We run a family business in Chidambaram, a grocery store called 'D.S.Iyengar Maligai kadai'. Our Thatha's and uncles had to go to work before 9.30 in the morning. So they have a full square meal at 8.45 (the brunch) and start to work. We grandchildren also eat our breakfast along with them.
No dining tables. We sit and eat in a hall sanitized with Shani (Cow dung). Boora Thatha (Booma Paati's husband), Raju Thatha - our thatha, Kumar Chittappa (Badri's Dad), my dad and Joo Chittappa (Sarayu-swetha's dad) sit on one side with Vazhai Elai in front of them. And all of us would sit opposite to them with plates, as we were too young to eat from the Vazhai Elai.
I remember Booma Paati sitting on a Stool near the aduppu and cooking from 8.00 through 11.00. She would not leave her spot to anyone. She would only let the other ladies do the edupudi velai. The vendaikai kai that she makes was the delicious one I have ever eaten during my life time. When we gather there for vacation, everyday was a festival for her and she used to make Saambar, Sathumathu, Kootu, Kai, Pachadai, appalam and made sure that the full thaligai was ready before 8.30 in the morning atleast for the first pandhi.
No comments:
Post a Comment