Kolkata's Flurys: A Matcha Chocolate Cube Adventure
At the iconic Flurys on Park Street in Kolkata, amidst the beloved rum balls and classic pastries, lies a modern twist: the chocolate cube. This square-shaped pastry comes in various flavors, including a matcha version that catches the eye with its distinctive henna-green hue. While some might hesitate at its unconventional color, reminiscent of fleeting trends like the red velvet craze of the mid-2000s, it represents a bold culinary experiment in the city's historic confectionery scene.
Kyoto's Malebranche: The Art of Matcha in a Cookie
For a truly refined matcha experience, look no further than Kyoto's famous confectioner Malebranche and their Cha no Ka langue de chat. This exquisite cookie features a delicate layer of white chocolate nestled between two Uji matcha tea biscuits. The mild sweetness of the chocolate perfectly balances the slight bitterness of the matcha, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Like many Japanese creations, the packaging is a visual delight, making unboxing a moment of joy. If you have friends traveling to Kyoto, this is a must-have souvenir to bring back.
Apurva Asrani's Homecoming: The Pact Short Film
Apurva Asrani, renowned for his work as a film editor on projects like Satya and Made in Heaven, and as a writer for Aligarh and Simran, has ventured into new territory with his first short film, The Pact. Available on director Lakshmi R. Iyer's YouTube channel, the film stars Parambrata Chattopadhyay as Raghav, a white-collar worker returning to Pune to sell his childhood home. As he navigates the premises, memories of his parents flood back, leading to discoveries and conversations that prompt a reevaluation of his strict father. Though occasionally overeager in its exposition, the film effectively portrays a complex relationship with emotional depth and efficiency.
Remarkably Bright Creatures: Celebrating Tidiness as a Virtue
In literature and media, tidiness is often portrayed as a flaw, linked to control or comedy, as seen with characters like Monica from Friends or Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. However, Shelby Van Pelt's 2022 novel Remarkably Bright Creatures offers a refreshing perspective through Tova Sullivan, an elderly night cleaner at Sowell Bay Aquarium. Her exacting standards of cleanliness, such as scrubbing stubborn stains despite her boss's concerns, are depicted not as obsession but as setting high standards and doing a job well. For those who appreciate order, scenes like her instructions on hooking bin liners "over the back of the bin" resonate with joy and practicality.
Mumbai's Weekend Ludo Club: A Glimpse of Camaraderie
In the bustling lanes behind the Taj Mahal Hotel in Colaba, Mumbai, a unique weekend tradition unfolds. City guides and tourist photographers, often seen offering photo services at landmarks like the Gateway of India, gather on Sunday evenings to play Ludo. Dressed in crisp white shirts, they huddle on pavements, engrossed in the classic board game on their tablets. Nearby, smaller groups or pairs are glued to the app on their smartphones. In a city that rarely pauses, this scene offers a heartwarming moment of camaraderie and leisure, showcasing how technology blends with tradition in urban life.
