23 July,2009 09:39 AM IST | | Shree Lahiri
Goan Mid-Day reader drops in with us at Pune's latest Goan eatery, and tells us why the Cafreal shouldn't have tasted of pudina, the idli-like dessert is bang on, and why she wishes the Nepali waiter was better informed about the menu
Opus, the new Goan eatery at Koregaon Park, seemed the perfect dinner destination for Mid-Day reader Althea Da Costa, a software professional from Aldona in Goa. Other than the lethargic pace of her native town, and the 200 year-old Saint Thomas Church, Althea misses the seafood. Since it opened, Opus has grown famous for its music and KroaKnights, a karaoke contest. The swaying coconut palms establish the Goan connection, which extends to the bar that's done up with dried palm leaves. Drinking water is served on each table in an archaic glass bottle with a corkscrew.
Althea was glad the menu was an extensive one, and suggested we try the Non-Veg Balchao (Rs 200) to start with. "It's a typical Goan dish. I'd suggest you try the prawn variation. It has a pickle-like taste, with strong flavoured red chillies, garlic, ginger and vinegar." For the main course, she chose Caldine (Rs 250), a yellow curry delicately flavoured with green chilly and coconut milk (you can choose from fish/prawn/bhindi/egg variations). Althea was disappointed that a curry that's meant to be fiery was served bland.
Mid-Day reader Althea Da Costa at Opus. pics/ Debarati Palit
The Chicken Cafreal (Rs 250), chicken breast marinated in green masala had an overpowering taste of pudina instead of green chilli-coriander. She raised a suspicious eyebrow when she saw the dish served with pav. She enjoyed the Goan Sannas though, an idli-like cake that carries a mildly sweet toddy flavour. They also serve Bebinca with ice cream (Rs 120) and a Goan Sweet Platter (Rs 120).
The stewards were polite and always available, but that didn't help much since he couldn't provide any inputs on the food as he was from Nepal!
Atu00a0Opus, ABC Farms, Koregaon Park Road Extension, North Main Road.
Open u00a012.30 pm to 4.30 pm and 8 pm to 11.30 pm
Call u00a09049944422
