Cousin Two Names Hits the Biryani

Plot and Duck had the pleasure of taking Cousin Two Names out to lunch on Saturday at Vik's Chaat House in Berkeley. The food was a little oilier than Plotnik had suspected, but this huge Bhatura Cholle, from which you ripped off pieces to dip in the seasoned garbanzos, was delicious.



The chicken biryani was also quite nice, but maybe not the Cauliflower Paratha. Here's a secret to ordering at Vik's: a three syllable name. You order at the counter, then they call out your order using a tinny Yugophone. The first two syllables are inaudible. And they don't just call out your name for your whole order at once, but for every single dish separately. You'll be back at the counter five times. So give them a name like Kaplinsky or Zazaboom. Here's how it will sound: "ZhzhzhzhzBOOM order! ZhzhzhBOOM order!" At least you'll hear the Boom. Take our advice. The food's good but the third syllable is crucial.



Cousin Two Names is happy and fabulous, and is already deeply into the planning for her wedding in July, when she becomes Cousin Three Names. It will be a bash for sure.