Of sugar and spice...
By Beryl Menezes
Hidden away in a remote alcove in the idyllic village setting of Malad (W),
housing colony 'Marve Heaven' is no doubt far from the madding crowd. And
this reflects in the warmth and hospitality of the people around - a typical
example being the Fernandes household on the first floor of the building who
offered me all manner of Goan sweets, even before I stepped onto their
threshold. Ofcourse, this only facilitated the purpose of my visit, which
was to write about Margareth's famous culinary delights. "Mom is famous for
her home-made sweets and cutlets, which she is forced to prepare for every
neighbourhood party or church funtion," laughs 25-year-old Morley, a member
of popular Indipop band, InfraRed, who is, himself, an aspiring chef.
So with two cooks in the house, there is definitely a lot cooking here. "On
Sundays, the whole family helps in the kitchen - and that includes my
married daughter; son-in-law and my 16-month grandson, Manfred, who always
join us for a family lunch on Sundays" says 56-year-old Margareth, a
housewife, who gives tuitions from home.
I could not help watching eagerly as traditional Goan fare that includes
pork sorpotel, mutton xacuti, roast beef and masala fried chicken gradually
made an appearance on the table, accompanied by the staple rice and bread.
"Mutton, chicken and desserts are a must on Sundays - we generally avoid the
daily routine of fish-curry-rice, and in the evening make it a point to go
out for dinner together," remarks 63-year-old Martin, a retired automobile
technician.
For the family who have been staying in Malad for the last 12 years, they
have a lot to comment about the changes that have occurred over the years.
"When we first moved here, there were farms all around and largely kaccha
houses, predominantly occupied by East Indians who were the original
inhabitants. Over time, as buildings came up and Malad was taken over by
call centres and shopping malls, the place became more cosmopolitan in
nature. Prices of flats today have increased five-fold, and though there is
an increase in the educated and elite people from town coming here, things
are just not the same as in the good old days," rued Martin. But they are
still happy that Malad has more or less retained its old-world charm, with
bullock carts still in view, plying on the narrow roads and sharing space
with horse carriages. The pigs and hens, too, are still there, scuttling
around in the neighbouring backyards. "It is like being in our native Goa,
even though we stay in one of the most bustling suburbs," said Manuel.
(ENDS)
PHOTO and ARTICLE at:
http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=15_02_2008_583_006&typ=1&pub=264
