My cook book’s been so long in the making that honestly I began to think it would be published posthumously.
I’m not joking because when I first submitted it to the publishers it was so long ago that the original editor has retired.
Then when the book was all ready and proofed and we had discussed the launch etc, I was about to approach the only celebrity I knew to grace the occasion when unfortunately he died.
So I used to joke that perhaps my book would be published posthumously.
Thankfully that’s not happening………….and I am grateful to my publishers for going ahead with the printing.
Hard Copies are having a hard time these days being published and a harder time being sold. That’s the reason many publishers are actually going slow on printing new titles and a book like mine written by Mrs. Nobody from Nowhere doesn’t stand much of a chance when competing with cookbooks written by curvaceous models who cook as good as they look or glamorous cooks whose tv shows are almost erotic and have you salivating at the thought of licking the bowl!
But hopefully there will be someone out there who is interested in reading a cookbook like mine and the publishers are willing to take the risk. My book which is a compendium of recipes handed down from generation to generation in my shrinking community. It is more a collection of traditions and rituals which we follow and the food with which we celebrate them.
It is my own journey into a culinary tradition that is slowly dying out and with this book, I hope to inspire future generations to keep alive the recipes if not the rituals and traditions that go with them!
Thank you Popular Prakashan for having faith in me.
Netaji Subhash Road or Marine Drive is undoubtedly the most beautiful stretch of road that symbolises Bombay – yes Bombay , the city now known as Mumbai. Bombay was a city of promise , a city of dreams, a city of opportunity and millions of people flocked to it in search of their own fortune. And many of them did!
An unexpected cancellation of a meeting left me with an evening free to do as I pleased. And I chose to walk from the Sachivalaya to Kemps Corner a distance of 6 km+. I had to do this at a leisurely pace simply because I didn’t have on my walking shoes and was kind of teetering on some not very stable slippers. So before the long trek, I stopped for a cup of tea (to fortify myself) at the CCI and then began the walk. It was a wonderful change to have a cuppa by the poolside where young mothers were coaxing their little ones to get in/get out of the water. With sounds of splashing water, squeals of joy and the chitter chatter of people all around, I sipped my tea, munched on my fish fingers and perused through the latest issue of Vogue that I’d picked up fromthe news vendor’s outside.
A different perception
Most people walk on the promenade by the sea but I chose to walk on the other side and was pleasantly surprised to find several buildings being restored to their Art Deco glory. Further down, the Taraporewala Aquarium is also being given a much needed facelift and renovation . Many years ago there was talk of a Sea World coming in its place but for reasons best known to those who opposed the move, this idea was scrapped and the Aquarium went straight downhill . I do hope with this new refurbishment it will once again become a place which children will enjoy visiting. It is a shame that the only fish a child sees is either in a picture book or fried or curried on his plate! After the footbridge I found Paramount Cafe, a cafe which I had never really bothered about. A quick peek was quite an eye opener – the entire back wall had some quaint old fashioned Coca Cola advertisements splashed as a backdrop . This is definitely worth a visit in the future even though it is categorised as a Class 2 Establishment. Soon after , is yet another new eatery ( Amar Fastfood and Juice Centre) which was once a sleazy little watering hole , just behind the bus stop sharing a wall with Ice Cream Works . Both these places were buzzing with people beating the heat . A few steps away is yet another new restaurant Asian Street Kitchen – empty but ready for the customers to walk in. Apparently this restaurant will start a take-away service , another must try on my list.
I finally came across the Krishna Mehta store tucked away in one of the side lanes. Fascinated by its designs, I couldn’t resist entering I its cool premises and asked if I could find something my size. Obviously there was nothing and the lady did say that I could have something tailored but obviously I didn’t look like a potential customer despite the latest Vogue tucked under my arm!
Going past Cream Centre and its TexMex Cousin, and Cafe Ideal, I came to the corner facing Gupta’s Kulfi across the road. Another Irani cafe and a new store Brand India which was old wine in a new equally dull old bottle – NTC’s attempt at reviving the sick textile industry – selling fabric from Finlay Mills.
Walking further towards Kemps Corner, I took the side lane past Mackichan Hall and came across a tall building under construction and still under wraps , promoted by JLL as 7 Marine Drive . ……Tsk , Tsk – Buyers beware, this is distinctly Babulnath and not Marine Drive.
From then on, my enthusiasm began to flag as my legs began to ache and I toyed with the idea of flagging down a cab. Luckily I got distracted with a phone call and walked up the hill to Kemp’s Corner
Don’t have a plan.
Let the day unfold.
Slowly, one moment at a time
Stay a bed longer, stretch, twist and curl
Cuddle your pillow a few seconds longer
Before you get out of your bed.
Read all the papers, attempt all the puzzles
Those brain teasers that tickle your greying grey cells.
Sips of hot coffee, and munches of toast
Buttered and pated , just brimming with taste.
Dust off those cobwebs, clean out those cupboards,
Change all the linen and leisurely bathe.
Lunch out with the family the whole afternoon long
Where gossip flows freely as wine guzzled down.
Late afternoon siesta to re-energize
For a walk down the promenade as the sun goes to bed.
Magazines in the library, a chat with some friends
Around the round table in the lower verandah.
Come home as big rain drops plop down the wind screen
The sky darkens slowly and another day ends.
A Sunday so perfect
So simple
So ordinary
How I wish every Sunday could be as perfect as this!
and came across a tall building under construction and still under wraps , promoted by JLL as 7 Marine Drive . ……Tsk , Tsk – Buyers beware, this is distinctly 
Twenty- five Seven 