A Beef Story maybe about someone who chose beef over his family and friends. Or it maybe simply a meeting to share our collective anguish over the choices or the lack of it at times. Adulting sucks.
What’s in a tale
I was told about the dangers of consuming too much red meat, alcohol and sugar. Honestly, it is a reality as we age, and the body tends to process these much slower. But again, it depends on your physical and mental health condition. As we engage routinely in deadening activities, it creates a certain stress in our system which is difficult to manage. This stress manifests in various ways in our lives.
It’s a tell-tale sign
I had the opportunity to share my stresses with a dear friend who in turn shared his own challenges. The contexts are different, but we all feel the burdens of supporting elderly parents and navigating through the demands from the youth. This is not a love story; it is a trust story. I trust that everyone can relate to this in one way or the other. It’s my way of sharing a beef story with a sweet ending in the context of battles around a healthier lifestyle, not anything else for the moment.
The usual roundabout
I try to moderate my intake of harmful substances but sometimes, it is a natural outlet for those of us who need to find a release. Silent meditation and breathwork helps. Waking up to different smells and stimuli also helps to keep you fresh and cheerful. Sometimes, it is finding a new route to work or a different set of stories to hear. So does the company of those who are able to laugh about things easily. We share our pains and griefs to hold and support each other as a community.
My review is about the excellent food and drinks. But it is a little bit also about sharing each other’s successes and learnings. It helps to gift a few things- most importantly your time, a bit of money to good causes and heartfelt love. Every little bit helps. I tried to help but sometimes that help is not needed. I realised that each household has its own secret recipe.
Naturally gifted story-teller
This post is dedicated to Omar and Sehar – two childhood friends turned lovers- turned parents of 2 rambunctious boys. As they say- it takes a village to raise a child and they have two! I think some relaxation in a Spa would be needed after a stressful period of March 2024. And for those who can’t afford it, I am all for child-labour in this matter especially from boys who are currently on summer vacation. 🙂
We had lunch at a place called Monkey Bar near Church Street in Bangalore. It’s a lovely place with both indoor and outdoor seating option. Their outdoor seating space is very soothing with the greenery around. It relaxes stressed eyes which may have been glued to laptop/tv/mobile screens. The sunshine is a natural energiser and highly recommended for those who are perpetually at home or indoors in closed office spaces.
To the mattresses!
Managing a long day of raising two boys, handling their work schedule, their ongoing education and supporting their extended friends and family is difficult for them. They are migrants too- so I feel it’s never easy having your time and love divided across different spaces and places. It helps to have a few good people around.
Anyhow, here’s my pick of the food that I enjoyed at the restaurant. It was a pleasure to share the meal with Omar and get a good dose of brotherly love & hugs. He reminded me of how privileged I am to have the ability to tell my own story.
Bees Knees- pick for drinks
One-Two Buckle My Shoe
My pick for drinks is Bees Knees with dark rum and ginger beer. I can’t even remember the other drink we ordered. I liked it more and switched it with Omar- he was sweet enough to let me have it. That’s just the kind of person he is. Forever a gentleman… but unfortunately, bashed up at times by rude ladies like me who tend to bulldoze in their own way. 🙂
The good thing about these Beef Wraps is that they come with multiple options of garnishes to go with lettuce leaves. I really liked the red chillis for instance but someone else may want to skip that. That’s the good thing about making it more customizable and leaving a little room for creativity or playfulness around food over a long conversational lunch/brunch/dinner.
Rhapsody of Rasputin
Again, it’s always a choice as to whether to have gluten/dairy/potato chips or not. I believe burgers are ok in moderation for adults. Definitely something that children crave for as a treat. But too much of it could be more of a cheat sheet. 🙂 That’s just my opinion- however, it’s hard to handle this issue- and I understand the challenges faced by parents these days. Sometimes, you just leave it to them to figure out on their own over time. Perhaps it’s a good idea not to link food with reward and keep it simple. Or as I have narrated several times- intermittent fasting may help for some discipline of the body and mind. Just a passing thought to clear the air. 🙂
The Devil’s Advocate
Desserts are a tricky one and I am always tempted to order more. But on a day-to-day basis, it’s best not to keep these tempting things in the pantry or fridge. Some fruits or dates help to satisfy sugar cravings. Keep the heavy-duty stuff for the difficult days. 😉
Here’s a toast to friendships and people who stand up to support others in their times of need. I try my best to pay it forward. Thanks for reading this. Hope you feel like exploring more of the eateries around town to share a meal and story or two. Cheers!
Verse fully Reversed
“ah yes, I see him. His yellow eyes
and broad wings bear
the light of the world
in the light of the world—
ah yes, I see him.
He is exactly
the poem
I wanted to write”
Mary Oliver- Devotions
Special April Fools Footnote:
Do check out the wisdom from LearningYogi– it’s truly remarkable how far they have come. This one is not a joke or a prank. 🙂
