Man Bites Shark

Hospedaria Venite
31st January Road, Panaji, Goa.
Tel: 0832-2425537
Meal for two without alcohol: Rs 850

he barracuda shark is the ultimate marine predator. The Goan variety is two feet long, with a torpedo shape, powerful jaws, a mouthful of fangs, and it hits you at speeds of up to 30 mph. It has a reputation for attacking humans, despite the fact that they’re not its preferred food-source. So when we saw barracuda on the menu, we had a primeval desire to bite right back. Which is why we ordered their barracuda fillets. They came sliced very thin, cooked in garlic sauce, and had a texture and taste not unlike tuna. Other popular barracuda recipes are sauteed with herbs and lime, or grilled and served with green-tomato salsa.

Venite is also known for its stuffed crab, hot garlic mussels, masala pork chops and beef steak. Founded in 1957, it was originally a ‘hospedaria’, or inn, in the old-word Portuguese quarter of Fontainhas, and it’s still run by Luis D’Souza, the son of the founder. Its floors are apparently made from timbers salvaged from old Portuguese shipwrecks, and its tiny wrought-iron balconies, set with romantic tables-for-two, are possibly the smallest in the world. P.S. Don’t miss their lethal private label feni!