Mumbai Masala: An Authentic Chinese Experience

Atria Mall appears to have had a turnaround. Until some time ago, it was not a go-to place for shopping, food or entertainment. But all that appears to be changing. Apart from the convenient location, it has valet parking, which takes the load off your mind. Recently, I dined at China Bistro on the ground floor. I must tell you that the food is simply amazing. These days, several so-called Chinese restaurants have popped up all over the city. But most of them serve a highly Indianised cuisine. One of them even places a plate of sliced onion and lemon at the start of the meal, as they do at Punjabi joints. But at China Bistro, the food is authentic, and so is the ambience. I had Tom Kha Burmese coconut flavoured thick soup, which was heavenly; truffle mushroom sushi rolls; Fijian crispy spring rolls; jasmine rice with veggies, followed by a scoop of amazing strawberry ice cream. Go check it out.

Where the Consumer Is King

The Mumbai Grahak Panchayat ended its golden jubilee celebrations last Saturday with a live music programme featuring songs sung and composed by the late Sudhir Phadke. Why Phadke’s songs? Well, because he was one of the three founders. A man of extreme simplicity and dedication, he started the consumer movement in India. The panchayat built its own building at Juhu several years ago at a cost of Rs17.50 lakh, according to its president, the affable Advocate Shirish Deshpande. The money was raised through contributions of only Rs 5 from each member. Today it boasts of 30,000 members who are provided the best of wheat, rice, groceries, etc, at extremely reasonable prices every month. Hope this organisation grows into a behemoth so that consumers truly become kings.

Celebrity advocate

Advocate Nilesh Ojha has become something of a celebrity by championing the cause of Satish Salian, father of Disha, the celeb manager who was found dead under extremely mysterious conditions in Malavni a few years ago. Salian was running from pillar to post but was not getting justice. It was then that Ojha decided to take up his cause. Ojha’s press conferences in his office at Das Chambers near the Bombay Stock Exchange are jam-packed affairs. It was one such press meet that landed him in trouble. A five-member bench of the Bombay High Court has, on its own motion, initiated contempt proceedings against him and issued a notice. When the matter was heard in the chandeliered courtroom number 46 in the HC, the place was packed with lawyers eager to know what action would be taken against Ojha, who appeared virtually.

Tailpiece

Spotted behind a Zomato delivery bike: “Your jalebi baby on the way.” (Compiled by S Balakrishnan)

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