Nestled in a discreet corner of Sao Tome, Panjim, on a street that could soon be called the Instagram street of Panjim, is Relax Inn, a distinct eat-out that rolls out equally distinct features of Goa in the food and drinks served to its customers.
Sao Tome stands out as a ward of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) because its people have managed to retain the essence of the past – live life keeping the good of all in mind. And, Relax Inn props this up with the savouries it offers its guests.
Started around 20 years ago, Relax Inn was a four-bed home stay, perhaps one of the first in the area, and from those four rooms, one was converted into a little snack room.
“Since our guests, who stayed with us, would ask for breakfast and meals, my mother-in-law and I decided to start this coffee shop. We started with breakfast and slowly expanded to reach where we are now,” says Antonieta George who is the heart and soul of the place.
Relax Inn, as an eat out, tells a story of how people living in the capital city love to enjoy their time in the hub that runs the State. Stepping in and out of this four-table place is not about how much time you spend here, but how you spend it.
Many would prefer to call Relax Inn the breakfast place enjoyed by locals throughout the day. What one gets, is not a concern because Antonieta sees that whatever is available is the best in the city.
From fried eggs to sausage bread to ham and cheese bread to different types of omelets, the menu is about what a Goan likes for breakfast or seeks a quick bite before a meal.
“I have been coming to this place since the beginning, and living next door, have always looked at the place as part of my extended kitchen and Antonieta and her family as part of my extended family,” says Esmina, as she enjoys some prawn rissois.
As one set of customers leaves, another arrives -- men from the neighbourhood for a coffee and daily morning gossip. The conversation revolves around organising the Festa de Povo, a people’s festival celebrated by the ward.
As the conversation veers around how the event should be organised one comment stands out: “If there's even one person objecting to the festival being held in the ward because of his health, it should be moved elsewhere. In the festival of the people, the voice of each person has to be heard.”
In a way, the comment -- and the acceptance by all after cups of coffee and snacks -- spells out the camaraderie that is the hallmark of Sao Tome and that can be felt during ones time at Relax Inn.
“We know to manage and handle trouble. They come and go. One has to learn to turn negative vibes into positive, and only then will we survive,” reasons Antonieta who gave up her career in tailoring to sew a partnership with her husband, Allwyn, in the kitchen.
Love, feels Allwyn, is directionless and believes that the love they have and have invested in the place, has kept their customers glued to them.
“We do not need to sell our rooms. We have repeat guests or friends of our repeat guests. Our business is not our bother,” says Allwyn.
Stepping in and out of this four-table place is not about how much time you spend here, but how you spend it.
Perhaps it is love that has prompted the prices to be so compatible in the market. Sandwiches vary between Rs 80 and Rs 100, omelets between Rs 80 and Rs 90, while Chicken Xacuti is the only dish to touch Rs 150.
Sao Tome, apart from the ruckus created by some tourists, is one place that has not changed with the changing times and to cater to the needs of tourism.
Relax Inn stands out as being one place that has helped in maintaining the charm that seems to be flowing away.