Tuesday; 22 Nov 2011; 7: 30 am
Bangalore in November. Winter has not set in still. But for some locals it is sweater time. I am at JP Nagar SLV – a ‘darshini ‘. It is perhaps 8 X 12 ft in size with a counter and kitchen seen from outside. Only Idli, vada and dosa are ready. I order for Idly. Proprietor just glances at the coins I give and pushes them into the cash box. He has sharp eyes and contended look.
The person who serves asks my preference. Chutney or sambar ? Difficult to answer. You might wonder why not both. But it is not the same. Sambar in small cups and chutney again in a small cup. No. I ask for sambar. On hot idly, sambar is poured. Idly partially under sambar but not completely soaked ( stirred not shaken ). Sambar is practically without any vegetables. One might find a slice of onion if one tries hard ( rs 50 a kg for Brinjal ! ). But it does not matter. The sambar is delicious with freshly ground masala. Masala is not the powdered one which dissolves. This one has grainy texture.
I look around. Other than the contended proprietor now I can see a late middle aged gentleman in shorts ( impressive I mean shorts. Appears like gift from daughter or son living abroad ) Good Shoes . Walking seems to be over. Bulging stomach though. Time for coffee. Sipping coffee and looking out with troubled eyes. Why I wonder.
A few feet from this vehicles already moving , groaning and restless. Not much crowd as it is some what early. An young man walks in wearing slippers and shorts. Must be IT person. Happy that he has to spend such a small amount for breakfast but getting very good salary.
Back to breakfast. I get a glass ( stainless steel ) of water. This is important as you can not leave half finished Idly and go and get water. One - the server may clear it away. Two- someone else may occupy your seat ( not that there is any thing to sit on. Seat means standing space ). The best seat is the one overlooking the street as you can watch the less fortunate ones rushing around while you enjoy the luxury of the closed and cozy space. Three and most important - fetching water in between destroys the harmony, breaks the rhythm and spoils the continuity. The soft and fluffy idly ( jealous housewife would say that they add soda ! ) and hot and spicy sambar make such a great combination. Now coffee ( sugarless ) . Hot and strong coffee not like the tepid American one. You sip coffee and it burns the tongue after the spicy sambar. There are some who after coffee would like to rinse the mouth by drinking water or gargle if it is feasible. Not for me. Flavour should linger.
Some moment. Awesome moment. No doubt.
One can not get it in expensive restaurants. Closed AC room ? No interaction with any one ? Proprieter not seen ? Also kitchen not seen ? Pricy ( not allowing you to enjoy without bothering about the hole in the pocket ) ?
There are jarring moments though. Perhaps some other time.
