Fishy Business

Review: Fresh Catch

Hidden away in what I would call ‘patli galli’ next to the Mahim station is this traditional Goan eatery called ‘Fresh Catch’. A board hangs there claiming ‘Gems of the Kokan Belt Cuisine’. Is it? Well we are about to find out. Also placed outside is a pelican with fish tale hanging out of its mouth. Cute! In a wierd way. Crowded and chattery with only about 6 tables, it starts almost where it ends. We wait for a while till we are guided to small table with traditional cloth mats.

Right opposite is the wall hanging with alot of media cut outs of all the reviews written. Think I missed this big time because I have never heard of this place and had to wait for this cute couple, I have befriended some time ago to introduce me to this place. The stout man in the photo’s comes to take are orders. He seems to be the owner and has had the privilege click pictures with Sachin (twice!), Busy bee and quite a few others!

Prawn Rechad

We open the menu, a mix goan Konkani dishes listed. I let the couple order- We order for Prawn Rechado – beautifully spiced shrimps that are soft and yet give you that crunch in your mouth. Impressed. The other dishes are suggested by the man in the photos/owner, Crab Butter Garlic- good but I prefer eating it with shell, this was the meat culled out and served. Next Calamari Chilli Fry – yum yum yum! Usually am not a very big fine of calamari but this one was not the chewy gummy kind, just beautiful soft rings. We had the Bombil Fry – crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside just like it should be, Grilled Rawas- soft succulently grilled fish that just melts in your mouth, the Clam Sukka – clams cooked in delicious masala and grated coconut. Slurp.

Clams Sukka

For the mains we order the Pomfret Rossa Curry and Neer Dosa- again delectable flavours, not too spicy, just right. I think to myself while I sit back and savour the meal, a satisfied grin on my face, how do only few restaurants get it right? The big launches, celebrity parties and all the hoopla, all in vain! Only a few restaurants get that. They get the fact that simplistic and true flavours and are the ones that really satisfy people. Fresh Catch definitely is one of them.

Pomfret Rossa

For desserts we have the Caramel Custard, the humble owner accepts that he likes the one at Britannia better. All we do is smile and savour the perfect end to the perfect meal.

A meal at Fresh Catch would cost anywhere between Rs 650 per head

Verdict:

Food: Yummy

Ambience: Simple

Service: Helpful

Quick Tip: Simple & true flavours. One of the best sea food restaurants in my opinion. Must have the Prawn Rechad & Calamari Chilli Fry.

Just by the way Culinary recommended this restaurant in Rashmi Uday Singh’s Bombay Times column, here is the piece.

The Co-ordinates:

Fresh Catch

Where: Lt. Kotnis Marg, Near Fire Brigade, Off L.J. Road, Mahim West, Mumbai

Tring Tring: 022 24448942, 022 32968981

Timings: 10am-3pm; 6pm -12midnight

Food Type: Seafood, Goan, Konkan

Payment Methods: Credit cards accepted