Darshini

We Bangaloreans are definitely forgetting what is required of a good hotel. A hotel is about food and food only. When I walk into a local Darshini, all I expect is quick tasty food. Unfortunately, the owners of these local darshinis, in a bid to appear 'hip and happening' are bringing in chairs and tables with smiling waiters, and compose a menu card a la other "big" restaurants.

Nobody in their right mind is going to go to a darshini to have a close soulful conversation. Coffee Day, Barista and the ilk already have dibs on that!

It is sad to see these darshinis that make up such a big part of Bangalore's rustic charm being transformed, hurriedly, into places of dining wihtout having the right set of people to manage the show.

In many ways, my dinner at a diner in Udupi had everything that I look for in a Darshini. Good food and quick, efficient, no-nonsense service.

Nowadays, it has somehow become fashionable for people to wait for food at "big" restaurants. Apparently, this is a status symbol which is supposed to show that the food in that hotel is in such great demand that the people who have ordered must wait for their turn. We who shamelessly jump queues and road signals are ready to show a great amount of patience to wait for the food!

I cannot imagine a Bangalore without idli vada soaked in sambar, coffee being drunk in glass tumblers, mangalore vada and bajji along with breakfast!

I don't understand why there is a grimace on people's face when I suggest a quick bite at a nearby SLV. After all, one plate of absolutely anything in the SLV is much much much better than any burger/snacky/sandwich/pizza that you eat by paying almost double.

Sure, I get the fascination that a McDonalds or a Dominoes holds at the beginning, but after a coupe of times of eating there, there isnt any fascination left. It is definitely not a place to go to have your regular lunch.

I will trade a McVeggie burger for a masala dosa... any day.

Save darshinis! let them know that we still appreciate their food. Have food at your nearby darshini atleast once a month!