Narahari has always invited us to his place in Ooty, and
this time decided to host a family reunion. Rama missed and Brinda just missed
this unforgettable cousin’s reunion. In the midst of a wonderful time, everyone
missed the elders in Bangalore, Girish, cousins in the USA and UK. We would
have enjoyed more ‘bigly’ were more cousins able to join up.
I will write mostly about the delectable delicacies the cook
manifested, as that interest is what the bloodline gifts most of us! There was
some sightseeing to the Dodda Betta (highest point in the nilgiris), and the
‘in full bloom’ massive rose garden which was memorable mainly because not many
had ever gone in a group of 20 family members as a tourist group. The range of
ages, heights, weights, world views, style, demeanor, the differences were
stark, however, kinship among cousins was easy, relaxed and affectionate.
As early as possible
was Hari’s insistence and like good folks would, all headed out of Bangalore
before the crack of dawn. First stop was an A2B, where the multi-dish breakfast
combo was the preferred order. Combination included masala dosa, Idli, upma,
Pongal and sajjige, on the whole it was a good breakfast that went down with good
old filter coffee.
The uneventful climb with a tender coconut stop followed
closely with the inevitable bio-break brought us to a really cool Ooty.
Jayashree’s stories from her recent readings regaled us through the journey.
Hari had provided large luxurious cars so we travelled in comfort. The house is
atop a hill with killer views on three sides, lush tea gardens, meandering
roads, mountain peaks and crisp cool air. Lovely!
I started this with
the intent of describing every meal in a language you would find on the menu
card of a fancy restaurant, but alas, my memory is rusty and memories that
result in saliva production must be restrained and not allowed to go on for
long.
Masala Dosa with
Masala that has more Potato than onions, low on spice, high on cooking butter
and topping butter, fresh off the tava was for Sunday breakfast. Just one of
the things on the breakfast menu, ‘cause there was no meal that did not have a
flavorful unique perfectly made sweet.
Hyagriva, Carrot Halwa, Pineapple Jilebi, Patato Halwa, Dried figs
holige, glassly kashi Halwa. Don’t add to the list if you were there, as that
would make you a greater foodie than I am, whereas you are actually more into
health! Stop. Re-read the list of sweets.
The crispy mixed vegetables, herekai bajji, or the Ambode
for the evening snack were tasty, spicy, perfectly fried stuff served during
the very cool evenings while endless card games, laughter and unpurposed
conversations went on and some wine went in. Vatsala’s tales from real and
imagined naldurga history and her interest in everyone was inspiring, so was
her level of physical fitness and attitude. Shubha’s boys, Aishwarya, and Achala all added
energy and wit to the evening get together.
Chappati and Super coconut filled mixed vegetable sagu,
Bissibelle Bath with a variety of accompaniments, Hot rotund puris with many
spicy and sweet things to enjoy with, Saaru, Huli, Papads to suit the specific
dishes, and not forgetting the hot coffee and tea at 6 am that was the meeting
point where everyone trudged out to from the many rooms they occupied in
Narahari’s house and the neighboring Ravi’s place. Morning walks through wooded
areas was happiness. Dr. Pradeep who must have gone home wondering about
‘naldurga’ idiosyncrasies, was deep into photographing birds of the winged type
and able to see/hear stuff others could not. Hearing the rustle of a bird,
maybe some Naldurga kids can!
Apart from what the
cook from Bangalore prepared for us, there were two cakes one for Aishwarya who
became a teenager and for Ranjani in absentia. That reminds me about
Jayashree’s eagerness and overflowing love to wish her daughter in law without
being intrusive on her time. Unending
supply of kurkulu and murukulu, the yumm, addictive and sinful fried stuff was
always available including in the cars! Prasad had brought some packets of I
don’t know what, Soumya barfi from VB Bakery, then there were chocolates that
Vatsala had brought, Kalpana’s Karachi biscuits, and so on
By the way, all the food I mentioned was consumed in two days
only! Now that is credit to all of us who must have put on a few kilograms over
a weekend.
Sunanda was the perfect hostess, always with a smile and
ensuring perfection. Our hosts Sunanda and Hari provided a great holiday with
immense warmth, affection and love, that was what actually made all the food
tastier, apart from the best ingredients, super cook, and the chill of Ooty. I
am ready for one more such gluttonous, relaxed trip, what about you?
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