Wake up, Ballard Estate

So how was that weekend bash at Muljirsquos Pheroze mdash the limited seating affair that only a privileged few like you were invited to to celebrate the UNESCO honour She wasnrsquot going to make him forget that snub It sure seemed like you had a fabulous time considering you didnrsquot show up for three days for our night walks post that partyrdquo exclaimed Lady Flora to her friend who seemed a bit startled Then again she was pretty darn good with her hawkish eye in most matters that concerned her walking companionOh no my Lady he began ldquoYou have it all wrong The party was alright A quiet gathering was more like it Most invitees didnrsquot even show up going by the number of empty seats Maybe it was the location the traffichelliprdquo he went on trying his best to underplay the occasion and more importantly that she didnrsquot really miss a big night in SoBo that involved the top brass from their ilkAnd what about your absence for three days All that wining and dining got the better of you is it Pheroze Lady Flora wasnrsquot going to let go that easily Oh it was the food ErhellipI donrsquot think that went down well Lady said Sir PM sounding a tad embarrassed as his voice went soft ldquoIhellip Ihellip am not used to eating all that vegetarian food It didnrsquot agree with me mdash the tubers gourd and brinjal In fact I was looking hard to find an Irani cafe or restaurant around Ballard Estate where I could sneak in to for a quick bite at that hour but none were Boman uncle shutters his place much earlier so does Cafeacute Universal Lady Flora was all ears her annoyance had worn off and she began to feel a bit sad that her friend had been unwell You are hopelessly addicted to nonvegetarian food All well now Pheroze I hope she enquired Oh yes Thank you You see I was just missing my dhansak and bhonu he grinnedBut on a serious note Lady I must inform you that it did come as a surprise to see Ballard Estate looking like a ghost town after dark It was never like this back in the day if you might recall said Sir PM Youre right Pheroze After the port offices and business establishments would shut for the day the place came to life I recall attending many a dinner and annual ballroom night in those partshelliprdquoshe reminisced Has it all gone Pheroze I remember how the Royal Naval band would play the latest tunes wersquod all catch up on the latest happenings around Fort and keep track of the newest fashions at Whiteway amp Laidlaw and Watsons Ah It was such funrdquo she remarked hitting a nostalgic note Dont tell me itrsquos all gone Thatrsquos a shame reallyI am afraid Lady but it is true I was quite disappointed to notice it myself Our lawyersrsquo drunkhellip erhellip drafting sessions would be such entertaining affairsrdquo he corrected himself in a flash lest she caught on to the real deal ldquoWell the authorities should really do something to liven up this beautiful part of town It can be like a notraffic zone on weekends with cultural performances like street theatre and live bands photography walks would be such a delight and imagine if children were able to explore and run around treelined pathways as they learn little bits and anecdotes about this great citySee Pheroze Now yoursquove got me all nostalgic How about taking me on a guided walk to rediscover those good ole days And we can then sit back and tuck into those delicious chicken sandwiches at Universal if its still on the menu It is right Lady Flora asked Of course my Lady he smiled glad that a few good things were still around in his beloved Bombaymiddays Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the citys sights sounds smells and stoneswherever the ink and the inclination takes her She tweets bombayanaSend your feedback to mailbagmiddaycomCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates