Bernardo's. Review on Bernardo's, DLF Phase 4, Gurgaon

BERNARDO’S “WHILE THE GOAN IS GOOD!!!” Finally a restaurant here in Gurgaon, that serves from the heart Goan cuisine. Just shifted from Chitranjanpark to Huda Shopping complex, Leisure Valley (gate no 3) is this honest-to- goodness Goan restaurant that serves great food. Bernardo’s is the brainchild of Chris & Cress Fernandes .It is delightfully unfussy and the interiors are reminiscent of a Goan home. Coming to the food, time tested family recipes have been incorporated in the authentic Goan fare doled out of the restaurant. The top favorite starter ‘Peixe Recheado’-basically fried fish stuffed with traditional Goan spices, served with salad – will make you forget any possible calorie consciousness in a hurry. For the main-course, it’s difficult to choose with so many options but Recommendations go for the ‘Sorpotel’, (and my suggestion, have it with the pao), ‘chicken Felicidae’, which is a recipe Cress borrowed from her mother-in law. Kudos also for the ‘Fofos’- yummy fish cutlets served on a bed of salad, with butter and pao. For the seafood lovers there’s a lot to choose from, ‘Ambot-tik’-a hot and sour fish curry and ‘ Caril de Camaro’- a spicy prawn curry cooked in traditional spices and coconut milk (have this with the rice) are my favorites. The ‘Chourico’-spicy Goa sausages cooked with potatoes and tomatoes, is another Goan specialty, and it doesn’t get more bonafide than this that the Goan sausages are sourced from Mapusa in Goa!! Though there are not too many options for the vegetarians but the ‘okra Temperade’ –ladyfinger simmered in a mild coconut based curry and the ‘ Caap’ –a sweet and sour green mango curry, is to die for. Most of the main course is served with a choice of pao or rice, making it a complete meal. For dessert home goodness comes in the form of a slice of Apple cinnamon cake or a Banana walnut cake (which Cress bakes herself) - a must try with ice cream. A meal for two would cost around Rs 500. Bernardo’s is open for lunch and dinner.