The spirit of Bombay cafes is alive, alas it is somewhat unwell. Oh well, at least its growing, just a bit. Went to Dishoom, a cafe set up Bombay-style in London - resplendent with appropriate decor, food, masala chai (not sure if they'll serve "cutting" chai i.e. one tea split in two halves, in two glasses so a couple of friends can share. That's the way they do it street-side in Bombay).
Unfortunately, along with the bentwood chairs (thankfully, quite clear of woodworms...old story about a friend who loved lounging in shorts...well, lets just say he suffered quite a bit), stained old mirrors and movie posters of yore, the servers hanging about were doing just that - hanging about and ignoring us for the most part. Part of the ambience, I guess! Pity, because the food wasn't too bad and the atmosphere was just right - nostalgic but not cloyingly so.
So the real Irani cafes of Mumbai have nothing to fear from this upstart on another continent. Cafe Mondegar and Leo's still live on (note: Leopold was founded in 1871....how's that for a double tap for the Johnny-come-lately - dishoom, dishoom!)
LEOPOLD CAFE since 1871
Unfortunately, along with the bentwood chairs (thankfully, quite clear of woodworms...old story about a friend who loved lounging in shorts...well, lets just say he suffered quite a bit), stained old mirrors and movie posters of yore, the servers hanging about were doing just that - hanging about and ignoring us for the most part. Part of the ambience, I guess! Pity, because the food wasn't too bad and the atmosphere was just right - nostalgic but not cloyingly so.
So the real Irani cafes of Mumbai have nothing to fear from this upstart on another continent. Cafe Mondegar and Leo's still live on (note: Leopold was founded in 1871....how's that for a double tap for the Johnny-come-lately - dishoom, dishoom!)
LEOPOLD CAFE since 1871
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1 comment:
I like the description of this cafe. You make it so the reader can see it and feel the ambiance. I like that you used the word, resplendent, I don't come across that word often. I also like "nostalgic but not cloyingly so" Your description takes you inside the cafe with you.
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