Twenty- five Seven

I may be a tourist but I am no fool #TheDailyPrompt

June 30, 2016

Dark glasses, walking shoes, unfashionable jacket , huge tote and fanny bag – that’s me in my tourist mode. Yes, I just scream ‘tourist’ even when I try my ‘local’ accent and try to merge with the walls.

There are lots of people like me in this world – travellers, explorers or people just curious to know more. Despite the comfort of armchair travel , there are times when I’m inspired enough to get into my tourist mode and out of my virtual world into reality .

Once while staying at a historic inn in Northfield, Minnesota , I was distinctly bitten by what I recognised as a mosquito. Really? In the most advanced country in the world? But coming from a tropical country where mosquitos abound , I was dead sure.

Unwilling to be fodder for the American Mosquito ( like everything American , it was 10 times larger than its Indian cousin) I went upto the Reception and asked for a mosquito repellent .

“I’m sorry,”she twanged. “This is a historic inn so we can’t use electronic or chemical repellents. You could have this.”

My jaw dropped in surprise as she handed me a fly swatter!
A glass of English paani #The DailyPost

June 29, 2016

My family was one of the many who went along with a group of naval officers posted to Lagos in the early 60s, as part of a contingent sent to help out the newly independent Nigerian nation. In those days it was safe enough for ex- pat families and even though it was over 50 years ago, I still have vague memories of happy times in that place .

We had just moved into our house, a colonial barrack style bungalow which was typical of military housing all through the Commonwealth. Our neighbours were an elderly British couple who had spent some years in India.

I can’t remember why, but my parents had to go somewhere and couldn’t leave us all alone at home so they requested the neighbours to keep an eye on us.

“Be good , ” said my mother as she dropped us off at their home. And we were as good as gold as they plonked us in front of the TV. We really didn’t know what to say to the couple as we just about knew four words of English having been in Nigeria for little over a week ( maybe ) . Halfway through, my brother began wiggling and I glared at him. He stopped for a while and again began looking around . I didn’t know what he wanted but Uncle Tom realised that he wanted something and asked if he needed anything , biscuits? Toilet?

My brother kept shaking his head . But finally he blurted going towards the fridge”Can I have some English paani? ”
Water

This post is inspired by today’s prompt on #The Daily Post – Water
Papaya is perfect for ladies who lunch

June 29, 2016

an interesting yet arresting installation of hexagonal wire shapes serve as lampshades too!
If you are one of those South Mumbai ladies who lunch , looking for a suitable place,then Pa Pa Ya is just the place for you. Especially if you like Asian. Jiggs Kalra’s restaurant that opened in Palladium Mall in September last year already has a fan following , seeing the number of well heeled ladies who literally filled up the place in minutes of its opening at noon.

Molecular gastronomy and Papaya

I had heard of molecular biology but molecular gastronomy was something new to me. I was surprised when the waiter brought along two ‘amuse bouche’ to titilate and tantalise our palates and imagination with a frothy foam infusion of basil and lemongrass, cleverly hiding a ball of chilled watermelon .”Molecular gastronomy ” explained the waiter who understood my puzzled looks.

My first introduction to molecular gastronomy .
By now my interest was totally aroused and I was looking forward to the sushi and dimsums we had ordered

Garnished with a sprinkling if fresh watercress, this delightful California roll was decorated swirls of wire thin slivers of beetroot.
A generous portion of salmon sushi.
The yummiest suimai i’ve had so far. Warm and succulent with corn fed chicken . Slightly pungent.
The only disappointment in our selection was the crispy fried corn curd. With a coating too thick and crunchy, I was particularly put off by the dot of sauce that looked distinctly like tomato ketchup! The side salad of sprouts was the saving grace though.

All in all it was a great lunch though we didn’t go beyond the appetisers. The food was tasty , the service polite and the overall ambience pleasant – casual yet chic dining .

Undoubtedly this bouche was totally amused especially on a wet and dreary afternoon.