reading time out mumbai, i came across an article about an area called bhendi bazaar. it was the cover article in fact, about how the neighborhood is due to be completely re-zoned and that the vibe, energy and soul of the place would inevitable be changed in many ways with new buildings that are due to go up in the next few years.
the neighborhood is old and later in the issue, a two page spread highlighted some of the culinary treats available, including wonderfully fat and brown and slightly burned jalebis and taj ice cream, a 130 or so year old establishment that makes fresh fruit ice cream out of magnificent fruit of the season.
the adventure seemed too good to be true and i navigated my way, about a 45 minute walk, on my lonesome, through wide hectic streets and somewhat industrial areas as the day turned to night, the sound of the call to prayer punctuating the car honks and dogs barking.
eventually i made it to bhendi bazaar and taj ice cream. i told the owner, whose name i wrote down, but the paper on which i wrote it i have now misplaced, that i had come because of time out mumbai.
he told me to have a seat and i was treated to a cup of sitaphal (sugar apple or custard apple) ice cream and another of strawberry, both in season. i even got to go into the kitchen and see where the ice cream gets churned.
it was a great evening. burnt jalebis soon...
love and health to all...