Still quaking, still not prepared

November 26, 2008 is a date etched into too many memories to count. The intangible scars take more time to fade but what are we really doing about the tangible ones?
Mumbai, the financial capital of India and the victim of ten shooting and bombing attacks on the abovementioned date. Life indeed came to a standstill for the city for the three days terror gripped them. The pain of the subway attacks hadn’t precisely faded and misery came knocking again. Why weren’t we prepared? Why weren’t we better equipped for an attack? These questions were asked at that time as well but the lack of answers still haunts. And now we stand almost a year later and the scenario still aches if not more.

Even if you sit in Leopold’s and survey the hustle- bustle of the market or you stop by to grab a slice of blueberry pie from wich latte, this part of Colaba neighbourhood in all its glory still shows smears of the darkness. Be it the bullet marks in Leopold or the guarded cautious glances you catch being thrown across the shoulders they are all a reminder. Taj Hotel with its rigorous security checks and a stone in memory of all those who lost their lives, functions every day but one glance at the sky at the main gate shows you smears of the blood and the recollection comes swiftly.

Ajmal Kasab, the only living accused captured is still undergoing trial. The proceedings started on May 6, 2009. While we were flooded with assurances of him receiving extreme death penalty, what conclusions can be drawn from him still being here? The drama doesn’t seem to end. It might have started with his lawyer’s house being pelted and her giving up the case and another lawyer stepping in. the flip flop about his nationality seems to amuse most. The politics and blame game became more highlighted with Chidambaram’s latest statement. But does the public really need to be reminded of the tragedy by reading about his demands for perfume and evening walks or him shifting jails? Starting with DNA tests to determine his age, the absurdity of it all seems to escape the notice of too many.

David Headley’s arrest on October 3rd is a feat no less but now the flames are rising and who from Bollywood might get burnt hasn’t been disclosed yet. Emran Hashmi has denied all allegations and Rahul Bhatt is doing the same. This recent slur has created quite a storm. Mahesh Bhatt’s son is a fitness instructor and has reiterated his cooperation with the police. So close to the heels of the ghastly event completing one whole year, Bollywood’s glitz is scraping open wounds.

Shivraj Patil, the home minister of India who had resigned taking "moral responsibility" for the incident continues to be a member of the Rajya Sabha. He is still a respected functionary of his party. Although he valued his wardrobe more than the nation’s suffering at that time apparently, Ashok Chavan, the current Chief Minister of the state values Patils’ opinion still. Congress - NCP combine the serving government during the terror attacks continue to be in power. Vilasrao Deshmukh the Chief Minister at the time of Mumbai attacks is now the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises and by all accounts enjoying being a cabinet minister. RR Patil, the home minister who had resigned from his post in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, has been reinstated as the home minister. What really has changed? Our political parties and leaders are faring the same way, it is only the one who steps into the crowded subway repressing the fear.

Are we enlightened? Currently only of the fact that a police officer goofed up in labeling articles that were seized from Taj Hotel and Nariman House. Aren’t we careful?
While we all wonder are we ready, the waves at Gateway of India continue to crash and the crowd at Leopold’s continues to cheer, a tear is wiped away by the mourners.

Apology and a foodies contribution

I sincerely apologise for my oh so long absence. I don't want to cite excuses so I will just rely on the generosity of your heart to forgive me. So let me upload an article I wrote recently and give you options to eat in Vasant Kunj.

Eat your heart out in Vasant Kunj

Amidst the splendor of DLF Emporio, Grand Hotel and TERI University, lies one of Delhi’s most posh colonies: Vasant Kunj. Jawaharlal Nehru University and Vasant Vihar are its neighbours. South Delhi’s prominent neighbourhood was Sushmita Sen’s own home place and one of the closest residential areas to Indira Gandhi International airport. But this sprawling region has a few places tucked in for a foodie’s palate. Ignoring the obvious choices in the malls and hotels, make your way to these small diamonds hidden in the mines.

Chinese:
Nan King
One of the most popular cuisines and Delhi’s most favoured food is available here as well. Vasant Kunj is the locale in which Nanking is situated. A king’s meal is precisely what they offer. Nanking is one of the few places which are not so far out of the common man’s reach and the fare is simply splendid. If what you are looking for is non- ‘chinjabi’ food, this is the place to go to. The restaurant is stylishly decorated and serves the eclectic flavours, Chinese food lovers demand. It is not light on the pocket but it is not going to burn a hole either. A meal for two can cost anywhere between Rs.1200 to Rs.1500 but don’t let your stomach rule or the weight in the pocket can turn into a roaring rip. Don’t even think about leaving without trying the vegetarian steamed wontons which arrive on a simmering pot and tantalize the taste buds. Non vegetarians need not fret because where it lacks in creativity for the vegetarians it makes up in the exotic menu it presents for your ilk. Red Snapper fish, softshell crabs, Tiger prawns, Roast Pork Chilly are just a few that will make you come back again. While the Nanking feast is basically stewed rice, the claypot rice is a delicacy in itself. Don’t bother to get your chopsticks (they will give you a pair) just rush to get a bite of this sumptuous spread.

China Bowl
Delhi food in its true colour is street food and there are many who will swear by ‘chinjabi’ food and balk at the idea of bland Chinese. If you fall into this group, don’t worry China Bowl is here to serve. This van is parked at the entrance of Ansal Shopping Arcade in the middle of two florists and still the aroma from them overpowers the one the flowers emanate. This is where your true love for food comes to test. You will ignore the grime and the questionable chefs and just concentrate on the food. You will not be disappointed. The quantity is more than you can handle and the price for a meal for two is less than what 5 litres of petrol costs you. Typical of all hawker vans that are common in residential colonies, this one lives up to the image to the hilt. Everything is available half plate, a lot of noise, service in cars and excessive spices. The chilly paneer dry at Rs.70 is a must in your selection of appetizer. The menu has equal listings under the vegetarian and non vegetarian columns. The mixed Singapore chowmein at Rs.65 is surprisingly well prepared keeping the joint in mind but with the wintry chill just setting in, the thukpas in the range on Rs.50- Rs.65 can become your buddies to wade through the weather. Just call and hear them say hello.

Mughlai:

Flaming Mustard
This restaurant on Aruna Asaf Ali Marg surely will fan your appetite. A quaint staircase leads you to this three cuisine serving place. An ex Maurya chef adds to their glamour quotient but the warmth of a family restaurant simply radiates and invites you in. Away from the glares of shopping arcades or malls although it is right opposite Fortis Hospital but be assured you won’t run there because of them. Italian, Chinese and Indian (they call it that instead of Mughlai) are presented with aplomb here. While the garlic breads, creamy mushroom pasta and lamb shepherd pie rule the Italian portion, three treasure vegetables in ginger sauce, Crispy Baby Corn Mushroom and Shredded chicken in black bean sauce reign the Chinese section. The Indian quite simply takes the cake away and devours it. The golden corn and paneer seekh is simply delicious and adequately priced at Rs.175. The murgh malai kebab is prepared so well, it can bring tears to a true foodie’s eyes while the succulent chicken and spices explode the taste in your mouths. Chicken burra and Dal meloni are two other things that your order can’t be finalized without. The naans are crispy and perfect for accompanying the gravies. Gulab jamun or Italian cake is your choice. Load up the family car, drive down and your family of four can walk away with a full belly and a bill of Rs.1500.

Rahim’s Mughal Darbar
This one promises to be a royal meaty affair. Although they have branches in kalkaji, West Patel Nagar and dwarka, residents of vasant kunj are regulars at this joint. When you hear the name, your mind rolls back to media coverage of the name controversy with the age old karim’s of Jama Masjid but don’t let this bog you down. At the entrance, a well dressed durbaan (guard) and a gramophone greet you. The setting is simple and the music is from the radio. But the food is fit for a feast. Nothing against their paneer but make the most of your visit, leave the vegetarians behind and as peace offering take their delicious phirni priced at Rs.35 back for them. A meal for two at this non vegetarian heaven will be Rs.750 but worth every penny if you know what to order. The shahjani kebab and tandoori barra are a lip smacking start to what promises to be a great meal. Savour the taste and move on to Karahi Murgh Peshawari, Jahangiri murgh and Firdausi Qorma. Their biryanis are their crowning glory as they were proud hosts of a biryani festival sometime back so whether it’s the Zafrani or the Matka biryani that you chose to have, do eat your fill. Baqarkhani (Sheer Maal) is a delicacy in itself; some bread is just made that way while the tandoori rotis are enticing as well akin to Rahim’s only.

Rocky’s Chick ‘N’ Fish
This bird is flying high. It is not everyday you call a open air dhaba cum restaurant and a fluent English speaking 25 year old picks up the phone but that’s how it is at this eatery. Neighbour to the above mentioned china bowl, they have a seating arrangement for 24 people and a visible to all tandoor. Recently they expanded to Chinese cuisine but mughlai is the clear winner here. The chicken lehsuni tikka is the best of the lot. Mutton dahi wala is a promising part of the menu. Vegetarians need not fret at this joint as they offer many options to them as well. The mutter methi malai is the tonic every vegetarian needs to taste. A meal for two here is Rs400.

Sweet tooth:
Stressed spelt backwards is dessert. A much needed end to a good meal. While the restaurants have their own fare, you can step into DLF Place Promenade for gelato, nirula’s for icecream or in Angel’s in my kitchen for a pastry but if you are interested in what Vasant Kunj’s indigenous bakeries have to offer get into the vehicle of your choice or march afoot to grab your share of sweetness.

New Cake Palace:
Definitely the new kid on the block but it is already popular with its eye grabbing display board and attentive staff. The chocolate truffle simply melts in your mouth. If you are not in the mood for the usual, go ahead and try strawberry, blueberry or butterscotch at Rs.25 a piece it surely won’t hurt. The walnut finger is something which you won’t find at any neighbourhood bakery and it costs you only Rs.10 more than the strawberry. The bakery section is well stocked and the masala garlic bread alongwith the assorted cookie pack are hot favourites they tell me.

Bunny’s Pastry Shop
Some shops are so old and integral to your lives, you forget to deviate. That is the case with bunny’s. Central Market, Masudpur is home to this shop. A large area with good lighting works well to display their products. With a wide variety of chocolates, rusks, cookies and snacks. It is the big daddy in this neighbourhood. A chocolate pyramid costs you Rs.22 and serves its purpose. But have their kiwi pastry if you want to taste something different. Nothing is more than Rs.40 in the snacks and pastry section but serves everyone in the family. Waltz in and out with a bag of gastronomic goodies.