The World's 10 Best Restaurants

Business Today's Lifestyle supplement magazine "More", issue dated July 13th carries an elaborate article on The World's 10 Best Restaurants. It obviously caught my attention and I did pick up a copy.

I will admit, I was expecting it to be a rights borrowed article from Conde Nast and the like. However, I was pleased to see that it was indeed a Business Today special with Rashmi Uday Singh traversing the world trying out the best eateries. As Chairperson, Central Asia Region of the London-based "World's 50 Best Restaurants Academy", she did have access to a list of the top restaurants as a start off but I was happy to see her visiting the various places concerned.

A quick round up:

1. elBulli
Location: Montijoi, near Barcelona, Spain
Meal: Euro 200 (Rs. 13,200)

2. Bernard Loiseau
Location: Saulieu, France
Meal: Euro 200 (Rs. 13,200)

3. Le Bernardin
Location: 155, W 51st Street, New York, USA
Meal: Three course Lunch $64 (Rs. 2,750); Four Course dinner $107 (Rs. 4,600)

4. Tetsuya's
Location: Kent Street, Sydney, Australia
Meal: $200 (Rs. 8000)

5. l' Arpege
Location: Rue de Varenne, Paris, France
Meal: $495 (Rs. 21,280)

6. Alain Ducasse
Location: Paris, France
Meal: Euro 240 (Rs. 15,840) or Euro 360 (Rs. 23,760)

7. French Laundry
Location: Yountville, California, USA
Meal: Nine Course menu $300 (Rs. 12,900)

8. Iggy's
Location: The Regent Hotel, Singapore
Meal: Lunch $115 (Rs. 3,560); Dinner $195 (Rs. 6,040)

9. Oaxen Skargardskrog
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Meal: 1,350 Kroner (Rs. 9,450)

10. Cut
Location: Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, US
Meal: $250-500 (Rs. 10,750-21,500)

A very well written story I must say. A must grab copy.

Goa, Souz-aaah Lobos!

Nestled in the silken sands of a beach popularly known as Calangute, this North Goan beach lays the perfect setting for an idyllic, laid back yet delicious dining experience called Souza Lobos. On a recent visit to this paradise, this particular joint was highly recommended by friends and locals alike along with Brittos, its other beach front apettite whetter counterpart.

Now being the Monsoon and thereby the off season in Goa, many are discouraged from visiting. However, as I recently found, this is probably the best time for Indians to be in Goa. Rock bottom room rates, easy availability of two and four wheeled self drive transport options, resturants welcoming customers all mean that its Goa served to you at half price! Yes the beaches might be off limits since it does get very very rough but the pouring rain can often be a sight to behold amidst the greenery of Goa. The best part of the rain is also the fact that it never lasts more than 10 minutes at a stretch. Now this is also that time of the year when most popular joints operate for restricted times instead of till late into the nights. Historically, Brittos as well as Souza Lobos have been shut through Monsoon. This year however, Lobos did stay open while Brittos is shut.

Saturday night and Lobos had a live performer belting out popular Goan as well as English hits and I must say, the tempo and atmosphere was quite eclectic. Coupled with the lapping of the waves of the Arabian sea, Souza Lobos is a definite must on the tour diary of any holidaying couple.

Needless to mention, like most Goan eateries, the alcohol on offer was elaborate - from the choicest of local Feni to Finlandia, Smirnoff Black, variety of Bacardi and the best of Scotland, it was all on offer. We decided to sample the local Coconut Feni and were recommended to try it with Limca! While it was quite a strong concoction, the Limca did help derive a very unique, full taste. Thoroughly enjoyable.

The food was very good. The fare included everything from Continental to Indian to authentic Goan. We sampled a little of everything and a clear thumbs up was awarded to the Grilled Prawns, Sorpotel, Pork Sausage fried rice and a sumptuous vegetarian preparation feigning to be a Mushroom Spinach pancake! That was to be the tastiest vegetarian preparation I was going to sample in Goa through my entire trip.

The service was a little indifferent but I also have to hand it to the waiters that the place was absolutely packed! Someone at the hotel told us that 10.30pm was the last order but orders and guests kept flowing till about 11.15pm and the last drinks were handed out at 11.45pm. In the peak seasons, we are told that this place knows no start time and you'll stay here so late that you'll never wake up before this place opens!

The interiors were very spartan but added to the beach shack feel that the place was trying to provide. At Rs. 400 a head including alcohol, I thought the place was quite the steal. However, another review of the place elsewhere on the internet deemed Souza Lobos to be an expensive option.

All said, I'd highly recommend Souza Lobos for the entire Goan-beach-shack-meal experience. Try and visit on a week night to soak in the best atmosphere. Reservations recommended - your hotel should be able to make the reservation for you.

Date: 27th June, 2008
Place: Calangute, Goa
Reviewed by: Harish Anand Thilakan

Must Order - Goan Fish Curry with Rice, Sorpotel, anything Prawn, Pork Sausage Fried Rice and Mushroom Spinach Pancake
Average Cost per person - Rs. 400-500 (including alcohol)

Address & Phone - Calangute Beach front, Goa
Driving Directions - Drive up to Calangute beach and walk along the beach! You cannot miss it.