Upavaas Thali at Shreyas

This last Sunday was Kartiki Ekadashi! The second of the two all-day upavaas ekadashis! Shreyas, on Apte Road, serves an Upvaas Thali on such days. Baba called them up and asked for a reservation for 4 people at 1 pm. They said they cannot reserve at that time as there were already numerous reservations. They offered a reservation after 2 pm, which we declined. So, Baba called up Krishna Dining on Law College road. They too serve the Upvaas Thali. They said, come over anytime, no reservation needed for 4 people. We started at 12:45 pm and I thought of trying Shreyas. Believe me, I have not been to Shreyas Dining Hall in my 33 years of life! Since Shreyas is known for good food, we thought of taking the chance.

When we reached Shreyas, it was crowded. Partly because of a fifth floor wedding crowd and partly the lunch goers. But thankfully, we got a parking spot right at the entrance. There was a wait of half hour. Meanwhile, Anaya was running around the parking space in front of the entrance. She would go near any boy or girl, mostly bigger than her, and start staring or playing with them. So, myself and Anuradha took turns looking after her.
Atlast, we were asked to seat ourselves inside the restaurant. There were big groups of people eating inside. We got a corner table for four. There was the regular Thali also on offer. But we ordered the Ekadashi Thali. Before long, the thalis came.
Sabudana Khichadi in the middle, a folded Thalipeeth at the bottom, six vaatis lining up along the upper half of the thali. Shrikhand, Kakdi koshimbeer, Varyache tandool, Daanyachi chutney (mixed with dahi), Batata bhaaji, and Daanyaachi aamti made up the vaatis. There were small batata papads on the side. Anaya was on my lap and she immediately got hold of the papads. Everything looked good. The tasting was done gradually and everything was very delicious. The Khichadi was done very well with a nice, savory and liberal taste of "Daanyache kuut". The Thalipeeth exceeded expectations and was the topper! The Daanyachi Aamti was also very well done and I ate the Varyache Tandool with the aamti. The sides were also good. I was wanted to eat some more Thalipeeth, but just one helping of everything made me full. There was some cold Taak in the end to wash everything down.

The price for the Thali was Rs.120. Baba told me Krishna's Thali was for Rs.80 with 8 items served in the thali. Shreyas' had 10 items. But the food quality was the best.

Need to taste the regular thali as well. Some other time.