Just Kerala, Andheri – Restaurant Review

What’s not to love about the southern state of Kerala? Perhaps India’s prettiest state, its tranquil backwaters, endless coconut groves, green-face-painted Kathakali dancers and seafood define the region. In Chakala (Andheri), a restaurant with an unassuming appearance attempts to bring the flavours of Kerala into Amchi Mumbai. ‘Just Kerala’ is…

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Sangam Regency, Ratnagiri – Hotel Review

While Ratnagiri is not someone’s first choice for a vacation spot, it has a lot of what makes it a good one. Delectable seafood, proximity to Goa and Mumbai, more greenery than you can imagine and virgin beaches. Probably the one thing that sorely lacks here are resorts – and…

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Mumbai To Goa & Goa To Mumbai on Road – Everything you need to know

A great thing about living in Mumbai is the fact that you’re 600 kms away from Goa, which means you can get there in 10-11 hours, depending on how many stops you take. The bad news is that the horrendous state of roads in our country make driving as pleasant…

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Mandvi Beach, Ratnagiri – what to expect

If someone says ‘Konkan Coast,’ it is almost certain that your mind will jump to Goa or Kerala. You wouldn’t think of Alibaug or Ratnagiri unless you’re in Mumbai, looking for a quick weekend getaway. However, just a hop away from the border of Goa, or 270 kms to be…

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Going Ga-Ga at Pa Pa Ya, Colaba – Restaurant Review

How are you doing, guys? After a quiet monsoon season of catching up on work and building my marketing agency, I’ve suddenly found myself drowning in blog posts. Just two months ago, things seemed to have stagnated and this blog, That Goan Girl, seemed to have plateaued. But post my…

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The Oak Barrel, Panjim – I’ve saved the best for last!

Edit: The Oak Barrel has permanently shut down. Whew! I’ve finally come to the end of my string of restaurant reviews in Goa. From Tio Tillys to Yaki Zushi, Marriott to Grand Hyatt, Caravela Cafe to Cluck Tales – this trip sure had me piling on the kilos. However, I…

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Grandmother’s Hole Beach – one of Goa’s many hidden gems

The beaches closest to my home in North Goa are congested, and chaotic and suffer from a serious overdose of people. Luckily, (or unluckily) for me, and in fact, my entire village, when people think of Goa’s sun-kissed beaches, the ones that immediately pop to mind are the ones that…

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Yaki Zushi – Goa’s most popular Sushi restaurant

A lot of folks from the Saligao-Sangolda-Porvorim area, and even beyond would have dined at Alua, Salgolda. Back in the day (getting old, I know), there weren’t a lot of dining options in Saligao, my hometown, and almost every occasion would be celebrated with lunch or dinner at Alua. Hailing…

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An eco-friendly fashion statement – Ninoshka, Goa

Goa-based fashion designer Ninoshka Alvares-Delaney is one to watch! This fashion pioneer from Saligao is in the organic fashion space and was recently honored by the Union Minister of State for textile, Smriti Irani from over 1660 designers across the country for her unique use of eco-friendly products, handloom fabrics…

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A culinary journey through India with Marriott, Goa

I’ve always believed that India’s real riches are the diversity of food it offers – food that’s as multi-flavoured as the country itself. Outsiders may generalize Indian food to be just about curry, whereas even in India itself, we write off North Indian food as butter-chicken-naan and South Indian food…

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Rajasthani Food Festival at Grand Hyatt, Goa

The Rajasthani Food Festival is underway at Grand Hyatt, Goa and ends on the 16th of August. It was my first time visiting the property, which is funny, considering I’m sampling the fare at Grand Hyatt Mumbai every second weekend! I was lucky to have made it to the bloggers…

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