We stayed there at christmas and had a fab time. Best resturant we found was The Riverview. Ask for directions, its opposite the hotel behind another hotel. It's has amazing views of the river Sal, with part of the resturant on a deck over the river. All sorts of birds, eagles, herons and kingfishers. The food is amazing and cheap. They will organise a boat rip up the river as well with binoculars and bird books (so you know what you are looking at!)
Best beach shack we found was Edwins. Turn left as you go onto beach go past two and there is a gap then you get to Edwins. Same people run the Goan village Restuarant and the snacks are really good especially the prawns and noodles. they too have fireworks on a Wednesday night.
Have a wonderful time the Dona Sylvia is a wonderful hotel! They provide pool towels which you can also use on the beach.
Shazzer