It has been a long few weeks. San Diego trip with big baby (that’s a separate post at some point), MIT Sloan 10 year reunion weekend (another post for another time!), friends visiting, end of year celebrations for both girls at their schools….wow. My batteries are running low.

Cue the arrival of Mom. A.k.a. the Dragonmother. She’s been a rock solid support system (yes, from afar most of the time), and I’m looking forward to letting the girls engage with her. It’s good for them and for her. Hard to build those grandparent-grandchild bonds remotely.

The picture above was chosen because I associate my mother most with comfort. And I also associate my favorite foods with comfort. Vada pav is a uniquely Maharashtrian street food. It challenges you but when you get through it, it brings joy as only a carby, spicy, sweet, crunchy food can be. Kinda like the Dragonmother.

P.S. If you ever find yourself in Mumbai, the best vada pav is at Ashok’s vada pav stall across from Kirti College. Everyone has an opinion on the best vada pavs, but you’ve gotta trust this foodie. I discovered the joys of Ashok’s vada pavs in 8th grade on my way home from French tuition classes, and that was a few decades ago. The place is still going strong, arguably stronger than ever!