I’ve written about our trip to Swamimalai and how some family members reached milestone birthdays. One of them was our niece from my wife’s side—technically our nephew’s wife, but we treat her like one of our own. She and her husband are always there to help us when needed. 

When she organized a lunch at a top vegetarian restaurant in Chennai, we couldn’t refuse, despite our fatigue and my son’s many commitments. My wife and I eat only twice a day—lunch between 10:30 and 11 a.m., and dinner by 7:30 p.m.—but this gathering was set for 11:30 a.m., and we knew it would be well past noon before we ate. So, we skipped breakfast, knowing a grand feast awaited us. 

This restaurant, where I’ve dined for nearly three decades, has a reputation for exceptional vegetarian food. Although my health requires me to watch my intake of carbs, fats, and sugars, I decided to indulge that day. Sometimes, a little indulgence isn’t so bad, right? 

My wife, son, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and I arrived on time. The restaurant, now relocated to a serene area, impressed my wife with its ambiance. She even spotted the mother of a popular actor dining there—a woman with her celebrity status. 

The meal was worth the wait. Although I avoid spicy food, the staff offered to prepare no-spice dishes just for me. They served me delicious bajjis instead of cutlets and a special adai mixed with butter and jaggery that was simply divine. From pulavs to sweets, every dish was a treat. For the first time in a while, I enjoyed a dessert, though I skipped the ice cream. Even the beeda was unique and flavorful. 

How did I manage to eat so much? It made me realize how well I usually control my diet. On our way out, we met a bubbly young TV host and singer with her parents. A few days later, we saw her video about the restaurant on YouTube—a pleasant surprise. 

It was a memorable meal, the kind that leaves you content long after it’s over. 

P.S.: I learned that volunteers from high-ranking positions often serve food at this restaurant, believing it to be an act of serving God. Also, all the dishes from the first lunch session are discarded, and fresh ones are prepared for the second—truly remarkable. 

Contd. 336. With Melancholy I Look Up - Where Are the People, Where Is the Food, Where Has the Laughter Gone?