I think I wrote about my first evening in Varkala, when I met a couple people playing guitar and singing songs. One of them was Parvez, a documentary filmmaker from Delhi. When I got back to Delhi this time, I gave him a ring, and he invited me over for dinner.

He lives close very close to Mark’s apartment (where I stay in Delhi), so I hopped in an auto rickshaw, and was there in five minutes. We sat and chatted for about an hour, and then his cook broght dinner. After eating, we went down to Parvez’ office and watched some of his videos.
His work deals mostly with causes, such as rights for the disabled, and feminist issues in India. I found his films inspiring, and powerful, blending strong visuals and his ear for music. In fact two of the films are music videos, in one of which he himself performs. It was nice to see some of the contemporary art being produced here — something other than bollywood.
When I told him I was vegetarian, he said he would take me to have some of the best veggie food in Delhi. So, the next evening we drove out to a suburb (actually in Uttar Pradesh), to a little restaurant in a quiet neighborhood. It is the sort of place that you would never find as a tourist. The food was excellent, especially the roti (flat bread) which was hot and crispy.
On friday evening we met again for a meal at a dhaba close to his house. It is a paratha (stuffed flat bread) joint (more of a shack), with tables out front. When we arrived it was swarming with people eating hot parathas. Parvez fought his way through the crowd and returned with one egg and one potato paratha for each of us. Again I have to say that the best food in India is to be found at dhabas (little road side stalls).