November is sizzling and while India may not have much of a winter to speak of yet, Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar and filmmaker and stylist Rhea Kapoor are making good use of the warm weather and have jetted off for a vacation in Goa. While the seaside state offers plenty by way of stunning ocean views, nightlife and rich local history, one of its biggest draws is the wealth of amazing food. The friends have made their base in South Goa, the quieter end of the state’s spectrum at Amaraanth Boutique Resort.
Amaranth’s menu has been curated by the iconic Chef Ritu Dalmia with a range of cuisines that range from fresh continental picnic spreads to home comfort kadhi chawal or Korean specialities. Meanwhile, Pankaj Balachandran and the team at Countertop India have curated an exceptional bespoke bar programme for guests drawing on local flavours and indigenous ingredients. Here they enjoyed a traditional vegetarian Indian thali – another highlight of the Amraanth menu – including a range of dishes.
The meal included both classics and modern delights like a paneer methi malai, broccoli and pinenut caldin, tendli bhujiya, bhute ki dal, aloo chokha, paratha, jeera rice or red rice, papad churi, relish, and raita. This beautiful spread of thali staples with a signature Goan touch is one that draws people to the Amaaranth Kitchen on the regular. For dinner, they paid a visit to one of the most celebrated spots in Goa at the moment, the iconic Cavatina by Chef Avinash Martins.
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