Thali returns! Memories of Mumbai

Watching Slumdog Millionaire at the Oscars yesterday brought back memories of Mumbai cuisine. The other "city that never sleeps" has great fusion cusine since its such a melting pot. It took me back to the great masala chai at the train stations, bhel puri on the beach and pav bhaji at various street corners during my Bombay days.

Watching the movie was an experience. It definately captured the pace of Bombay, some parts rang true but it was distorted. Rather like Spike Lee's Harlem doesn't represent all of New York, Dharavi (the world's biggest slum) isn't Mumbai! Some creative illusions there - mom just told me that the kid dives into peanut butter for that unforgettable scene.

The music was terrific. Rahman was brilliant. I wish the announcers hadn't made that horrible choking "kh" while pronouncing his name. Its a soft Rah - man!

Here's a link to O-Saya if you have not heard it or Jai Ho.

Menu for dinner Friday (Feb 27th) or Sat (Feb 28th) will include my Bombay favorites.
Includes an appetizer (bhel puri), a couple of main dishes (pav bhaji, chicken), rice, bread and dessert. I'll be happy to loan you a Bollywood movie too :-)

The cause of the week? After that delightful documentary that won an Oscar yesterday (on Pinki) I think it should go to Smiletrain (www.smiletrain.org). Or Girlsforachange (www.girls for a change.org)