Looking for new recipes, you have likely browsed Aayi’s Recipes the uber popular food blog hosted by Shilpa. This is M’s favorite “go-to” site anytime she needs inspiration for her cooking.
During my travels to India, I look forward to visiting our ancestral town of Kumta – Jewel of the Konkan in coastal Karnataka. And when I read that Shilpa’s Aayi (mother) actually lives in Kodkani, a village near Kumta, I had to make the pilgrimage and take darshan of this Devi – the inspiration behind Aayi’s Recipe. I contacted Shilpa and asked to visit her parents. She readily agreed and gave me their contact details.
And on a beautiful Saturday, I hitched a ride on a school bus dropping kids off to kodkani. Now, that in itself needs a separate post.
As the bus pulled up at the designated place, Shilpa’s father was waiting and brought me to their beautiful home! Wow! A traditional style bungalow, which immediately transported me back to the home of my grandparents in Bhatkal. Terracotta tiled roof; an open ‘jagli’ and a tulsi vrindavan in the front yard. The magnificently blossoming tulsi gave me great vibes of the place (see pic later).
And what a joy it was to finally meet Shilpa’s Aayi! Yes, Aayi of “Aayi’s Recipes.” Hundreds of thousands have salivated at her dishes, as shared by Shilpa. Legions have been inspired to try her creations for their loved ones. And so many look forward each day to new posts to titillate the palate. And I was invited to a beautiful konkani lunch made by her! 
Look at the spread. I hurriedly captured it before wolfing everything down. By the time I was through, not a morsel was left. What is more beautiful than all those recipes Shilpa posts on AayisRecipes? Eating dishes lovingly made by her Aayi! … and I got to eat it! nyean, nyean, nyean, nyean!
Here is the Tulsi Vrindavan in the aangan.
After lunch and general discussion on the state of Kumta Schools, Shilpa’s father took me to the nearby river Aghanashini – translating roughly as: “Remover of sins.” I know what you are thinking: “Arun go take a dip!” You are just jealous I got to eat that Aayi-made lunch. nyean, nyean, nyean, nyean!
What a idyllic place grow up and raise a family. This dug-out was going out to the delta and picking up sand, which is a significant economic activity here.
Another pic of the river with a nearby boat resting on its side. I can see myself, taking a nap in the shade of the coconut trees yonder. (click image to see a larger version)
Shilpa’s father then drove to me a nearby Devi temple and then dropped me off to a mutual friend’s. All in all a great way to spend an afternoon! Thank you Shilpa and your Aayi for inviting me into your home!
Well…I have no words Arun.. I can just say, Thank you.
Glad you liked this Shilpa!
And Kodkani is such a beautiful place! i envy you!
envy, awe, respect
thank you saar.
Glad you are enjoying this Shantanu!
)
The true joys of running – we get to eat a lot!
Whoa!! Look at that food! YUM!! You lucky fella!!:D
Thank you Asha!
)
yes! truly delicious!
… and when are you inviting us to NC?
I just got very hungry all of a sudden.
The food looks great! Kannada cuisine looks pretty similar to a lot of Malayalee cuisine.
Hi Saroj
Those “phodis” were particularly tasty. Yes, I am hungry too.
i am so J arun!!! u got to eat food cooked by annapurna herself! lucky u
just few more months of wait for me;) he he he…
beautiful pics of backwaters again… oh! how i miss my ooru
Thanks Sia!
Ha Ha! yes you are right, food by Annapurna herself!
you must be excited with the upcoming trip.
and shopping and so much more fun.
Enjoy!
Hi Arun:
Thanks for the beautiful pictures. I am happy for you that you had the opportunity to visit your favorite people and places not to mention the chance to indulge in excellent food
I am a big fan and a regular reader of AR though I had never left a comment for Shilpa (I know I have to work on my new year resolution more closely
). I am a big fan of her arts campus as well.
What can I say when one of my favorite blogger writes about another favorite of mine. Thanks much Arun.
Viji
ha ha Viji:
you are right – those pesky NY resolutions! Post a comment for Shilpa. She is a wonderful soul and would appreciate it much.
Ad absolutely! favorite food, places and people. WHat else does one want in life!
Thank you much for sharing your thoughts
)
Hi Arun – letting you know I am back, and sometime in the next week will start posting again. How lovely for you to be in konkani. It sounds so special. Your photos are fantastic. I spent the last 9 days of my holiday in Kovalam in Kerala. Very special. Now I am in withdrawal from fabulous indian food, and seeing your photo eased the pain.
Hi Jennifer
Looking forward to reading your posts on your travels. and 9 days in Kovalam is absolutely essential. It clears the mind and soothes the soul! Permitting us to derive so much more pleasure from the simple joys that drift our way.
Kumta in the Konkan region is very similar to Kovalam, but Kumta is less developed and I love it!
Yes, I too am going through withrawal, but writing about the konkan helps.
Best
Hi Arun
Makka gaav vudghas ayla!! Sigh there hasnt been a day that I miss India…specifically Mysore & Mangalore. Your entry and pics got me home sick but also happy that there is such a tight knit konk community out here
)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts – sorry for the delay in replying.
For me, North Kanara is the perfect place to spend the rest of my life – i just need to find a ‘small’ job.
and enjoy the Konkani community!
Hope your weekend with bhatji was memorable!
)
Wow, Lucky you Arun!! Made the most of your trip..The picture of the tulsi-katto in the aangan and tht well makes me nostalgic of my own native in Baad…Envy you..
Hi Maya:
Did not know you were from Baad! We are from Chitrigi, right next door! Baad is such a beautiful place! When do you plan on visiting home.
We are planning a July trip
)
thanks!
wow that was such a nice thing u did, and you got to eat such lovely food
Rachna – heh heh!
)
the thing we do for food!
actually, t was such a delight to meet her parents; and what a beautiful place Kodkani is! Long to go back!
You should visit too!
[...] folks at the Shanbhag School the best way to travel to Kodkani (about 15 kms from Kumta) to see Shilpa’s parents, they recommend that I ride the School bus. On Saturdays, school ends at noon and the bus drops off [...]
I’m from Kumta originally with at least 2 generations growing up there including my gramps Mukund Mastar in Gibb highschool and dad Vithaldas(just passed away). However we’re originally supposed to be Shanbhag from Hervatta. Any possible links or info of Hervatta
Hi Hemant:
Thank you for visiting and sharing your connection to the Kumta Heritage.
Yes, Gibbs School is respected institution in Kumta!
I have some relatives living in Kumta and it is simply a ‘neighbourhood’/area of kumta. I live with my cousin in ‘chitrigi’ and that like Hervatta is walking distance from the main Kumta bazar.
I don’t have anything specific for hervatta, but the next time i do, i will certainly mention it.
BTW, This Cashew factory is in the Hosa-Hervatta
http://arunshanbhag.com/2006/01/15/cashew-nuts-processing/
Please continue to share your comments.
Arun, I know this post is old, but I am sure you still remember the taste!..how fantastic to have enjoyed the food made by the master!..:)
Oh yes! I have visited their home once more with M and again – what a delightful place, wonderful people and finger-licking good food. I want to just go and stay with them for a few days
Ha ha! Don’t tell this to Shilpa! 
Arun