4 minute read
Feliz at DoubleTree by Hilton
DoubleTree by Hilton, Panaji needs no introduction. A beautiful resort tucked in between green forests on one side with the Mandovi river on the other side. Hosting amenities like an infinity pool, views of an amazing sunset on one side and a lush green forest on the other side, this resort with over 150 rooms is here to give you an amazing experience.
DoubleTree by Hilton, Panaji brings you, Feliz. It is one of the three options that are provided by DoubleTree. One is Comida which offers a buffet breakfast and the other is Rio Salao which serves beverages and light bites.
Feliz is an authentic Coastal Specialty outlet and the only 5-star Mangalorean Outlet with an amazing view of the river which gets even more pretty during the sunset hours. It is an outdoor seating-only restaurant with a décor that is minimalistic and aesthetic. The is nestled in between trees which adds more to the beauty of this place. It is a unique combination of refined and yet casual. Feliz means ‘Happy’ in Portuguese, which one definitely will be after tasting the food here.
Feliz serves Goan and Mangalorean cuisine with mouth-watering delicacies and refreshing signature cocktails. Their ‘Chicken Xacuti with Pao’ is flavourful and it’ll leave you licking your fingers wanting for more. The ‘Appam with Stew’ is offered with a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian option, it is savoury and delicious, and the flavours just explode in your mouth.
Their signature cocktails include a Goan traditional, the ‘Mandovi’, that is made with Cashew Feni and Kokum, shaken to perfection. Their own ‘Feliz Sunset’, which is Gin, basil, and pineapple built up for you to enjoy the perfect sunset. House special drink ‘Bhoomi’, turmericinfused vodka shaken with ginger.
The menu is created to offer authentic homecooked Goan cuisine and many other gourmet delights. Master Chef, Vidhya Gawas, a Goan herself, her love and enthusiasm towards the Goan culture and its exotic cuisine has brought her here at Feliz. She heads the kitchen and has also curated the menu. She takes utmost care and cooks the dishes with love which translates well into the food she prepares. One can taste the
flavor notes which often get lost in cooking. Taste is subjective and varies from person to person, some enjoy a little extra salt in their food while some enjoy spice, no food can be perfect for everyone. But the food prepared by Vidhya ensures that it suits all. One won’t find anything to complain about after eating the food prepared by her.
Feliz also hosts a bar that is well stocked with all kinds of liquor and the bartenders are wellexperienced in bartending and can prepare a host of drinks and cocktails. The cocktails are served with beautiful garnishes and taste refreshing. They complement the food perfectly.
The staff is extremely professional, polite and well trained. They can explain the food items to you before ordering as to what ingredients are used so that you can make an informed decision. The food is served in a beautiful manner and one would want to take a picture before gorging on.
The ambiance at Feliz is calm and relaxed which upholds the Goan way of life. It is quiet, peaceful, and serene at Feliz. At sunset, the ambiance turns up which makes it the best time to visit this place. The sun can be seen setting towards the horizon, its reflection bouncing off the river, the sky turning yellow and then pink as the sun goes down, birds can be seen flying towards their nests in group as they chirp away, a slight cool breeze adds up to the beauty of this place. Enjoying your favorite Goan food or with your loved drink in your hand, watching the sunset from here at Feliz is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Feliz is working towards women empowerment and with their master chef being a woman, it is definitely a step in the right direction. They have an even balance of men and women on their staff. A part of their earnings even goes towards NGOs that are working towards the upliftment of women.
