Lovely! The holy month of Shraavan (and fasting) coincided with Ramzaan.Two of my close girlfriends, Raeesa Husain and Naazneen Karmali will give me 'upaas' company, though Naazneen did say she wasn't sure about keeping rozaas this year. I love the month of Shraavan - my only regret is that all the best gourmet outings seem to fall during this month, along with three key celebrations - my wedding anniversary,and the birthdays of two children. I love vegetarian food, and consider myself more vegetarian than a meat eater, but after the first few days of feeling virtuous nibbling on beans and carrots, I start missing fish. Mondays are the true tests since I observe a kadak fast. This year two of my daughters have decided to join me, so the three of us are suffering in style. Given that here are weddings galore this month, we feel most deprived, but tell ourselves this annual detox routine is good for the body if not the soul.
Imagine trekking to the Novotel ( Juhu) on Arundhati's birthday , settling down to a sumptuous Chinese banquet ( went straight into heavy duty nostalgia - the Novotel was once Holiday Inn), and watching the others enjoy the creative chef's outstanding preparations. 'Sampan' retains its original charm and menu. The long grain pot rice with shitake mushrooms is an absolute winner. Tonight we'll be at 'KOH' tasting New York based chef Kittychai's new menu. But I am not feeling at all deprived - the chef has been warned there are three vegetarians at the table. And Thai cuisine is versatile enough to circumvent that 'problem'. Fish sauce? Hmmmm. Shall warn him!
Remind me to share my thoughts about Owais Husain's current show, aptly titled 3 WORLDS.
Owais is M.F.Husain's youngest son. I'll try and share some of the images. Failing which, I'll definitely share his poetry. Ciao for now....