Mumbai Masala: A Welcome Addition To Matunga

If you think Matunga has only idli-dosa to offer, think again. The place now boasts of a joint that offers pastas, pizzas, etc. First, the location. Well, in Bhaudaji Road Extension, a little ahead of North Indian Association Club. The neighbourhood is a tad downmarket, but that is more than made up by the interior, which is inviting. The place is small with a mezzanine, which I don't know is operational. I ordered a cheesy burst penne pasta with garlic bread on the side. It was yummy with oodles of cheese. I only wish the quantity was more. The garlic bread was good but not crisp enough. The prices are reasonable. However, the service will put a snail to shame. Being a new place, I guess the owners are facing teething problems. In any case, it’s a welcome addition to Matunga’s gourmet scene.

A Visit From An Olympian

The other day, Olympian table tennis player Sharath Kamal dropped in at The Free Press Journal office and charmed everyone with his quiet demeanour and smile. He is based out of Chennai and has retired. But he is planning to set up a training academy in his home town to nurture young talent from all over the country. Kamal rightly lamented the lack of sports culture in the country and inadequate infrastructure. This is a problem which cannot be tackled only by the government. Every parent and corporate needs to promote sports culture in a big way. Mumbai woefully lacks sports facilities. Even the existing maidans are in a state of neglect.

The Humbug Of Our Netas

The humbug of our netas is unbelievable. They all talk of promoting Marathi, which is a good thing to do. But all their children study in English-medium schools. In fact, the netas fight with the managements of good English schools to get admission not only for their kids but also for those of their party workers. Incidentally, Mumbai is witnessing a massive expansion of infrastructure, and real estate construction is booming. But an overwhelming majority of workmen are from outside Maharashtra. No neta demand that the jobs be given to Marathi-speaking boys. Many of the leaders are also builders. But hardly any Marathi labourers are employed in their projects.

Tailpiece

What do you call a potato that uses the internet? Well, he is a you tuber! (Compiled by S Balakrishnan)

Published on: Monday, April 21, 2025, 10:45 AM IST