From breakfast to brunches, from high tea to cocktails and dinner, Goa doesn’t disappoint. It is the one state that caters to all segments of tourists and this is a reason why, not just entrepreneurs, but even actors want a share of its endless charm.
Recently, Anjuna in North Goa was bustling with energy as Bollywood actor Amrita Arora and her husband Shakeel Ladak open the doors to their new restaurant – Jolene by the Sea – Come as you are, be as you like, Come home to Jolene.
Gaurav Batra and Ankit Tayal, veterans in the restaurant fraternity, are the co-founders of the restaurant.
From plush interiors and an interwoven bamboo facade, tables by the sea-side, cabanas and macrame decor, Jolene by the Sea is a haven of elegance which amalgamates into the Goan charm.
Inspired by Dolly Parton’s song, Jolene, Amrita and Shakeel's new restaurant on Anjuna Beach is the talk of Bollywood.
With over 5,000 followers on Instagram of Jolene. Goa, one of the first posts was a video mentioning: ‘A muse, an emotion a collector of moments, untamed, yet curated, an ode to beauty charms and rizz – she is Jolene.’
Amrita shares a photo of her and Shakeel posing at Jolene by the Sea with monochromes of white and beige shades, and plants adding to the beauty of the venue.
On her Instagram, Amrita shared a post about the launch stating, ‘Finally our Labour of Love comes to Life! Say hello to JOLENE by the Sea – a serene haven in Anjuna, Goa, blending the best of Marbella’s beach clubs and Saint Tropez chic vibes.'
'Perched above Anjuna beach, Jolene is where Goa’s free spirit meets European elegance. Bold, intentional and comforting to the soul — we present this new sanctuary to you. Come through and make unforgettable moments with us!’ It continues.
The message is followed by a coconut tree emoji.
With over 5,000 followers on Instagram of Jolene. Goa, one of the first posts was a video mentioning: ‘A muse, an emotion a collector of moments, untamed, yet curated, an ode to beauty charms and rizz – she is Jolene.’
The menu is specially and mindfully curated by Chef Suvir Saran, the Indian chef who was awarded the Michelin Star in North America.
A post on social media states, ‘at Jolene, Chef Suvir Saran brings a smorgasbord of places, communities and personal stories. Many dishes are inspired by regional food in India, but they take on a new form and flavours that are familiar, yet bold.’
Some of the must-try dishes are the Silken Tofu, Aubergine Caviar and the twist of the local and Japanese amalgamation – Missal Ramen.
Amrita is not the first actor to venture into the food industry in Goa. In 2023, actor Bhumi Pednekar, in association with Chrome Asia Hospitality, launched her restaurant and boutique hotel in Ashwem, and named it Kaia.
Suzanne Khan (ex-wife of Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan) owns Vedro in Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panjim. And, at Pooja Bedi's Happy Soul Cafe in Anjuna you can eat healthy, opting from dishes like Jalapeno Vegan Cheese Balls, to Sabudana Chi Risotto, to Beetroot Sandwiches.