One city that has managed to survive its rechristening is Mumbai. One anticipated a precipitous descent into the welcoming folds of a desi identity replete with rambunctious celebrations of festivals and oodles of vada pav.
Alas it was not to be!
A recent visit to Cyber Hub in Gurgaon was instructive. The stylish new restaurant, Burma Burma is the brainchild of an inventive Mumbaikar though the idea of vegetarian Burmese food may have been a nod to its Western India origins. So was the weirdly named Pa Pa Ya - Do you say it without a gap between the syllables or is is a paean to fatherhood? Theobroma followed - clearly Mumbai has a passion for unusual names for their foodie pursuits. Bombaykery, Farzi Cafe, Olive, Indigo.... the list goes on and on. All originated in our very own city by the sea.
And what did Delhi produce? Big Chill and Delhi Heights. Perfect menus and ambiance for wannabe aunties from Janakpuri and worthy successors to the late, lamented Nirulas.
Mumbai was and remains the style leader folks. Whether it's food, theatre, movies, whatever. Dilli is still assi tussi and hello ji.
Alas it was not to be!
A recent visit to Cyber Hub in Gurgaon was instructive. The stylish new restaurant, Burma Burma is the brainchild of an inventive Mumbaikar though the idea of vegetarian Burmese food may have been a nod to its Western India origins. So was the weirdly named Pa Pa Ya - Do you say it without a gap between the syllables or is is a paean to fatherhood? Theobroma followed - clearly Mumbai has a passion for unusual names for their foodie pursuits. Bombaykery, Farzi Cafe, Olive, Indigo.... the list goes on and on. All originated in our very own city by the sea.
And what did Delhi produce? Big Chill and Delhi Heights. Perfect menus and ambiance for wannabe aunties from Janakpuri and worthy successors to the late, lamented Nirulas.
Mumbai was and remains the style leader folks. Whether it's food, theatre, movies, whatever. Dilli is still assi tussi and hello ji.
