Lunch

Went for lunch with my guide yesterday. The whole idea was in some way completely novel. I can't really picture it in the indian scenario, atleast not in the surrounds i come from. We went a restaurant on campus called Cafe Quad. He suggested that I try japanese which was coincidently one of his favourite cuisines. It was also a surprise to see such a human side of my professor. Japanese was a very different experience especially because I had it the tradiational way in a bento box which a wooden lid-less box with a number of compartments. Each compartment has a different nutrient to offer. It is a tasteful ensemble of rice, meat (which could be chicken, prawns, beef etc.), fruits and vegetables. On the whole, it is a very colorful meal and hence extrmely nutitious. I has prawns which had been rolled in corn flour and fried- the Indian pakora basically. I sometimes find not being able to use the chopsticks can be an impediment in these japanese and chinese dishes. I used a knife and a fork, a little clumsily, but couldn't help it. There is a seasoning called wasabi which has a sharp taste and an odour which stirs the top part of your nostrils, but before you know it, the smell and the taste disappear completely leaving no remanant on your tongue.
Conversations yield unexpected links. My guide;s son has taken french classes at the local branch of alliance. I am planning to go to alliance singapore whenever i get a chance next. it's in Newton, close to Orchard. Orchard is fun at times- it is good to look at glamorous arcades sometimes- the flamboyant malls with their fleecing restaurants. It is the pinnacle of consumeris, but it is the sign of properity. i like richness, prosperity, nutrition (have always loved the grocery stores- Rakesh Traders was the first, then Jai Maa and now FairPrice- they just goad me into spending, i guess.)
He told me about his experiences as a researcher- the pigeon hole 'hotels' in Tokyo, the expensive New york and his love for food.
The deal is that I tell him about a good Indian restaurant in Singapore, then he can bring his son along andwe can meet on a weekend for lunch. Sounds good.