<h2>Eye of the tiger</h2>
An artist adds finishing touches to a &nbsp;sculpture of a tiger on the traffic island opposite Bharatmata Cinema in <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news/article/mumbai-lalbaug-woman-duped-of-rs-1-3-crore-in-fake-business-loan-scam-23605519" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Lalbaug</a>.
<h2>The one with the Mumbai takeover</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Friends-season_e.jpg" alt="A recreation of the apartment featuring in FRIENDS" width="1280" height="720" /> A recreation of the apartment featuring in FRIENDS
Fans of friends are set to step into the sitcom&rsquo;s world as The FRIENDS Experience: The One in Mumbai arrives in India for the first time at the Jio World Garden from June 13. The immersive attraction recreates some of the show&rsquo;s most iconic spaces, including Monica&rsquo;s apartment, Chandler and Joey&rsquo;s recliners and the beloved Central Perk caf&eacute; complete with its signature orange couch.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Friends-set_e.jpg" alt="The original cast of the series. PICS COURTESY/DISTRICT.IN" width="1280" height="720" /> The original cast of the series. PICS COURTESY/DISTRICT.IN
Visitors can also revisit memorable scenes, pose by the famous purple door and relive moments from the globally loved series. &ldquo;FRIENDS has always been about connection; the kind that goes beyond borders, generations, and time zones,&rdquo; said Stacy Moscatelli, CEO of Original X Production, who are bringing down the concept.
<h2>Shelves and stories</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Library_e.jpg" alt="Readers browse through books. PICS COURTESY/PUNDALIK PAI" width="1280" height="720" /> Readers browse through books. PICS COURTESY/PUNDALIK PAI
What began in 1986 as a small newspaper delivery venture and a casual hangout for friends in <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/thane-fare-dispute-turns-violent-auto-drivers-assaults-senior-citizen-in-dombivli-23616299" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Dombivli</a> has today grown into Pai&rsquo;s Friends Library, a beloved neighbourhood reading space that completed 40 years. Founder Pundalik Pai recalled starting with barely 100 books with the simple aim to keep reading alive among residents, especially children.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Library-a_e.jpg" alt="Pundalik Pai at the Dombivli venue of the library chain" width="1280" height="720" /> Pundalik Pai at the Dombivli venue of the library chain
&ldquo;People still remember the children&rsquo;s library,&rdquo; he recalled. Despite changing times and reading habits, and the rise of digital media, Pai believes books continue to hold value. &ldquo;If I don&rsquo;t get a book they want, people still come to spend time at the library&rdquo; said Pai, reflecting on the library&rsquo;s enduring community bond.
<h2>Ande ka funda in Kala Ghoda</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Cafe-barista_e.jpg" alt="A view of the new cafe at Kala Ghoda" width="1280" height="720" /> A view of the new cafe at Kala Ghoda
WE did a mini fist pump when we heard the city was getting a new pet-friendly caf&eacute;; there are fewer of them around than you&rsquo;d think. Cafe Como Xo, a new eggetarian caf&eacute; that has opened its doors in the busy <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai-guide/things-to-do/article/when-cars-made-way-for-culture-kala-ghodas-parking-lot-and-the-birth-of-a-festival-23608742" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Kala Ghoda</a>. Behind the venture are first-time restaurateurs Meyuri Shethia and Charmi Ajmera, who revealed that the menu comes from years of travelling together, eating their way through cities around the world.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/may/Chilli-Melt_e.jpg" alt="Bombay British Chilli Melt.PICS COURTESY/CAFE COMO XO" width="1280" height="720" /> Bombay British Chilli Melt.PICS COURTESY/CAFE COMO XO
Chef Vinayak Mhatale, who helms the kitchen, is betting on the eggetarian spin on Japan&rsquo;s poke bowls to become a crowd favourite soon. With dishes like Japanese Nori Tacos, Harvest Waffle and Truffle Mushroom Scrambled Eggs on the menu, we&rsquo;re sure there&rsquo;s enough space for everyone (and their dog, of course).&nbsp;

The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce: An artist adds finishing touches to a  sculpture of a tiger on the traffic island opposite Bharatmata

Mumbai Diary: Saturday Dossier | The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce

Mumbai weather update: Partly cloudy skies and humid conditions likely across city today

The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce

Mumbai Diary: Saturday Dossier

Eye of the tiger

The one with the Mumbai takeover

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