To Move or not to move....

The return of East India Co- Hindustan Times

Apparently Bombay still has a colonial hangover...

Right, so continuing from wherever (if there is such a word), one has a soft corner for Bombay (or Mumbai), having moved here straight after “education” at Wimwi (re: academic case studies reference - Well Known Institute of Management in Western India). So the feedback on other people-to-do-and-things-to-see … rule a) have a lot of time on hand or b) gas mask handy – asphyxia is a distinct possibility in Bombay traffic.

The places in and around Bandra are highly recommended – there is something to suit every mood, palate, time and girth. It’s also a smallish place with grid lanes so getting around within the area is not a problem (if you know the by-lanes). Not only are there mainstream wannabe places like Olive (which served boiled oysters the last time I visited – consequently did nothing for my or my date’s libido) Or Shatranj Napoli (regularly screw up on reservations – not good if one is short on time), the HSBC bank crossroads (turner road) is where one gets the best food – Lemon Grass for Oriental and a whole lot of Fusion food. Drinks at the Hawaiian Shack or Toto’s (Rock music, inexpensive alcohol and décor that hasn’t changed for over a decade or so)….Juhu OTOH is completely avoidable, if the traffic doesn't get you, the music(sic) will.

But, IMHO, Bombay isn’t the best place for food – that honour goes to Delhi. Notwithstanding the lack of security (particularly wrt women), those buggers know how to eat and be merry! For drinking one has to be back in Bombay…any further comment is likely to start a Del v/s Bom war of words so after a dull and largely unexciting discourse on Bombay, the city where a 35km commute takes 3 hours (or longer if it rains)….. I retire from writing… have a busy evening to look forward to…… Salute.

technorati tags:bombay, delhi, food, guide, pub, pint, lounge, bar

Blogged with Flock

Right ...just back from B'Bay and the withdrawal symptoms of an efficient city were clear. Functioning meters, electricity, people and the general buzz. However, to my dedicated readers (if any) I must point out that going to Andheri (and adjoining areas like Lokhandwala, 7/4 Bungalows, Versova etc. and trying to look for a watering hole is an exercise in futility. The "Pub" one wound up in (on Saturday) was Enigma (every city in India seems to have one or more of those) - where the music was rubbish and the DJ apparently didn't have volume control (or hadnt heard of it) - net result was that the company for the evening went from pleasant to surprised to agitated. However when the music reached a pitch normally associated with fighter jets, we decided to call it quits and head for the safer (for the ears) environs of the attached Restaurant, Legacy of China - aptly named so. The table was a corner facing a fish tank where you could have a meal in peace while the fish gaped at you. The food was, how shall I put it kindly...rubbish. Their idea of "crisp" pan fried noodles was a gruel out of a POW camp. ... however after much cajoling and coaxing , and the combined intellectual efforts of two, finally got the manager to produce something which was pan fried (perhaps noodles?). Net result was a fairly agitated company..
Verdict: LoC and Enigma are a Write-off for bad food and worse music (though it could be a toss up between the two). Suggest those seeking nocturnal pleasures of fine wine go to the original enigma at Mariott Juhu.
.... to be continued. I have to mosey down to the local watering hole for a pint.