/5

Restaurant Review: Edu's

Location: Marriott's lane, Campal, Panaji.

I have had quite a long relationship with Edu's restaurant located on the Miramar road near magson's. This place was there since my college days and it was my go-to place as it was nearby and pocket friendly.

Recently, passing through the Miramar road and seeing the said building under Renovation got me thinking.. what will happen to Edu's.. and one day I saw a board showing new direction for Edu's on a by-lanes of Campal near Marriott.

Headed there for dinner when hubby was in town and we wanted to unwind after a long day. The new Edu's was exactly what we were looking for.There is outdoor as well as AC seating.The place was moderately decorated. We chose to sit out as it was quite breezy.

The owner himself was taking orders and helped us with the menu. The staff too were very friendly.For drinks, we had a cocktail and blackberry Breezer. The cocktail had the perfect punch.

Cocktail (Effective as I forgot the name)

For starters, we were suggested prawns crackers which sounded something different. We were surprised to see that they were like wafers...very crispy with flavour of prawns..

Prawns Crackers

Next, we ordered Shanghai chicken and batter fried stuffed chicken breast with cheese. Shanghai chicken was extremely delicious. The chicken pieces were tender while capsicums and onions were perfectly crunchy. Stuffed chicken was average. The chicken lacked flavour. And obviously turophiles that we both are, we thought the cheese was less.. It always is..

Batter fried stuffed cicken with cheese

Shanghai Chicken

The portion size for all dishes was good. The service was quick and well presented.

Overall a good place for a quick bite. Location wise better than before.

Food: 3/5

Service: 4/5

Ambiance: 4/5