CHANGE OF TASTE

 CHANGE OF TASTE

 

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

 

29/III/2023

 

All of us crave good food. A change in taste is always welcome. If it is made by the ‘padosan’s’ hands then the taste will be three times better, even if it is without salt. Your wife/mother may be the best cook on earth but when the same dal is served at your friend’s house, it tastes better, doesn't it?

 

My Sali ji came from Hyderabad yesterday. Having tasted the best of cuisines in the Nizam’s city, all of us here in the Suncity wanted to be in ‘Paradise’. Yes, you guessed it right, Biryani from the famous restaurant with the same name.

 

As the tradition goes, no one comes empty handed when you visit someone’s place. Therefore, Pulla Reddy sweets, especially his motichoor laddus are a big demand in our family. Though there is nothing to beat the sweets of the famous ‘Jodhpur Sweets’.

 

Their Rabri laddus, Ghewar, Balushahi, Besan ki Chakki etc have a unique taste beyond words. Not too sweet, just about right. Diabetics, please avoid the craving as you just can't have just one. However, Hyderabadi speciality just over shadows for a while.

 

We Jodhpurites fall back to our favourite Makhaniya Lassi, Mirchi Vadas and Kachori at the first given chance if made at Janta Sweets or Rawat sweets. All those who have transited from here and savoured these delicacies would vouch for it.

 

When the packet of Biryani was opened, my nostrils dilated, imagining the taste. ‘Paradise’ Biryani was delivered faster than the speed of light, still warm as warm could be. Though my personal favourite is the biryani from Shah Ghouse, if anyone has tried it, this too is class.

 

The flavour and taste of each long grain of rice kept lingering well past the evening till one took a walk and even burped on the Biryani. ‘Dil mange more’ was the only phrase which came to mind. Let us see who comes from Hyderabad next.

 

Be that as it may. This morning, I thought about the birds. Though one has been filling the bird feeder regularly but still a change of taste for them would do them good. Mind you, I tried feeding them wheat, maize, rice etc but they seem to only love Bajra.

 

I asked my wife for a left-over Roti from the previous day. There was one. I broke it into tiny pieces called ‘Choori’. The hanging pot being used as the bird feeder was ideal. If they enjoy it, our day would be made.

 

As one got busy with the morning chores in the garden, one by one the sparrows and bulbuls started descending. Instead of enjoying it in the pot, they would carry a piece of roti and fly down to the road, beat it on the pebbles and were ecstatic about it. Within half an hour, most of the roti vanished. The doves came but they enjoyed only the grains. I am waiting for the finches now.

 

It has been decided that a change of taste would be appreciated like we felt happy after tasting the famous biryani. Pieces of roti must have been like Paradise Biryani for them. Isn’t it? I wonder!!!!!!!!

 

JAI HIND

© ® NOEL ELLIS