One night in Goa
GOA is often touted as India’s coastal paradise. From its tempting cuisine of fusion foods and fiery dishes to the blend of psychedelic music and cocktails along its famous Anjuna Beach, this adventure haven is every holiday seeker’s dream destination.
So when Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay welcomed guests who attended the launch of its inaugural Sunset Series, themed around the authentic tastes and sounds of Goa, it did so knowing they were in for an indelible experience.
And unforgettable it was!
As soon as Easter Saturday’s dusk sky spawned a kaleidoscope of colours across the picturesque Momi Bay, in anticipation of another stunning twilight, an indelible night was in the making.
At Fish Bar, perched atop a rocky outcrop at Fiji Marriott Resort, the aroma of Goan curries and sauces, among others, bequeathed the evening party with a seductive signature scent.
Stars sparkled in the darkening heavens like little diamond confetti while the meat in vindaloo, a Goan favourite, discharged strong hints of vinegar, garlic and spices. The dish, I later learned, was a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice, puri or pappadam, and of course - spicy coconut sauce.
Goan cuisine uses a lot of coconut, fish, seafood and spices and is inspired by the various influences that had shaped its history.
Because the smallest Indian province was a former Portuguese colony, and briefly ruled by Indian and Muslim kingdoms at some point, its cuisine showcases this rich diversity of cultures and religions.
“With the Sunset Series we are bringing the best tourist destinations to Fiji,” said Fiji Marriott’s executive chef Christian Knecht, the mastermind of last weekend’s Goan cuisine.
“We can’t travel so we want to give Fijians the opportunity to experience different cuisines, beach clubs, cocktails and music.”
Kick-starting the Sunset Series with a Goan theme allowed guests to enjoy something they could relate to considering the subtle commonalities between Fijian and Goan cuisines.
In upcoming months, while borders remain closed, Momi Bay Sunset Series will be themed around famous international destinations including Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Mykonos in Greece, Ibiza on the East Coast of Spain and Bali in Indonesia.
These great coastal cities are known to offer some of the best holiday experiences.
During the planning stage of the Goa Sunset Series, Chef Knecht got in contact with the executive chef from the Marriott in Goa who recommended some famous Goan cuisines.
The two executive chefs then wrote a menu together before Knecht roped in one of his local chefs to help him try out the dishes.
By mid-week five dedicated chefs had come on board to boost the kitchen team. Some of them hadn’t been working for a while so this was a chance to not only get paid employment but reunite with each other too.
The 38-year old German-born Knecht studied in Switzerland and later did his apprenticeship in Germany.
He worked for 10 years in Sydney, Australia. In between, he went to Germany to attend hospitality management school and do his mastery in cooking.
He has been at the Fiji Marriott since it opened four years ago and reckons “I still like it”.
Knecht said tasting different cuisines allowed people to learn about world cultures and appreciate them.
“When people go on a holiday they not only want to experience a different culture but also the cuisine of a country,” Knecht stressed.
“Food is a vital part of everyone’s life because we all like to eat and drink. Cocktails, drinks, food and music play a vital role in creating that memorable guest experience. It helps us appreciate diverse cultures and traditions.”
The Sunset Series dinner was made complete with a selection of Goan desserts including servings of toothsome rice pudding or kheer and resort-made coconut ice cream.
After dinner, Goan nightlife came alive with sensational music and the voice of local celebrity DJ Christonite or otherwise known as Boginikua. Guests kicked the sand and under starry skies, danced the night away to a range of music genre, including vude vibes and Bollywood tunes.
DJ Christonite will be a regular face at the future Sunset Series including the next which will be themed around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“I think the Sunset Series concept awesome. This is a disappointing time in Fiji so this is thinking outside the box,” he said.
As a performer, he has had to constantly step up his craft to be relevant to local music lovers.
“I have to step up, maybe not just play bula or local all the time but something more international that everyone will appreciate.”
DJ Christonite has an amazing collecting of music and songs from around the world. As a DJ he has vast exposure and experience of working in the Caribbean islands, Europe and the Pacific.
He said the Rio de Janeiro Sunset Series was something worth looking forward to.
“In the upcoming Rio party you can definitely hear a lot of Latino music like samba, reggaeton, calypso and some Caribbean music,” he said.
“I also have to do some research to find out what people are listening to now, what’s on radio, TikTok and the internet. The hardest part is making everybody happy.”
The Easter weekend also offered a four-day Easter program with heaps of fun activities including a beautiful choral performance by the Lomawai Church Choir on Easter Sunday.
Following Resurrection Sunday tradition at the resort, a sumptuous Fijian lovo dinner feast was prepared to treat guests as they eased into the evening after a day hectic day of activities such as a three-legged race and tug-of-war, hosted by the recreations team.
Offering the Pawfect Staycation, the resort also accommodated animal lovers who brought their furry friends to celebrate the long Easter weekend. It was a getaway of innovative and world-class memorable experiences.
“It was a wonderful weekend as we had launched the Momi Bay Sunset Series, offering a unique experience from serving exquisite flavours from Goa to the ambience supported by DJ Christonite and MicroHire for our weekend guests amongst the Easter festivities.,” said Silvano Dressino, General Manager of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.
So if last week’s memorable evening was something to go by, then the Rio Sunset Series should be bigger and better - and not to be missed!