Indulge in some exotic Mexican cuisine at ‘Habanero’ or rest peacefully at ‘Nature’s Nest’ situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats as they offer you a special Independence Day deals that will give you an experience to remember and at the same time not be a burden on your wallet.
BHARATI PAWASKAR
Independence Day is celebrated by a variety of activities, from flag hoisting to singing patriotic songs and conducting quizzes on the history of India to spending a day out in nature’s lap. Many of the places offer Independence Day discounts too. In Goa, restaurants and get-away places are offering discounts on this day. This Independence Day, on August 15, ‘Habanero’, a Tex Mex restaurant is giving 15 per cent off on the food bill while ‘Nature’s Nest’, the brainchild of nature enthusiasts, Pankaj Lad, Sangam Patil and Ramesh Zarmekar, is having an Independence Day offer. Armed forces personnel get a further 10 per cent
discount.
While many restaurants pull down their shutters for the monsoon, Habanero at Baga keeps its doors open.
“Offers and deals to entice customers is what we have learnt from our experience in the past. Domestic tourists and locals will be looking out for a mid-week break to relax and unwind. With the rains subsiding a bit, we expect better footfalls. We are offering a 15 per cent discount on food on August 15 at Habanero”, says Rohan Ghotage, Goa Franchise owner, Habanero.
Habanero, a Tex Mex restaurant that serves authentic Mexican American dishes, is also home to Goa’s first microbrewery, which allows one to pair their favourite dishes with a craft beer or a margarita cocktail from the vibrant bar. The decor includes hacienda architecture synonymous with South American countries, with small touches like the graffiti on the walls, picnic tables and a garden. Sombrero hats placed on every table for the guests to wear whilst enjoying the crunchy and flavourful Mexican food at Habanero.
The Habanero Goa menu includes everything like nachos, quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas. The ingredients used in the sauces at Habanero are, either sourced locally or imported. There is something for everyone, which includes a special children’s menu packed with burgers and bites. Another innovative concept is the ‘Build your own menu’, where guests are invited to create their favourite Mexican dishes, just the way they like to eat it. The fajitas are particularly a fan favourite amongst guests because it is easy to share and one can add different flavours to it.
Live sports matches on the large flat screens, spacious parking space, and live music on Saturday nights are the attractions at Habanero. There are events throughout the year like the Cinco de Mayo celebrations, which is a big festival in Mexico held on May 5 as well as specially themed comedy nights too.
Habanero launched a selection of salsas and sauces into the retail and e-commerce market this year. The refill packs have recently found favour among leading starred hotels in Goa, as they add a different taste to the palette. The Habanero in Goa is a franchise, run by the brother and sister duo, Rohan Ghotage and Pooja Ghotage. The other three Habanero restaurants are in Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
For those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and head to a tranquil place, Nature’s Nest at Tambdi Surla could provide you your perfect escape. Situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats, which is home to one of the world’s hotspots of biological diversity, one can find rare species of birds, amphibians and mammals here as part of the flora and fauna. Nature’s Nest is the only birding lodge in Goa, which makes it the ideal location for bird lovers. From encountering leopards on a jeep safari to spotting charming peacocks while trekking, this jungle stay allows one to connect with nature.
Situated in the close proximity of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhsagar waterfalls, Nature’s Nest is the brainchild of nature enthusiasts, Pankaj Lad, Sangam Patil and Ramesh Zarmekar, all of who are interested in popularising the conservation of biodiversity in Goa and its protected areas. There are interactive educational seminars conducted by experts, throughout the year.
“We also have offers for Republic Day and other important occasions. The Indian Army and Navy play a key role in safeguarding our lives and so giving these personnel an extra discount on Independence Day is our humble endeavour to recognise their efforts,” remarked Pankaj Lad, co-owner, Nature’s Nest.
The best part about Nature’s Nest is that you can visit for the day or plan an adrenaline-fuelled weekend. Packed full of exciting outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, rappelling and flying fox, a natural spring pool and fish spa, where the fish gently nibble away at the dead skin. The Kokum Tree restaurant offers fresh vegetables, herbs and spices meticulously sourced locally and the food includes chicken masala, vegetable curry, French bean foogath, ukdem (steamed) local rice, bhakris made out of nachni or rice, sol kadi and red sheera for dessert. The Nature’s Nest packages include affordable ‘bed and breakfast’ and serves as an ideal short vacation destination for families with 10 eco cottages.
