It is said that a family that prays together, stays together. But for the Da Cruz family from Curtorim, the mantra could be amended to ‘A family that cooks together, stays together’. And, that they religiously follow the motto is visible to all who dine at their little venture, Rustic Flavours.
Rustic Flavours is a BBQ diner, co-run by a husband and wife duo – Chef Joaquim and his wife Ashlyn Da Cruz – who handle not just the spices, but also every little detail that goes into the dining, and are helped by their children, making it a true family affair.
In what can be described as a match made in heaven, Joaquim prefers cooking continental and Asian cuisine, while Ashlyn has mastered the art of Goan cuisine. And as a true partnership, they share the kitchen and taste each other’s preparations before the final product is served.
“Although we cook for a large number of people – even 150 people at a time – Joaquim always wants me to taste it before plating the dish, and I do the same with him. Food has always been like our love language,” says the bubbly Ashlyn, as Joaquim gets her to taste the pesto sauce on toast and Ashlyn gives him the thumbs up.
Rustic Flavours is located in an Indo-Portuguese house in the heart of Curtorim, where Chef Joaquim, also sets up a dining room for guests.
“We have clients who come from all over, and they love the barbeques I prepare. So, we set up the grill and give our guests fresh meals. However, we make everything on pre-order. Nothing is cooked and prepared beforehand and stored,” says Joaquim, a taciturn chef, with magic in his fingers.
Joaquim is meticulous about the meats he cooks, carefully examining them before making a purchase.
“I have a select few butchers who I trust for my meats, and I only prefer to buy tenderloin cuts. They are the best to cook. As a chef, I feel you need to make sure that you know your food and flavours before serving,” says Joaquim, who sets the BBQ grill in his courtyard and fans the coal to start it burning.
We set up the grill and give our guests fresh meals. However, we make everything on pre-order. Nothing is cooked and prepared before and stored.
Chef Joaquim Da Cruz, of Rustic Flavours
Another aspect that Chef Joaquim is particular about is to avoid adding tastemakers and colours to enhance the taste and colour of his dishes. “This is the same food I will cook for my kids and family and the same I will serve my guests. I feel that a chef must use natural ingredients to make a dish and bring out its flavours,” he says.
And, why call the place Rustic Flavours? “The flavours have a very rustic taste, and I love to make something different and unique when I cook,” he says as he places the balsamic beef on the BBQ grill to cook.
His chatty wife, Ashlyn, interrupts to say, “He loved to cook even as a child.” And Joaquim adds, “My mother has a lot of cook books, so the first dish I made was Chicken Fried Rice when I was around 13 or 14 years old.”
But, as we said in the beginning, it is a family affair and it truly takes the entire family to make Rustic Flavours what it is.
“My eldest daughter Kimora, son Jonathan and the youngest Emilie are great help. Kimora helps out with the potato mash while the other two are a bit young to deal with the heat, so they help in setting up the tables. It is an entire family effort,” says Ashlyn, who is known for her pickles and Goan cuisine, like pork and beef pickles, chicken molho, pork molho and even mackerel para.
Their sit-down dinners and BBQs started in 2020, post the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill and people were laid off from their jobs.
“Joaquim had been working as a chef for various resorts and restaurants abroad and in Goa. But, after the pandemic, we got to thinking about starting our own venture,” says Ashlyn, still busy in the kitchen helping Joaquim cook the beef steaks.
And here’s another nugget. Joaquim comes from a strong musical background. He is the son of Goa's iconic musician and composer, Emiliano da Cruz. Need any other reason to try out Rustic Flavours?
DETAILS
WHAT: Rustic Flavours BBQ diner
LOCATION: Curtorim, South Goa
MUST TRY: Five Spiced Pork Belly, Balsamic Beef, Goan Xacuti, Sorpotel, Coorgi Pork, Pepper Garlic Tongue, Chef Joaquim Steaks, Wok Tossed Cafreal, BBQ pork ribs
CONTACT: +91 96046 89560