A large part of our adolescence was spent in the alleys of South Calcutta. We remember loitering in the viridescent locality with our friends, sharing greasy noodles — or what the neighbourhood stall owner-lady would endearingly call "noodoolz" — dunking piping hot pieces of momo into our mouth and even indulging in delicacies from the North East, like shaphaley, gyathuk and tie pao that were available at a hole-in-the-wall joint called Denzong, which became a favourite among youngsters back then. It continues to thrive, we are told.

So, years after acquiescing to the drudgery of adult life, when we find ourselves lingering in the by-lanes of Juhu with a friend from those treasured years, the mood is surreal. The pleasant weather bestows upon us a soft breeze — the kind that makes leaves rustle, not fall. We are both guilty of indulging in nostalgia. Winter does that to you. We chance upon Red Pepper Co, a late-night delivery joint that opened last year.