Rose and Rooh Afza Ice Cream

 

The blue paint is chipping off some of the benches, while others are glossily newly painted over the old paint in attempt to hide the distress the wood has seen in last 15 years. The walls are covered entirely by advertisements, the same ones I saw as a child. Adverts of ice creams and drinks they no longer serve or even manufactured still proudly hanging in all its glory despite the wear and tear. A particular poster with a girl next door model, in her gypsy top and rugged jeans advertising cola heightens the 90's appeal of this tiny cafe in my hometown in Rajasthan, India. 

While sitting there waiting for our orders, it was as if time has stood still, I was still the adamant 10 year old, insisting with Papa on getting one more ice cream and the owner would hand me another kulfi without Papa's consent. 'Le lene do - saal main ek baar hi toh aati hai India'  - Let her have it, she only comes to India once a year, he would tell Papa.

Rhubarb and Cardamom Cake

The morning rays stream in abundance through her kitchen window where she and her humble three burner stove stands. Her henna colored white hair glitters like gold, the untamed golden sun makes her lines and wrinkles even more visible. She leans forward for her almond shaped marble mortar and pestle, never placed an inch further from its designated place.

She pulls her spice drawer and picks out the glass jar, labelled 'elaichi' in indecipherable Hindi writing, not that she ever reads or requires labeling.  But most treasured spices always got a glass jar and a label. The rest, found their fortune in plastic containers.

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas, Kale and Mango Salad

Recently, I asked my sister if she knew about Kale, she instantly replied with "The New Godleaf". Well, I couldn't deny that, everybody seems to be eating Kale and surprisingly the trend has also caught up in India where people are cultivating it at  home gardens. Indians take very well to bitter leaves and vegetables, so Kale is sure to please.

Of many things I love about Kale, one is it's such a sturdy leaf. Unlike spinach, it doesn't wilt into a messy ugly green. Infact when flash cooked, it's shiner and glossier than raw.

Chicken Tikka with Cherry Tomatoes, Onion and Arugula Salad

What a roller coaster ride last year has been. From giving up corporate job, being a new mommy, a few medical hiccups, seeing my little sister get married and a lot of travel thrown in, I have barely had a chance to catch a breath. Inevitably, the blogging has suffered. But now that I'm back and finding a new regular routine, I feel more inspired than ever. 

On The Streets - Udaipur

The other day when the clouds were strikingly gray and the sun disappeared behind them, we hit the streets assuming it's going to rain. I have been meaning to photograph the essence of monsoons in India and the early rains this year were quite promising. But, as nature had it, it didn't rain. The pleasant weather however had the streets bustling with people (and animals) eager to enjoy the street food with family and friends.

Little Things - Udaipur