~Appetite - Bless me if Martins' Corner is Around~. Review on Martins Corner, Betalbatim, Goa

Prelude

Beaches of Goa resemble the curves in the body of a beautiful woman! Sensuous, beautiful and inviting!

Anything regarding Goa is special - Beaches, Cuisine, Bebinca (Layered Pudding), Churches ---

After heavy water sports - I was resting on beach side resort of "Calangute"sipping warm coffee - tides were kissing my feet - There I got the idea of driving to South Goa! I have explored North Goa to the nth degree - Baga, Vagatore, Aguada, Calangute, Sinquerim ------- Now what?

I took a round at Panjimcity and started driving to Airport Side --- Didnot take the turn to Dabolim - straight road lead me to Margaon!My friend Matthew Marchon, gave me the idea of explorin "Martins Corner"near Betal Batim Beach.

(Statutory Warning -In Goa, "M" alphabet in the end of any word is silent - So, Pronounce Panjim as Panji, Betal Batim as Betal Bati --)

I spend a lot at Souza Lobosat Calangute and was skeptic about this place! But once when I reached there ----- Oooops, the experience is worth writing a review and here I am with you to take you through Martins Corner

Route Map- Well, I have mentioned in before. Its 7-10 KM away from Margaon! If you want to explore South Goa, you can drive up to Palolim Beach(According to me - the best beach in Goa) and then drive back to Colva / Betal Batim Beach side and anyone can direct you to Martins

A very humble start with a few benches by Late Martin Pereira and his wife Mrs.Carafina Pereira. They have limtied their cuisine to authentic Goan delicacy. Now, the show is managed by Carafina and her sons.

Speciality -

I have been to this place twice during noon and hence didnot enjoy their musical evening. But I have something great worth sharing with you!

a) Value for money -It is not very expensive like other famous restaurents around Goa. You will never feel like spending more here for sure

b) Ambience -The ambience is so colourful and they have made use of the possibilities of building the restaurent with bamboo.

c) Cuisine -It is quite extensive. You will find Indian, Chinese and Goan specialities. Ofcourse I have not tried Chinese but what ever I have tried in Sea Food was awsome!

One of the most sought after dish here is Crab Stuffed with Spiceswhich is named as Sachin's Delightas Sachin Tendulkar is crazy for this dish! He was so carried away by this restaurent and had popularised this a lot inviting his celebrity friends and he is a voluntary brand ambassador for Martins' Corner.

Some other dishes which I recommend for you are

1) Snapper Reicheido 2) Pomfret Caldin 3) Goan Fish Curry in Surma 4) Chicken Cafreal (Portugese speciality) 5) Prawn Balachao 6) Fish Mol (this is pickled fish) 7) Tiger Prawns

8) Snapper

Also, if you dont want to venture into much adventures, do opt for the following

a) A humble starter with Tiger Prawns and King Fish Fy

b) Plain Rice & Goan Fish Curry

c) If you eat beef, opt for Beef Fry as side dish / starter

d) Butter Roti with Chicken Cafreal

d) Hygiene -This is another major plus point which I want to mention - The restaurent is under the personal supervision of Mrs.Carafina and "being hygiene" is a religion for them! I have personally checked their kitchen and interacted with Chefs and arrived at this opinion!

Summary

Inshort, let me just plan a small package for you!

Plan for a full day in South Goa - Drive upto Palolim and explore nearby beaches during forenoon and plan to reach Betal Batim by 1.00 PM. Have your lunch in Martinsand if time permits go to Colva Beach and Betal Batim Beach (nothing so great in these beaches) and have a gentle drive to Panjim / North Goa!

I am sure - if you go there after reading this, you will remember me for ever!