DK Kapila The Oracle

Coriander – Really Required ?. Dinesh K Kapila My friend Nalin has commented on the price of the herb - Coriander (dhania), is reaching Rs 200/- a kg. The view is why are we focused on only the prices of potatoes and onions, coriander also counts. My sympathies with Nalin and the poor people who live off it but is the coriander really required. I say ban the coriander, for a number of reasons or atleast just ignore this strongly flavoured herb. There are a any number of reasons to ban it, the most important, now a days most cooks, whether at home or restaurants,  do not know how to use it, this herb is for use as a garnish, just sprinkle on a few before serving if you want. Also decide if the dish really requires the touch of coriander, to enhance its presentation or to enhance its flavour. This aspect is seldom considered by the cooks now. Instead they will cook and stew it along with the vegetables and just take away the flavour of the dish. I refrain from ordering ome...

I recently read about a NRI’s ranting against Air India, in fluent Punjabi he reportedly cursed and abused as only a NRI can in India or about India. Over a period of time I have repeatedly come across various articles on Air India’s poor services and disparaging observations about its cabin crew, specially the Air Hostesses. I am no fan either of its cabin crew, specially when they choose to chatter amongst themselves on long haul flights. If you get a rear seat, it can be bothersome if not irritating. However, I do believe that perceptions tailored by its state ownership have also caused prejudices to be aired periodically against the airline. Its part of the fair game to disparage Air India, as though on other airlines the passengers are being treated as royalty. The planes, the service, the timings, the levels of courtesy, the efficiency, it’s the done thing to criticise.   As one young girl who flies frequently told me, the air hostess on the Air India flight who served he...