Restaurant Review: Maracas, Goa!

Hey from EL The Cook! 

We review today, a sensational Portuguese food restaurant in Alto Porvorim, Goa, Maracas.

Maracas, is a musical instrument made of dried gourd,brightly coloured,which is hollowed and filled with dried beads and played as a shaker. 

The restaurant Maracas, is equally colourful, filled with large blackboards and chalk drawings of favourite booze bottles. The enchanting chandelier in the centre of the room definitely is unique and draws you further into the place.

Maracas does have a quaint outdoor section, however since it was raining it was closed.

Down to the food! Heres what we ordered. 

SPICY PRAWNS IN PORT WINE

This gorgeous looking dish is brought to the table with enchanting aromas of sweet port wine. The prawns are gently simmered in butter and freshly ground black pepper. The port wine sauce is simply stunning with hints of fruitiness and the punch of matured wine!

The flavours compliment each other beautifully, topped with a sprig of dill. This dish both looks and tastes sensational.

FILLET OF TENDERLOIN WITH BRANDY PEPPERCORN SAUCE

This rugged looking dish, belittles the richness of flavour hidden within. The fillet of tenderloin, cooked to order (ours was medium-rare) is served up soaked in a delicate brandy-pepper sauce,which is fabulous!

The sweetness of the sauce is really left unbalanced, you'd expect a punchy or creamy mash..However the mash is lifeless and doesn't work with the meat.

The grilled veggies are just ok, nothing to brag of. The sauce however definitely needs bragging! 

                                         GRILLED SNAPPER

A super looking dish, a delicate filet of snapper beautifully cooked is served on a bed of creamy cabbage and bacon.

The fish is seared to perfection and the flesh is perfectly cooked. The braised cabbage with bacon is however greasy and podgy. The fish is ruined by the fattiness of the side. The cabbage is overpowered by the bacon fat and frankly the flavour combination is quite weird to taste.

Maracas, serving up distinguishing food for the experienced Goan palette. The staff is professional and know their food combinations.

The decor is exceptional and artistic. Truly an inviting restaurant to visit.

The food is extremely well thought of however the execution of some dishes call for refinement of flavour combinations.

All in all Maracas, does well to cater to a foodie who loves exotic Portuguese dishes done in a simple way!