It is really lovely to stand by and see time flow without any schedule. Abhi retirement ka khumar utra nahin.

Eating as a passsion has taken a back seat as I have to watch my weight. Actually it is more my children who are concerned than me. Still here and there I sneak through.

The other day got a desire to get a really good vegetarian thali. When

we first came in the 80's to the present locality in Bangalore to stay, New Shanti Sagar in R T Nagar was the rage. It used to be a favourite and since childrem also liked its ice creams we visited it frequently.

It used to serve awsome typical Mysore thali which used to be our favourite.

But how popularity and commercial considerations have led to a fall in standards ! Even today it is the most popular and busy veg joint in R T Nagar but the ambiance has gone to dogs as more seats have been cramped in the same area, food has become pedestrian and service awful.

Totally avoidable

But life compensates. Lat month we went by road to Kanyakumari from Bangalore. Started by 5 AM. Originally had planned to stop for breakfast by about 8:30 around Dharmapuri and thereafter have lunch in Madurai. However started to feel hungry by 6:30 and stopped at A2B near Krishnagiri.

Then suddenly had a bright idea to have the famous Dindigul Biriyani. Unfortunately at 10:30 AM the biriyani joints in Dindigul were just opening shutters and could not even serve us a cup of tea.

On enquiry found that abot 20 KM away there were a few nice eating joints. About 24-25 KM out of Dindigul on the left side of the road my son spotted Anandas which appeared a decent joint. Very hesitantly we asked whether food would be available and were told by a cheerful guy that yes the Meals were ready.

We ordered special south Indian meals . It was really special- On the table were already kept 3 varities of curd dried and fried chillies , "sondals" and beans along with pickle. Then came a huge plate with purial, avial, some kind of gujju, dal and some green, more kolumbo, vathakulam, rasam, sambar, vegetable pulao, potato palya, curds, paysam, some type of mixed vegetable fry and papad - with a choice of roti/puri and rice with ghee. Buttermilk and Ice cream were the last items not to forget the banana and paan. And to top it, apart from the paysam and sambar every item was superb. The damage Rs. 95 per person.

I am thinking of making the trip once again for the lunch alone.