Travelling solo!

3. Dapoli

The post-beach lunch quest turned into a culinary odyssey as our diverse group of hungry adventurers ventured forth. Shubh, the vegetarian stalwart, spearheaded the campaign for a veg-only restaurant, armed with a list of plant-based demands that rivaled a botanical catalog. Meanwhile, Akshay and Dharmendra, devout meat enthusiasts, were open to culinary exploration, craving anything from barbecue to biryani. Adding to the comedic mix, Aditi and Shikha, the seafood aficionados, dreamt of indulging in a feast from the ocean. Amidst this gastronomic chaos, Shri was on a mission, surveying local joints with an unwavering commitment to finding the perfect balance. I, played the role of the bemused spectator, my stomach growling as the negotiations unfolded.

Shubh: (holding a pamphlet) Guys, I found the perfect veg place, great reviews, amazing ambiance!

Akshay: (rolling his eyes) Shubh, we're not rabbits. Can we have something with a bit more substance? 

Shri: (nodding in agreement) Yeah, I need some protein after all that sea-watching drama.

Dharmendra: (grinning) Sea-watching drama? More like a selfie showdown!

Aditi: (pointing at Shubh) And he couldn't even get a decent picture!

Shubh: (defending himself) It's not easy being the photographer for a squad of divas. As the banter continued, the lunch dilemma persisted. The group waded through a sea of menus, each member championing their culinary cause. It was like a United Nations assembly, but with more food puns and fewer diplomatic resolutions. Finally, the gang settled into a restaurant that managed to appease the diverse cravings—veg delights for Shubh, carnivorous treats for Akshay and Dharmendra, and a seafood feast for Aditi and Shikha. The lunch battleground lay before us, with a menu that seemed like it had witnessed the clash of dietary preferences. Shubh, having championed the vegetarian cause, perused the menu like a herbivorous knight savoring his leafy victory.

Shubh: (grinning) Behold the Konkani Thali, a veggie utopia!

Akshay: (sarcastically) Utopia? I don't see any meat mountain in this promised land.

Dharmendra: (nodding) Yeah, where are the carnivorous wonders?

Shri, positioned strategically between the warring factions, saw an opportunity for culinary détente.

Shri: (with a sly smile) How about trying the Veg Kombdi Vade? It's like chicken but without the chicken!

Aditi: (looking intrigued) Seriously?

Shikha: (doubtful) Is that even a thing?

Shri: (raising an eyebrow) It is here. Konkani sorcery. 

Who knew Konkani cuisine could be a catalyst for peace talks? Veggie utopia, chicken-less chicken—it's a mad, flavorful world out here.

The waiter, our culinary referee, brought forth a feast fit for the dining gods. The Veg Kombdi Vade, flanked by a chorus of Konkani treats—the tangy Sol Kadhi, the crispy Kismur, and the aromatic Prawn Balchão for the seafood enthusiasts.

Aditi: (digging into her Prawn Balchão) This is paradise!

Akshay: (sampling Veg Kombdi Vade) Shri, you might be onto something here. A new age chicken revolution.

Shubh: (looking triumphant) Konkani flavors triumph again!

Amidst the laughter and clinking utensils, the lunch table transformed into a canvas of vibrant flavors and eclectic tales. Each dish became a storyteller, narrating its coastal legacy. The real magic, we realized, wasn't just in the food but in the shared moments and laughter—a culinary journey turned comedy feast, a delightful respite from the daily grind.