Nestled in a tiny village fifteen minutes away from the madness and chaos of Baga on Arpora Calangute is Mix. With a large neon sign with the devil’s horns on the “I” to welcome you, you cant miss it.
Done up in warm shades of yellow, red seating in different corners, it’s easy to think Manav and Lovely (the chef and the host respectively) have asked you to a dinner party in their home. As regulars walk in, warm hugs abound. Different bands play here on different days, from jazz to pop to electronica.
‘The place radiates a lazy relaxed vibe that makes you want to sit there for hours.’
For Manav, creating interesting food with local produce is a mission. He goes to the market each day to buy local produce to stocks his kitchen everyday and the food is as fresh as it can be. That he takes pride in what he serves is obvious in the food that come out from the kitchen. In fact, his steaks are so good, you could easily take Mix to be a steakhouse. The steaks are juicy and tender and absolutely delicious.
But the dish that stole my heart was the Blackened Chicken. As misleading as the name sounds, the chicken pieces are tender and juicy and bursting with flavor. With every bite the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of orange warm you to the core.
We also had Crackling Honey Veg which was a crispy, delicious dish of vegetarian fritters in a spicy sichuan sauce with a honey glaze, served with crispy spinach. Fantastic flavors!
The menu at Mix does not run into pages but the chef’s attention to detail, dedication to local produce, and the quality of the food set it apart and make it a restaurant that’s become a regular stop for us on our trips to Goa. And it’s light on the pocket too.
Note: Bret Lee, can be found playing at Mix.
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