A Taste of Goa in Mumbai: The Coconut Boy Experience

By Author

Published on January 13, 2024

Stepping into The Coconut Boy is like stepping into a vibrant Goan beach shack. The interiors are adorned with colorful murals, seashells, and traditional Goan artifacts, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The open-air seating adds to the laid-back charm, while the aroma of spices and fresh seafood fills the air, whetting your appetite for what's to come.

Chef Rohan D'Souza shares the story behind the origin of The Coconut Boy as, “Coconut Boy was a concept that had been overdue in Bombay. Traditional Goan food was lacking in the market, with a noticeable gap in the availability of authentic choices. While there were a few restaurants offering Goan cuisine, it was not adequately showcased commercially. Our aim with Coconut Boy is to introduce the essence of Goan culture, its unique ingredients, and traditional recipes straight to Bombay. This is the gap we aim to fill with Coconut Boy in Bombay.”

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The menu at The Coconut Boy is a testament to Goa's rich culinary heritage. It presents a fusion of traditional Goan dishes, each with its unique identity and historical significance. It features a wide selection of traditional Goan dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic spices. From seafood specialties like Prawn Balchao and Goan Fish Curry to vegetarian delights like Bebinca and Sorpotel, there's something to tantalize every taste bud. Chef D’Souza suggests trying out Amboti since it is one of his favorites among the menu. “If I were to pick a personal favorite, I lean towards something comforting – the curry. Specifically, the 'Amboti' stands out for me. It's a spicy, chili-infused, hot and sour curry crafted with tomatoes and chilies, served with kingfish and bacalhau. In Goa, they prepare it with various traditional fish. The Amboti holds a special place in my preferences and has gained popularity here at Coconut Boy,” he adds.

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One of the highlights of The Coconut Boy is its dedication to fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing its fish and seafood from the coastal villages of Goa, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. “This is how our food maintains its authenticity; a substantial portion of our ingredients, from vinegars to chilies and more, comes directly from Goa,” the chef adds.

Being collaborated with Mr. Hitesh Keswani, a highly regarded restaurateur in Mumbai, with a portfolio of esteemed restaurant ventures in the city, Chef D’Souza shares that they've had a collaborative working relationship for the past decade. “Knowing my Goan background, Mr. Keswani and I were confident that we could introduce something unique and authentic to the culinary scene. After ensuring that we had all the necessary elements in place, we were ready to launch Coconut Boy. This marked the conceptualization phase,” he says.

In terms of innovation, Coconut Boy focuses on straightforward recipes and dishes. They have maintained authenticity in terms of ingredients and flavors without taking any creative liberties with the core food concepts. The innovation lies, the chef emphasizes, more in the presentation style rather than altering the essence of the dish. D’Souza says, “Our approach to the actual food, from the base of the dish to its preparation, remains purely authentic, staying true to the roots of the state.

Coconut Boy has been in operation for a short time, yet it has already made a significant impact on the food and beverage scene in Mumbai. They have started on a positive note and have built an excellent team that executes consistently in terms of quality, food service, ambiance, and even live music. 

The Coconut Boy is more than just food. It's an experience that celebrates the Goan way of life. It is, indeed, the go-to place for both the young and old, offering a space to enjoy excellent food, refreshing drinks, and vibrant entertainment. So, in essence, that's Coconut Boy.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Unveils Exclusive Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Unveils Exclusive Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations

By Author

Published on September 7, 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is thrilled to announce its special offerings for Ganesh Chaturthi, promising a blend of traditional festivity and modern luxury. Nestled amidst the serene hills of Mahabaleshwar, the hotel is set to create an unforgettable celebration with a range of exclusive treats and experiences designed to honor the auspicious occasion.

A Taste of Tradition: Modak Hamper

In celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is introducing a delightful Modak Hamper that embodies the spirit of the festival. Modaks, a traditional sweet cherished during Ganesh Chaturthi, symbolize joy and festivity. The hotel’s Modak Hamper is a tribute to Mahabaleshwar’s rich culinary heritage and features an assortment of local flavors.

The hamper includes:

  • Strawberry Modaks: Offering a fruity twist on the classic sweet.
  • Gulkand Modaks: Infused with aromatic rose petal preserves.
  • Chocolate Fudge Modaks: For a rich, indulgent treat.
  • Peanut Butter Modaks: Combining creamy and nutty flavors.
  • Peanut Chikki Modaks: A sweet and crunchy variation.

Each box, containing 12 Modaks, is priced at INR 1100. The hamper is perfect for personal indulgence or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones, adding a touch of Mahabaleshwar’s festive spirit to any celebration.

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Experience Purity with Satvik Thali

For those who seek a spiritually enriching dining experience, the hotel is offering a specially curated Satvik Thali. This traditional meal adheres to the principles of Satvik cooking, which emphasizes purity and simplicity. Prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients, the Satvik Thali is designed to enhance the festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi with a nourishing and spiritually uplifting dining experience.

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The Ultimate Resort Escape

Guests looking to extend their Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations can opt for the Resort Escape with Marriott Bonvoy package. This exclusive offer combines a luxurious stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar with the festive flavors of the Satvik Thali. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mahabaleshwar’s hills, the resort offers a serene retreat where guests can unwind and savor the tranquility of the surroundings.

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is dedicated to ensuring that each guest’s Ganesh Chaturthi is both special and memorable. The hotel’s offerings are designed to honor the festival’s traditions while providing the utmost comfort and luxury. Whether guests are indulging in traditional sweets, enjoying a wholesome meal, or relaxing in a beautiful setting, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar aims to make this Ganesh Chaturthi an extraordinary occasion for all.

For reservations and more information about the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and packages, please visit [hotel's website] or contact the hotel directly.

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About Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is a premier luxury resort located in the serene hills of Mahabaleshwar. With its commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail, the resort offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional hospitality, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and celebration.


Haldiram's Launches "Ganpati ke Geet Gaao, Aur Modak ka Swaad Ghar Laao" Campaign for Ganesh Chaturthi

Haldiram's Launches "Ganpati ke Geet Gaao, Aur Modak ka Swaad Ghar Laao" Campaign for Ganesh Chaturthi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 7, 2024

As the joyous festival of Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, Haldiram's, India’s leading traditional sweets brand, has launched a specially curated campaign titled "Ganpati ke Geet Gaao, Aur Modak ka Swaad Ghar Laao." This campaign is a celebration of tradition and brings the authentic taste of Lord Ganesha’s cherished prasad, modaks, to homes across India.

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is a time of new beginnings, wisdom, and prosperity, celebrated with great devotion throughout the country. At the heart of these celebrations is the modak, Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet, symbolizing love, devotion, and the blessings of the deity shared among families.

As part of their campaign, Haldiram's has introduced an array of modaks to elevate the festival experience. Their offerings include Moti Choor Modak, Assorted Modak, Premium Assorted Modak, Coconut Modak, Moong Modak, Khoya Modak, and Kaju Modak, all crafted with the finest ingredients to ensure that each bite reflects the traditional taste of this beloved sweet.

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Kailash Agarwal, President - Retail, Haldiram's, spoke about the campaign, saying, “Ganesh Chaturthi is close to the hearts of millions, and modaks are an integral part of the vibrant celebrations. With our campaign 'Ganpati ke Geet Gaao, Aur Modak ka Swaad Ghar Laao,' we aim to bring the authentic taste of Ganpati’s prasad to homes across India. Our range of modaks showcases the rich culinary heritage and cherished moments that unite families during this festive season.”

To make these festive treats accessible, Haldiram's modak collection is available across all Haldiram's stores and can also be ordered online via their website and food delivery partners like Zomato. This ensures that households across India can partake in the celebration and seek blessings during this auspicious time.

Celebrate this Ganesh Chaturthi with Haldiram's special modaks, bringing the sweet taste of tradition and the essence of the festival to your home.


ProWine Mumbai 2024 Announces Dates and Exciting New Highlights

ProWine Mumbai 2024 Announces Dates and Exciting New Highlights

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 6, 2024

ProWine Mumbai, India's largest wine and spirits business event, is all set for its fourth edition, scheduled for the 8th and 9th of November 2024 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Organized by Messe Düsseldorf India and All Things Nice, this year's event brings new features, including the much-anticipated ProSpirits segment and the ProWine & ProSpirits Challenge.

The two-day event has become a hub for the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries, attracting major international and Indian brands. Attendees, including importers, distributors, hoteliers, and beverage enthusiasts, will experience not only exhibit displays but also masterclasses, live tastings, and panel discussions.

One of the new highlights of this edition is the ProSpirits segment, designed to explore the growth and innovation of the spirits industry. Attendees can expect tastings of the latest spirits and trends presented by industry experts. With India witnessing a growing demand for premium spirits, ProSpirits will offer insights into the sophisticated drinking culture and emerging market opportunities.

Additionally, the ProWine & ProSpirits Challenge will provide a platform for both Indian and international brands to showcase their products through a systematic blind tasting. Judged by industry professionals and consumers alike, the challenge will rank wines and spirits based on their quality, offering a unique insight into the preferences of the Indian palate.

ProWine Mumbai 2023 saw over 164 companies from 21 countries and 5,059 attendees, making it a landmark event in the industry. The 2024 edition promises to build on this success with more interactive sessions and features.

Nikhil Agarwal, Founder of All Things Nice and Co-organizer of ProWine Mumbai, expressed excitement about this year’s edition, saying, “With the addition of ProSpirits and the ProWine & ProSpirits Challenge, we aim to elevate the experience for our attendees, providing them an unparalleled platform to explore the latest trends and innovations."

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Other key features include over 10 Masterclasses, hosted by international governments, WSET Global, and leading wine authorities, offering a diverse range of wine and spirit tastings. The ProWine Bartenders’ Competition will highlight top bartending talent, with the winner receiving the prestigious title of "ProWine Bartender of the Year" and a fully sponsored guest shift at an international bar.

The ProWine Mumbai Night, an exclusive networking event, will showcase winners from the ProWine & ProSpirits Challenge at the "Winning Wines & Spirits Bar" and recognize notable contributions to the industry through a felicitation ceremony.

With its wide array of features, ProWine Mumbai 2024 is set to be an extraordinary platform for both trade and consumers in the wine and spirits industry, offering insights, business opportunities, and the chance to engage with some of the finest minds in the sector.

For more information, visit www.prowine.in.

About the Organizers:
Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, is renowned for organizing global trade fairs such as Medical Fair India, In-Store Asia, glasspex India, pacprocess Mumbai, and ProWine Mumbai.
All Things Nice, founded by Nikhil Agarwal, offers events and consultancy services for the wine and spirits industry and is known for organizing the Indian Wine Consumer’s Choice Awards.

Media Contacts:
Mr. Pinak Gupta, Messe Düsseldorf India – GuptaP@md-india.com
Ms. Cheryl Koshy, All Things Nice – cheryl@allthingsnice.in

or both trade and consumers in the wine and spirits industry, offering insights, business opportunities, and the chance to engage with some of the finest minds in the sector.

For more information, visit www.prowine.in.

About the Organizers:
Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, is renowned for organizing global trade fairs such as Medical Fair India, In-Store Asia, glasspex India, pacprocess Mumbai, and ProWine Mumbai.
All Things Nice, founded by Nikhil Agarwal, offers events and consultancy services for the wine and spirits industry and is known for organizing the Indian Wine Consumer’s Choice Awards.

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