Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | NXg | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest |

Down-to-earth dining

Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Cool choice The prudent lot have found an answer to fiscal recession

They live in a small apartment complex. Whenever they feel like it, which often is twice a month, they all troop to the top, hunker down and eat under the starry canopy of the vast blue sky. The light music playing just by the side adds a little bit to the stars above.

“This feels so natural,” says Sireesha, a young housewife and the brain behind the newly-formed troupe. “I wonder why we hadn’t done it before, dining under the sky.” People go to restaurants and give friends a treat. That’s common. But the rise in prices and recession has brought back the joy of dining outdoors with family and friends; without missing out on social interaction that happens around food. “Once you try this, you won’t go to a restaurant again,” she says waxing eloquent over outdoor eating experience. “Moreover, restaurants are pricey and stuffy.”

Eating outdoors is not new. The practice is in vogue at least since cave people. A galloping economy and bulging wallets drive diners indoors, be it homes and restaurants. A stuttering economy brings them outdoors. The reasons for a ‘down-to-earth’ or a ‘down-on-earth’ approach to dining with friends range from natural settings to practical affordability.

“Earlier we used to go to restaurants and hotels,” pitches in Krishnaveni, “now that we cannot afford it, each of us prepare dishes and have the meal together. That way we don’t miss out the fun part of it.”

All age groups participate in this. “We all climb up the stairs for a roof-top fun session or go to some garden or a park nearby,” says Lakshmamma, an elderly lady who is happy to see these informal eat-out sessions promoting social interaction. “We had joint families,” she points out adding: “And around the meal all the family members would banter, have fun.” With that social glue coming off, “at least this new practice makes people more joyful rather than lead a stressful life,” she reasons out.

A collective eat-out session is more than just a meal. “We cook delicacies of our choice and bring it here to share,” says Rani, further adding: “This way, we are getting closer to one another.” Coming from different places and living in an apartment complex can make one feel lonely. “But eating outdoors together has built up a strong relationship among us.” The sense of sharing extends to many more things. “I no longer feel lonely. It helps us to bond better,” says Sudha, their friend.

The dining experiences with friends and families do have a salubrious effect on kids. “They feel more connected,” says Raj Kumar, who works for a pharmaceutical company. “It is not all about having a good time alone. Children also learn how to behave socially. We all feel like a tight-knit family,” says Srinivas, a father of two. The refreshing ambience that greets us outdoors is yet another reason why many prefer eating out.

People like Sulochana prefer inviting close friends home for an informal get-together. “I look forward to arranging the place in creative ways every single time I have guests. Feasts hosted in a personalised setting give me a bigger joy,” she chirps.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail