Waves crashing on the rocks below, raindrops falling on the coconut palm roof above, soft music wafting through monsoon pleasantries being exchanged by guests, and a beef steak marinated with pepper make an evening at Sea Lounge by Curlies, one that is not to be forgotten.
If Curlies was a restaurant by the sea that etched memories of good times created by a Goan, Sea Lounge stretches that memory and has visitors convinced that none can beat the hospitality of Edwin Nunes that starts in his kitchen.
Supriya is in her early 60s, and as she strides past with her family, after a satisfying meal, her remark, that the food served sways with the rustic look of the restaurant, is testimony that Nunes knows how to satiate the palates of his clients.
The restaurant is one of the few on the Vagator-Anjuna coast that has beef and pork on the menu. The beef steak that sells for Rs 600 is wholesome, well marinated with salt, pepper and a hint of garlic.
“I worked with a restaurant called Joe Banana when I was 12. Around that time, I used to guard the houses of foreigners when they went out for dinner and was paid Rs 400 a month,” recollects Nunes as he negotiates the price of fresh fish brought in by an angler.
“I learnt to cook by myself. In my kitchen, there is no such thing as a fixed recipe. Each dish is made to satisfy individual palates. The idea is to cook to suit our customers' taste,” admits Nunes, as his staff tries to meet the weekend rush.
Sea Lounge by the Sea is not just a story of good food created by a Goan kitchen, but a tune of some fine cocktails enjoyed by crowds from across the country, which makes it a much sought-after restaurant with a view of the sea.
“People coming now are those who were aware of the food and drinks we served in the old restaurant. The place might have changed, but the hands in the kitchen and behind the bar are pretty much the same, hence no difference,” admits Nunes.
Despite the red alert issued by the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) Goa on Sunday, the restaurant was full, and the rough waves crashing on rocks provided soothing music to the ears.
Apart from Goan food, Sea Lounge offers Mediterranean food, with those enjoying some cocktails – most of them being ladies – biting into this.
“I think this is one of the few restaurants with a sea view that offers authentic Goan food,” quips Igreka who is on a monsoon honeymoon.
The menu at the place is extensive, with over 200 different varieties of dishes from different cuisines of the world being served. A beer costs Rs 200, and a few hours marveling at the undercurrents will, on an average, cost an individual around Rs 1,000.
Despite a ban on fishing, fresh fish is available courtesy local anglers who sell their catch to Nunes.
“I go out with my canoe when the sea is calm to catch some fish and the locals sell their catch to me,” shares Nunes.
As the rain intensifies and night sets in, the DJ begins his music and slowly those around the pool table begin to dance to the beat.
The rain gets heavier, waves begin to break on the rocks, and Sea Lounge by Curlies leaves all with a feeling of curling in the luxurious lap of nature in South Anjuna.
