Foodie Conversations usually need a small spark of a starter. Here’s me adding a little bit through a leisurely afternoon chat with another foodie – perhaps someone who understands foodies.
Many of us have been fortunate to grow up with both sets of parents influencing us from our childhood. My father who was a C.A. is no more, but I have the memories of him being a good cook and a decent father. He was a gentle and kind man who went out of his way to help others without seeking too much of attention or validation along the way.
It’s ironical, my mother blamed him through his life for being slow and steady. Perhaps my mother’s romantic side wanted a dashing cavalier instead who would give high hopes and discard responsibilities in life at the drop of a hat.
I write this piece with a humbled but disturbed frame of mind. What are the expectations being set out from humans in a city which seems to worship those who adore technology? How can everything including meals be finished rapidly, mechanically and efficiently?
How about relationships- are those being thrown hastily into the well over 1 cup of tea/coffee?
The Hole in the Wall Cafe is the first feature of a restaurant in our blog which is more about food recipes, stories and conversations around food with foodies- family, friends and even perfect strangers. But there was a part of me that was curious to know more from the perspective of those who made the leap from a private to a public space around food.
Foodie Conversations with Nathan
Nathan and Lynn – owners of The Hole in the Wall Cafe, started their journey as a foodie couple who would often discuss starting their own restaurant while dating in different cafes or restaurants. I could relate to it so much- how many of us have done that in life. Discussed secret hopes or fantasies of a different way of living and working. What’s different in their case is that they actually made good on their words!
Starting from the garage of their family home with sauces and prep work done out of their own family kitchen, they have walked the talk for almost 16 years now!
I celebrated a milestone in their journey through a simple talk with Nathan where he shared small snippets of their growth over the years.
Lynn was busy in their central kitchen and then taking care of other things at the home front, but I could feel her presence. You get the reflection of her signature warmth and homely classic style in every part of that new restaurant in Koramangala.
This is not a sponsored or paid promotion. And I don’t know them personally. So why do this?
What prompted the Foodie Conversations
There’s a personal side to why I connected with their story. The Hole in the Wall cafe was our go to place for cheat meals after a yoga /gym session when we were younger. My friend and I would excitedly talk about our own dreams and future aspirations after a good session of workout.
Life seemed full of brighter promises and the food there was hearty international breakfast fare which seemed to be curated from across the world. That reflected a bit of our own aspirations to explore the wider world beyond our ambit of familiarity in Bangalore.
Today we have many more such cafes, but this place remains a special anchor as a reminder of how far we have traveled in the journey of life.
My friend and I did go abroad- in two different directions. I went to Singapore taking up a new role at work to be with my fiancƩe who I married after a year. She went to the US to take up different roles and positions in reputed multinational companies.
The Hole in the Wall Cafe Story
Nathan spoke about the highs and the lows of their 16 year journey. The lockdown period during Covid stands out as a watershed moment for them. They weathered through that storm and now celebrate the ownership of a new bigger outlet in Koramangala with the central kitchen.
One of the regrets I hear echoed through his nostalgic words is how he missed out a lot on his 15-year-old twins growing up years. Sometimes, I feel that’s not a choice with many parents when they are working hard to provide for a future for their children.
My husband and I chose not to have any children, but we missed out on many years with the rest of our family or friends circle while we lived and worked far away from home.
We all have a few regrets even if we celebrate and own our choices. Connecting with the people back in my hometown now is very difficult because they were not a part of many of our struggles in between. And to be fair- vice versa. Yet we try. I am judged constantly for the choices we made together as a couple.
The interesting observation Nathan made about how many people actually are not present even during a meal with others. They are more into their phones and there’s hardly any conversation. Their restaurant encourages foodies to come and be with each other over a meal with genuine conversations. But would you do that unless you really care for the other person? Some shared experiences through good and bad times help to connect. Sometimes it’s just being there -comfortable even with silences.
Foodie Conversations for Fans of the Wall
He even talked about some places which ask guests to put their phones in a phone bin to encourage conversations. What do you think about that idea? š
Are you addicted to checking your phones? You may squirm at such a thought. I myself found being without a phone or laptop quite unnerving in a world that is increasingly dependent upon technology. But can we try and do that with our loved ones over a few meals at least?
Here’s a special wish for all of you on Father’s Day. May you hear and be heard. I heard this father out at The Hole in the Wall cafe, and I could feel the depth of the emotions behind his words. He speaks fondly of the holidays taken to different destinations across the world. He mentions a trip to Vietnam 8 years ago that was especially etched in his memory for various reasons. I could definitely feel the excitement in his voice when he recollected the places and the people associated.
Food for Thought post Foodie Conversations
I’m leaving this town for reasons beyond my control, but this place and many other little places are special to me. I feel fortunate to have met a few people behind the scenes who made it possible for us to enjoy them. Some of them are younger than us but we learn so much in life from them.
I feel the judgment upon the son or the daughter who may be a little under the weather on this Sunday- Father’s Day. Sometimes, we avoid a difficult conversation due to a fear of harsh judgment by others. Gently sharing this with Jumbo, the pet who oversees and is a silent witness at their Indiranagar branch.
Do check out the full video of my afternoon conversation with Nathan at their main outlet in Koramangala.
In case some of you are somewhere in the midst of that journey similar to Nathan and Lynn- you may find a fresh source of inspiration. Perhaps you can explore more of conversations with foodies in your family and friends’ circles remembering a few memorable moments and destinations visited.
