Mumbai Diary: Monday Dossier

Pic/Bipin Kokate

Faced with reality

A masked-up pedestrian walks past a billboard in Marine Drive.

Raising the bar for Mumbai

World Class India is a mixology competition where the best from across the country show off their chops. We're happy to report that three city-based mixologists - Hemali Bendre from The Bombay Canteen (TBC), Prantik Haldar from O' Pedro and Santosh Kukreti from La Cafe - have been shortlisted among 12 candidates who will battle it out at the finals. Bendre (in pic), who is one of the few women on the list of finalists, told this diarist that she's both surprised to have been shortlisted, and excited for the finals. "Back in Pune, when I was in college, I used to take part in events. Since May 2019, I've been with TBC. It's been a great learning experience. One of my aims is to see more women in such competitions and in the alcohol beverages industry, so that it's no longer a taboo for us to serve alcohol. I'm happy if this inspires other women," she added. Well, we'll be rooting for these Mumbaikars.

A balancing act

You have to feel for people in the state's food and beverage industry. They saw a glimmer of hope after a crippling year when restaurants were allowed to function again last October, only for those hopes to be dashed with the new curfew guidelines in place, which have driven another nail into their coffin. One aggrieved restaurateur, Darsshan Ravalh, who owns Hotel Sapna in Pune, recently put out a heartfelt video urging the authorities to give them some respite. In it, Ravalh encapsulates the anguish that others like him are feeling at present, and when this diarist asked him what hopes he has from the Maharashtra government, the restaurateur shared, "We just want the state government to have a proper dialogue with us [in the industry]so that some balance can be struck." That's not too much to ask for, is it?

More love for pre-loved

(From left) Sana and Alfiya Khan

Bombay Closet Cleanse, a popular Instagram-based thrifting handle, has found a brick-and-mortar home in Bandra. Located opposite China Gate restaurant, the store will offer pre-loved designer wear and vintage pieces, rare vinyl records and books. It will also serve as a consignment store, supporting other thrift shops and local businesses. Founder Sana Khan shared that they will also have a rental section for costumes, bridal wear, designer clothing and luxury bags. "We have been told it's a risk given the uncertain times. However, we have had several successful pop-ups across the city. A physical store offers much more than shopping; in many ways, it is like time travel!"

Conservation matters

Mumbai is a city that boasts of some fantastic examples of conservation, such as the Flora Fountain (in pic). But there's a lot more to be achieved in this area. To further this conversation, the Asiatic Society of Mumbai is hosting a lecture series starting today, titled As Good As New: The art and science of conserving Mumbai. About the virtual series, Dr Shehernaz Nalwalla, who is part of the managing committee, shared, "The focus is on conservation at various levels - archaeology, public spaces, buildings, paper [like maps, manuscripts and books], and art and sculpture. Based on curbs, the last session may end with a visit to our conservation lab," she added.

Keep this reading platform afloat

Aqui Thami and Himanshu S

Bombay Underground, a platform fostering independent publishing and zines, and love for reading, has been running three libraries - Dharavi Art Room, and Sister Library and the new Bombay Zine Library in Bandra. Caught between high rentals and the struggle to stay afloat, they're hosting a sale on their Instagram handle @bombay-underground.

The co-founders of Bombay Underground

One can choose any book from their collection, approach them with a price and have it delivered. "There's a chance we might have to shut down one of the spaces. So, we're trying to let go of some of our books," shared co-founder Himanshu S. He added they have plans for more exhibits, sales and reading spaces, apart from an archive of zines. If you wish to lend them a hand, log on to milaap.org/fundraisers/chotagallery.