An Adventure in Ambattur

I had to attend the wedding reception of one of my best friends, in Ambattur, on a Sunday evening. The place is pretty far away, but my friend suggested that I go to Tambaram and take the Chennai Bypass, which is an excellent road, yet has other drawbacks, as I found out. My father said it would still be a really long route. So we went via Kathipara and Porur, joining Chennai Bypass after Porur.

Then the adventure began. Country music playing on the stereo, we zoomed down the elevated Chennai Bypass. At one point there was a board indicating that Ambattur was straight ahead, but no, we didn’t find it. A short distance later, there was a lane to the left, with no indication of any place on the direction board. It was better to overshoot a place than head into nowhere, so we soared past it.

A brightly lit Toyota signboard flashed passed and several factories followed. We shot over a busy road as well, and then our doubts were confirmed. We had crossed Ambattur and a signboard said – Puzhal, 5 km. We couldn’t even get off the elevated road and it was quite some time before we even found a U-Turn. So we turned back, looking for the nearest left. There was a faint signboard (not easily visible in the dark) that said something. We were going so fast that we zoomed a little past that, so we reversed, noticed it was indeed Ambattur, and took the right, which was a two-lane road. After going straight down, we found a left and asked for directions. The guy asked us to take a right in the opposite side. We found ourselves in a long corridor barely enough to fit a truck, with huge fat pillars on one side. It was exciting though, like entering a long dark cave. However, if we hadn’t reversed, it would’ve taken us to the Toyota factory. We weren’t planning to buy one of those cars.

There was another left turn, but a gaping hole flanked by bumpy two-wheeler unfriendly paths (and deadly for cars) welcomed us. Then someone asked us to take a “Power Lane” that was close to that. We took it, hoping to find Market Road soon.

Two large cows silently said “Welcome to Ambattur” by blocking our car. They were pretty cute though, and I pulled out my camera phone to capture them, but my Dad asked me to resist the urge, and honked the horn. They gave way and we went ahead, only to discover a unique path / subway / whatever it was – which was just enough for one car the size of ours. Two guys who were walking down it flattened themselves against the wall.

We asked more people for directions and finally found Market Road, which was near the Old Terminus. Finally there were some signs of city life. I spotted Sri Srinivasa, who had daringly advertised their sweets on a black background, in Metroplus. This place had big signboards announcing “Cakes”, “Softy Ice Creams” and other varieties, but I wasn’t sure I’d go for them.

We passed some textile, jewellery and electronics shops – it was fun to observe signs of life after exploring the middle of nowhere. After that it was easy to locate the wedding hall. We found that we were one of the early guests. So I was able to talk more to my friend and introduce myself to his wife properly, meet his relatives, to whom I was a familiar name. People were staring at me, a Mami smiled at me sweetly – the tall young girl in the silk sari, the only tall girl in fact, so I enjoyed the bit of attention I got. I hogged food, gave my byes and wishes to my dear friend and his wife & left.

The route home was decent – via Porur, Koyambedu, Vadapalani and Guindy. In fact, the traffic was lesser than usual, overall, because it was a Sunday evening. And the trip was quite exciting – imagine going for a reception and getting the road trip you had always yearned for, with beautiful country music and Western classical playing in the background! I am the kind of person who enjoys this stuff (also because I am not driving). I like crazy situations where I don’t know where exactly the car is going (like in an earlier trip to Royal Enfield in Tiruvottiyur, on a rainy and messy day). I long for more of these, but I guess their beauty lies in the fact that they are rare.

Thank you, dear friend N, for having your reception so far away, inviting me, making me enjoy the adventure and write this post J. 

All know that the drop merges into the ocean, but few know that the ocean merges into the drop.

- poet Kabir (quote from Eat Pray Love)

A blast of Mexican Mariachi Masala

I know this is a super late review of a much loved movie; but I managed to lay my hands on Desperado only recently (after watching a part of the grainy Youtube version and a part of it late at night on Pix, on a weekday). I felt that Desperado deserved an umpteenth review from a Banderas fan (after The Mask of Zorro).

Everything is fascinating about Desperado – beginning with Antonio Banderas and his eyes, of course. And the title song is fantastic – which has already been lifted by a Tamil composer, and in other languages as well, I hear.

Then the action begins. Banderas stuffs the insides of his guitar with a powerful guns and bullets & goes on shootout fests in a quest to find Buccho, who killed his lover. It is a treat to watch him enter two bars and perform his murderous Mariachi act. Pools of blood are almost casually mopped off the floors.

Banderas encounters Carolina (Salma Hayek) who saves his life. And later her bookstore burns down & it is Banderas’ turn to take care of her. I don’t have to describe how beautiful Hayek is – from her smile to the curls to the voluptuous, sexy figure.

More guns come out, more bullets fly, even throw-knives and a bulletproof limousine in which the villain’s guys drive around - reminds me of dadas in Tamil movies. The villain too, shoots whoever he pleases to.

The climax truly befits this masala mix. Mariachi calls two of his friends and asks him to bring their guitar cases. And when the villain’s henchmen come, declares war – “Lets play!” And it’s like a pucca Tamil masala movie, with the guys shooting mini-missiles (are they?) through holes at the both ends of the guitar cases. And it’s all bam, bam, bam, bam… true blue Mexican Masala.

Now I know why men watch so much action, though I prefer the Banderas kind. And yes, Banderas is like my local cine thalaivars. Yet, several degrees hotter than them. Love you, Mirchi Mariachi!

Friendship Day with my best friends – N & Choco lava cake ;-)

This year, Friendship Day was filled with my favorite things. I met my friend N, who gave me his wedding invitation. We met up at Coffee Day Lounge, on Khader Nawaz Khan Road, which, I am sure, if I visit a couple more times, will become my favorite place. The two of us indulged in an activity we love – eating chocolate cake ;-). Well, these lovely creations deserve not just appreciation, but devotion, which is what we chocoholics are there for.

Last Sunday, at the exact same time, I was there at CCD lounge, eating the same choco lava cake with vanilla ice cream on top (it was so delicious that it inspired me to write a blog post on the choco-vanilla romance). This time, I chose Arctic Sun – a black coffee-vanilla ice cream blend. The waiter poured black coffee from a miniature jug, and left some on the table. The vanilla ice cream laced with espresso tasted unique, but when I put in the straw, a way-too-strong taste of choco syrup and black coffee hit me and there was little of it – it seemed to disappear before I sipped it. My Arctic Sun sank pitifully, in a dark sea.

Meanwhile the choco lava cake that my friend ordered arrived, and he simply loved it. I decided to order one too, as a consolation. I began eating only after taking a few pictures of it, and it thanked me by turning out to be absolutely divine. My friend liked the cake so much that he went in for a second one (can forgive him because he claimed that he ate chocolate last only on July 3^rd). Also it costs around 240 bucks at Sandy’s (where they put the ice cream on the side instead of the top), so I guess he derived great satisfaction from ordering 2 here (about Rs. 100 at CCD Lounge and totally worth it). I supported his decision wholeheartedly.

We walked out into a pleasant evening with happy smiles on our faces. It’s sad that I won’t be able to meet him again for the next 2 months perhaps, but I was very happy that we got to meet on Friendship Day. I wished him all the best for his life ahead and we said our goodbyes.

Then I went home. It was a pleasant ride, with relatively less traffic. It got a bit cloudy but light rain came down only after I reached home.

All in all, a lovely Friendship Day with a combo of all things that make me happy. Now I am gonna end it beautifully by watching Desperado (which is not friendship-themed, but still, has Antonio Banderas & Salma Hayek). Ciao!

The Bridges of Madison County has inspired me to identify and experience precious moments that'll stay close to my heart, for a lifetime... to not later regret that I missed certain things. Because I have only one life. :-)

What is the opposite of "appointment"?

Dis-appointment (with the exception of dentist visits)

The Story of Sinnocence

Plain Vanilla had a long and innocent history. She was a sweet soul who rested on the waffle cones of pigtailed little girls and was the occasional treat of plump chiffon clad aunties. She seemed plain, but rocked at tea parties, for she often was the indulgence of the majority of the genteel ladies and men.

Then, one day, she was plopped rudely by an apron clad man into a box. Next to her, she noticed an array of flavours, most of which were new entries. The man scooped her up and smashed her together with many other ice cream scoops. A greedy yuppy grabbed the bowl, then mixed spoonfuls of Plain Vanilla in medley of sauces and swallowed her in hurried & disrespectful manner.

The next day, she noticed all the other ice creams trying to jump up and peep out, craning their necks. There was a brown bottle being carried out from the pantry. The cook brought out a freshly baked brownie, held the bottle over it and gave a squeeze. Out came a delicious looking brown liquid that ran in swirls over the brownie. All the ice creams were gazing at the handsome liquid, but as he popped out, his locked eyes with Plain Vanilla and held her stare. “Hey Snow White…” he said in an incredibly smooth voice. Vanilla blushed and almost turned as pink as strawberry ice cream, but she was also a tad angry. How dare he hit on her this way! “Sorry, I never expected to see someone as gorgeous as you here. And I had to compliment you! I’m chocolate, by the way. See you around!” he said and winked, as the brownie was carried away.

Plain Vanilla had never encountered someone who behaved like that with her. Even if his voice was smooth, almost sugary for a guy, he did have a wicked side; but she wasn’t going to flirt with him. She wanted to stay a good girl.

That evening someone ordered a vanilla sundae. Plain Vanilla was wondering who was going to be with her, when she was scooped up suddenly and plopped in a bowl. She looked up to see the chocolate sauce smiling down happily and the next moment, he splashed onto her, snaking out his arms like rivulets. She protested loudly and he apologized, saying that he couldn’t get up, for that was how a sundae was. He was careful, yet, she saw that he was simply mesmerized by her. The cashew nuts sprinkled on them saw that he liked her and were passing glances and whispering to each other.

Vanilla was attracted to the dark and handsome chocolate sauce, yet kept her distance when he tried to flirt with her from afar. However, she could see that his interest in him was not because just her beauty. He also told her she was incredibly sweet and innocent & was very friendly, blending well with every other flavor. She gradually came to like him, but still wasn’t sure that he was the one. But chocolate brought about a transformation in Plain Vanilla and she didn’t feel so plain anymore.

One day, the chef made a choco lava cake and placed it next to vanilla on a plate. She had expected the chocolate to be there and kept looking around for him, but he was nowhere to be seen. Then the diner sliced the chocolate cake and there he was, dribbling out tantalizingly, winking at her playfully. She couldn’t help smiling and joined him on the spoon. They fell into an easy conversation, his interest in her flowing in sweet, flirtatious, yet affectionate words.

Vanilla felt a need to be closer to chocolate, yet didn’t get an opportunity. But he was her destiny and her wish was waiting to be fulfilled. The cook came up with a sinful recipe that he was sure would be loved by all. Vanilla watched as he prepared a thin walled chocolate cake with an open top. He then placed it in a dish and poured her darling chocolate all over it. Then chef scooped her up and plopped her right on chocolate.

Her sweetheart gazed up at her with undisguised passion on his face. He engulfed her in an embrace. She gazed back at him, her eyes glowing, and slowly melted into him, reveling in a puddle of beautiful love. Then she knew that he was absolutely perfect for her. And was born a sweet, sinful romance that is simply unequalled. One that will last in the world of desserts forever and ever.    

I thank Coffee Day, Sandy's and every other dessert destination that inspired this story.