Founded by Kavita Mukhi, the Sunday organic farmers market returns for its second season to Nilgiri Gardens, in Bandra, and other locations around Bombay.
Two weeks ago, I headed there with Shaheen and Hayley and bought the most gorgeous red cabbage, so crunchy and fabulous in a stir fry or a sandwich, some pretty peppers to fill with sausage or cream cheese, and some fantastic fresh mint.
Visitors can buy organically certified fresh fruit and vegetables directly from farmers at the market, and there is plenty to choose from – beets with beetstalks, courgettes, broccoli, everything else.
There are your average art market stalls – healing crystals, handmade clothes, natural cosmetics and some sweet handicrafts and toys. There was a stall selling water in beautiful glass bottles that now make stunning vases at home. There’s an organic cafe too, but it didn’t impress much on a day I wasn’t feeling Gujarati thali and golas. But I definitely regret not buying this tasty rice flour cookie mix.
There’s plenty to entertain small humans too, I’m almost jealous I’m too old to lie on the ground and have someone draw my outline in chalk in the play area.
But my favourite find was Anand Bhave, an architecture tutor, eco furniture designer, artist and origami teacher. We stumbled upon his kitschy little round table made entirely from recycled paper and he gave us each carefully calligraphed name bookmarks in natural inks, using fragrant flowers for yellows and oranges; then showed a little girl how to make a dozen hats out of newspaper.
His innate creativity and concern for the environment coupled with his unaffected generosity made it such a delightful encounter. It takes about three months for him to make a piece of furniture, so in January, a sturdy round table will be mine.
All in all, a really nice way to spend a part of the afternoon so go now while it’s still one of the city’s secrets. I hope they get some cheese and free range eggs soon.
The markets are on from 11am to 6pm every Sunday. Check out their bacefook page or the venue roster.
Le Mill is an expansive, expensive concept store in the middle of nowhere. But it’s beautiful and thoughtfully accessorised (I love the crows, the pencils, the candles and the lighting), has very sleek branding and is worth one visit.
Pretty embroidered linen and doilies shop on Colaba Causeway.
Gaiety Galaxy. At Rs.75 a ticket, it’s the best multiplex for a movie marathon.
Bungalow 8 is in one of the most gorgeous buildings in the city and is a beautifully curated interiors and fashion store. I love the menswear and vintage on the third floor and the deliberate holes in the wall on the furnishings floor.
