Heavenly Manna
Once upon a time, I guess it was back in the summer of 1999, I had an experience I will long cherish. 
I was living in India with my girlfriend at the time and had recently recovered from typhoid fever. We took a weekend trip to Kodaikanal, a hill station some 250 miles southeast of our home base in Bangalore. A hill station is simply a town atop a hill. It warrants a special term in India because temperatures at hill stations are mild when the surrounding country gets unbearably hot.
Kodaikanal was nice enough. It was actually quite cold. I remember buying a beautiful reversible wool jacket that I still wear. I remember walking along a road carved into the side of the mountain and seeing clouds at eye level. I remember the town having more of a British influence than many. I remember the impressive building that I read was a reknowned international music school.
But most of all, I remember Israel Bhooshi.
I had never heard of Israel Bhooshi before, but our Lonely Planet guidebook touted his restaurant, “Manna Bake,” with an arrow pointing off the map. The morning before we left, we followed the map’s arrow and climbed a hill into a completely residential neighborhood. The houses thinned out and more than once we considered turning back. At one point, a older woman’s nod told us we were heading in the right direction. Then I saw a sign hanging from a branch, most of it obscured by the lush leaves of the tree. The sign said “Manna Bake.” And there was an arrow.
My eyes followed the arrow to a small stone house that looked like anything but a restaurant. We walked the front path, climbed a few steps and knocked on the heavy wooden door. After a moment, the door swung open and Israel Bhooshi greeted us with a smile. He fed us delicious freshly baked whole wheat bread (a treat so unusual in India it’s known as brown bread!) and amazing healthy fare. After these years, I don’t remember exactly what I ate, only that it was great, and that I wanted to order everything on the menu.
Mr. Bhooshi is a tall, roundish man with a big beard a gentle way about him. His manner instantly put me at ease, and he seemed to enjoy our company to no end. We talked about where we had come from and where we were going, and about his restaurant. He showed us his guestbook, full of travelers who had visited, ate, and from the looks of the comments, enjoyed tremendously.
At one point he asked if I would like to see the microwave. I did a double-take, and he laughed. His “microwave” was a handmade woodburning stove where his manna is created.
I was cleaning off my desk tonight, and I came across Israel Bhooshi’s business card and his bright green and yellow sticker advertising Manna Bake on Bear Shola Falls Road. I imagine a steady stream of backpackers making their way through the doorway of that stone house, each one tasting a little bit of the pure and simple joy this life has to offer.
If you find yourself in Kodaikanal, please tell Israel Bhooshi that Luke Melia from New York says hello, and be sure to try his apple pie.
Cool Story! The best of all to you, all of your family, especially your new bride - Jeanhee - and all of your friends and readers . . . Mike Melia
December 20th, 2004 at 11:15 am
Thanks for sharing that story, Luke. It made my day.
December 22nd, 2004 at 8:12 pm
hi mike melia
i live now in sheffield uk since 31’st may 2002, moved due to kids varsity education.
but manna being operated by my good friends george n ivy roshan.
israel bhooshi
pl mail back asap
February 22nd, 2005 at 12:53 pm
Dear Luke Melia,
That was an absolute brilliant write up.
I first ate, dined & circum-vaccilated @ ‘Manna Bake & Restaurant’ in 1996. The philosopher & philanthropic Israel Bhooshi was & still is our chef in understanding the beauty you described about life.
Take care & please continue living well in this difficult but not un-attainable immaculate walk of life, love
Dr Anirudh Deshpande (ande)
May 16th, 2005 at 8:41 pm
Hey that is a great write up and i have something to say about the second Guru in my Life Iszy. I met him the first time in the summer of 1982 and stayed with him helping with the potato cultivation at Mount Shalom (His son shalom was just 2 years or so..) and odd errands at Manna before it moved to bear shola road and in return got food and free stay!!! wonderful music and lots of practical philosophy and it is in Manna that my political education happened listening to the “Black President” by Fella Kuti in 1983!Specially the song ITT (International Thief Thief)
Since then i have been visiting Iszy and family every year till 1987 _ then there was a lull for more then 11years and in 1998 went to Mt Shalom with my wife and two kids!! By the time the Booshi children were grown up in high school etc.. I also had the great opportunity to travel with them when they moved to UK from Kodi (me and my wife)in the flight from Chennai!
I have enjoyed every bit of my association with Iszy & family and cherish every moment of it well i have more to say but as Robert frost said “The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep and miles to go before i sleep”
May 17th, 2005 at 3:46 am
this is such a touching piece. I’m sure many more travellers would have had the same warm experience with Manna. for us, we find it disappointing when friends are travelling to Kodi and we can no longer direct them to this beautiful landmark of shola falls. I’m sure there are a lot of disappointed travellers returning without the taste of israel’s whole wheat breakfast from the ageless oven.
Bhanu
May 17th, 2005 at 3:48 am
Well, reading these responses, my mind goes back to the 80s when we made our first of our many trips to Kodaikanal. My cousin, Viji Johnson, is the trekking guide there. He took our family to Manna for breakfast. The famous brown bread and apple pie was given to us. His famous curd (yoghurt) which was so well set that he upturned the glass in which it was and it didn’t fall. I took a photo of that (miracle). We went up a narrow way on to the mountain top residence of Israel. Was lonely at that time and it was so cosy. We wondered how the small children of his would traverse every day up and down that treacherous mountain slope on the way to thier school and back home. Well, God took care of them and they are all grown up now and one of them is preparing for the Ministry. We keep in touch through mails and life goes on…..
May 18th, 2005 at 3:19 am
The foreign season (Jan. – Mar. ’05) was good as usual at Manna. Then end April and early May Sai Baba was here for two weeks or more which made life at Manna hectic. The old crowd still remembers you and are faithful customers. Then we had the owner family of a very fancy and well-known restaurant in Madras who gave advance order for an Afghan lunch which they found absolutely wonderful and exotic. The guest book says it all. We got to invest in a tandoor oven for Afghan bread and kebabs.
george
manna bake restaurant
kodaikanal
17-5-2005
May 18th, 2005 at 8:11 am
Dear Isreal
Its great to hear from and and even more greater to hear that your family and you are doing very well after all the years you have gone thru Kodai Mountains.
When we go to Kodai, we hear nothing but great things about your acheivements in Shefield. Congratulations and wish you the very best at all times.
Both Jaya and myself will not forget the great memories from our Honey Moon when you arranged trecking for us thru Vijay. More than the trecking was the magical memory which you created has remained in us for ever. When you provided us with nice home made Biryani and Sambar upon our return was the best part of our trip not to mention the abundance of love which you showered on us during our trips to Kodai.
Manoj has now joined his +2 and has taken 1st group. He will finish his graduation here and may be opt for his highger studies aborad after completing his graduation.
Mum and dad, Deveraj Uncle are doing well.
Give my regards to family and be in touch.
Thanks - Mike
May 18th, 2005 at 8:21 am
I did my shopping at Spencers, a general store that was meant for Enid Blyton’s books in an old stone cottage, it sells all kinds of groceries including delicious homemade jams, chocolates and marshmellows. And I bought cheese from the Kodai Dairy, they make and sell cheddar, garlic, pepper, chilli cheeses every day. Go before noon, and they take you in to see how the cheeses are made. I also found a Belgium Convent, a two-storeyed cottage on a windy hill, in which half-a-dozen Belgian nuns make superior quality, hand-embroidered linen. They also do lacy handkerchiefs, pillowcases and bed linen. Better wash your hands before touching any of their stuff. And you must also call on Israel Bhooshi, ex-Oberoi, ex-ITDC, who now runs the Manna Bake Restaurant in a forest. It is bohemian little eatery. Bhooshi looks like a prophet with flowing black beard. In a hundred-year-old cast iron oven that is fuelled by firewood, he makes wholesome vegetarian western food and an apple pie that is to die for. He’s the manager, chef, baker and waiter, and everybody’s friend. You’ll find many like him in Kodaikanal
May 18th, 2005 at 8:33 am
Hi Vijay and Bhooshi Family
Just love reading others experinces in Kodiakannal and the lives that
Israel
and Family - Manna Bakery and Yourself have touched the lives of so
many
people over the years.
I know back in 1988 when you Vijay first talked to me about Kodi and
asked
me to type up something to premote your work - I suggested you talk to
tim
Galbriath - a relative whom I was staying with who was a printer who
would
do a great job. you where comerned with minutes before the train was to
leave Hyderabad station that you would get the printed package - Tim
jumped
on board as the train started to move -placed the bundle in your arms
and
was gone. A week later I was sitting in Mamma Bakery over looking the
valley
over Keith Lodge - warming myself by the stove watching Israel
preparing the
days bread - pizza toppings, and friut crumble.
As I was Not feeling the best and it was drizzling with rain - Israel
hired
a jeep - taking supplies home - COmpany for June and three year old
Rachel
– Over the years have visited that Hill station - walked around its
star
fish lake, walked the curved roads, Climbed Shalam Hill thinks its
around 16
times now Be there for two of Shaloms Birthday and one of
Rachels.Attended a
Chriatain concerts with shalom In the Band- taken a number of friends
with
me over the time. With each visit there are changes but its the people
and
the charm.
And Shared Christmas in Sheffield WOw with a painting of the House of
the
Hill gracing the living room wall in 2003 - Walking around Sheffield
the man
with the bushie beard - knows so many people.
Maxine swensson 1988 -2004
May 24th, 2005 at 1:56 am
well,1990-2005.15 years i knew bhooshi & bhooshis.my wife knew and my children knew.like amish/mennonite communities no electricity in manna,kodi in 90s.log to burn and logtop to sit.yet pizzaz are tasty and served in time promised.info about palani hills conservation can also be found in pin up boards.1990-1996 of my time in kodi i consider as my golden age manna & bhooshis included.
May 24th, 2005 at 2:11 am
The Manna Bake Restaurant, Kodaikanal
Lunch was at an extraordinary little place, the Manna Bake Restaurant (Bear Shola Falls Road, Kodaikanal-1), run by Israel Bhooshi, a large man with a very big beard, married to a Sheffield woman, who lives in a house on the top of the mountain. We met him on our walk earlier. Israel is ex-army, and a born-again Christian. The restaurant is very small and simply furnished. He can feed up to 12 people at a time, and will not do more. We sat at two simple tables, and around the walls were large framed photos of the Palani Hills, and one – a very professional portrait – of Israel himself among his pots. His fare is simple, too, and delicious: pizza marghereta and apple crumble, with or without custard. It’s all done on a 110-year old Scottish range-oven that had been discarded and was found and given to Israel. He treats it with reverence, as indeed reverence is the hallmark of his whole endeavour. As we ate he handed round some dog-eared copies of an article about him in a weekly magazine. I folded the copy over, and got ticked off by Israel for doing so.
“Don’t fold it over. I’ve already told you” he said, but his friendly grin was soon on again, and he asked
“Who’s the couple from Sheffield? By ‘eck, how yoo’re doin’?”
And he gave me a gift of a Gideon Bible, still in its cellophane wrapping, “for the people of Sheffield” he said.
The pizza was delicious and the slice of apple crumble with the custard the best, I reckon, that I’ve ever tasted. We’ve had some truly fine South Indian food, and some awful European food – this at the Tollygunge Club – but Manna Bake Restaurant, in Kodaikanal, is the most memorable eating place of this trip.
[From the diary of the Traidcraft India trip in October 2000 kept by Mike Reynolds. Entry for Wednesday October
June 14th, 2005 at 2:37 am
Hi All! I had a lovely time reading all the messages posted above. My wife Sujatha & I first met Israel while on our honeymoon to Kodai & we were staying at the Clifton next door. It was January 1994, and out of sheer curiosity we stepped into Israel’s place & guess what?? He treated us to the same yummy wheat bread soaked in wild honey & man oh man, was that heavenly!! We still talk about it. I guess one has to be twice blessed to come across the likes of Israel Bhooshi. Another interesting couple we met were Mahesh & his wifey at a cozy restaurant called “Cocktails & Dreams” - Great Grub & Great Music!! Wonder if they’re around. Thanx folks.
June 20th, 2005 at 1:59 am
Holy Mackerel Luke
This post certainly has attained international fame. Plus to have another Mike Melia beside yours truly to write in… there might be some kind of record set.- Su papasan
July 11th, 2005 at 12:04 pm
Hey,
I studied in Kodaikanal for a number of years and I never went to this place. The only reason I can speak of is not too good for me to state on this website less it depletes the ’shower of praises’ that have been given to Isreal.
Good luck to all who have been there
July 21st, 2005 at 3:57 pm
Hi Izzy:
Nice to get the short sweet one from you. What are you up to these days?
Do you want to get involved in a travel venture in eastern India? It is one of the least known parts, but has a lot to offer. I am talking about it to some friends here in Kolkata, so would like to know if you can do some marketing in the UK.
Have you met Angela Kalisch in Sheffield yet? She has often acted as a tour guide in Nepal and NOrth India, so maybe you could talk with her. Do keep in touch. Am off next week to Bangalore for an Equations meeting, so I am sure we will all be talking about you.
Paul da
November 4th, 2005 at 4:17 am
it is so nice to get a mail from you
and not just mail… but a detailed discription about yourself..
i am so..glad to know a person so outstanding…
as i am a landscape archihtect.. your discrption of kodaikanal…
appeals to
me alot.. i would..also like to visit you some time.. later….
so r u going back to india or are you here for some time……
how long are you in Sheffield….
anyways… please keep in touch.. i told my family back in Jabalpur
about
you and they were so glad to hear about you….
God Bless… and regards to your family
i am praying for your daughter…
regards
Poonam
November 4th, 2005 at 4:25 am
Desmond Hazelton, was born on the 18th of December.1912 and is now 92 years old
He grew up at No 1 Carter Knowle Road, and is the son of a doctor
Schooling
He worked at Edgar Allen Steel works in Attercliffe
In 1934 due to the recession and job redundancy in Sheffield, he joined the army
He was in the regiment of Coasting Guard. His service number was 2656401
He was also a guard at Buckingham Palace
In World War II he was stationed in Palestine and Egypt
He was posted twice in Palestine to quell trouble
While serving in the Northern African desert of Libya he was taken prisoner of war
He was a POW for 3 years
Since he was asked to surrender he was not given a war medal
In 1947-48 he studied a bakery course at City & Guild then located next to the Lyceum Theatre. He has fond memories of his tutor, Mr Wragg
He jokingly tells the story of how conditions were so bad in those days that when he opened the prover door, rust would fall from the roof.
The equipment was very basic
In that year Des won the best student award and lifted the Broom Cup, which still continues.
In the second year he was struck by a bad bout of chickenpox and due to this illness he discontinued his bakery studies
After recovering from illness he set up an entrepreneur bakery business
He was self-employed and made oatcakes and pikelets
He ran this business for 7 years
In 1955, Mr Slax of Slax Bakery invited him to work as a baker. The bakery was located on Hamilton Road in Attercliffe, next to the labour exchange
He worked for wages of £12 a week and he got £15 holiday money
He retired in 1977 at the age of 65
As he grew older he moved to Lees Sheffield Council Care Home and when the building was demolished, he moved to Leighton Road’s Castelayn SheffCare home.
Last year our director of SheffCare, Mike Vickers, along with assistant director Enid and a few of the residents went to Bridlington for a day’s outing. I pushed Des around Bridlington in his wheelchair. That is where I learnt that he was a master baker.
Hence it is an honour for us to welcome him to Castle Centre, Sheffield College, to be guest of honour and distribute the prizes
We thank him on behalf of the students, staff and management of the college
the residents do love chef israel’s cooking, our humble chef from india…..janine mallett
this article was published, in our sheff care magagine
November 4th, 2005 at 4:36 am
Wow! the return of the Manna, at least in spirit!
We go up way before Kodai to the Ashoka in Bangalore…
Nice to hear from you.
I can’t sen you the idlis and Dosai but if you give me your address,
we’ll happily send you some music.
Take care,
Love
Nadaka
http://www.nadaka.com
November 4th, 2005 at 6:33 pm
I was Middle School and then Elementary School coordinator at Kodai School, but retired in June 1998. Then my wife and I were back in Kodai School as volunteers for the Centennial Year, 2000-2001. Are you now making Manna bread in the UK?
Jerry Nichol
November 4th, 2005 at 6:43 pm
the pancakes and honey tea are also still on the repertoire
where ever israel bhooshi is there are smiles on his dinners face.
angad
November 4th, 2005 at 7:03 pm
Will you please send me a photo copy of your article through the post as I am not that skilled at retrieving images on the computer and I would like to include your story as a positive role model with the work I do with FE colleges.
Thank you for getting in touch so promptly and highlighting an important issue for us to give support too. I thank you too for helping me with the stall at conference and in advance for your support and involvement with us in the BLACK STUDENTS CONFRENCE for the year ahead.
My postal address is:
9 De-Burgh Street, Dover, KENT CT17 0BN
November 6th, 2005 at 4:21 pm
Dear Israel,
Thanks for your email, Kodaikanal sounds a lovely place and one that I’d like to become familiar with. It must be a big change to move from there to Sheffield.
Manna Vegetarian Restaurant, Primrose Hill, opened in 1966 and we took over in 1995 and as far as I know there is no connection.
If you’re in London please do come in and see us.
regards
Matthew Kay
manna restaurant
4 erskine road primrose hill london nw3 3aj
phone/ fax 020 7722 8028
dinner: 6.30-11pm everyday. sunday lunch: 12.30-3.00pm
‘best vegetarian restaurant’ vegetarian society awards 2003
November 6th, 2005 at 7:56 pm
Ebele just emailed me and said that she found you really easy to get on with for real. The tabernacle came equiped with israel guru, tea and vibes. They just assumed you were part of the glastonbury package! ha ha. wicked memories for sure as I type I smile for real!
Peace and oneness Israel. Me gaan, much to do and no time to do it.
Just like cooking!
Much Love Rich
November 6th, 2005 at 8:02 pm
Twenty years since I visited you in Kodai, which was 3 years after our time with the Shamboo family at Hotel Ashoka in Bangalore. Do you remember me?
I often think of you. I sent you letters, never heard back. Only today did it occur to me to search online. So pleased to see you are still at Manna in Kodai, only now international to Sheffield, UK, too. And June, Sholom, Moses?
If you get this, send me a note.
Tom McHugh
Thomas P. McHugh Attorney-at-Law
84 Spring Street
P.O. Box 36
Williamstown, MA 01267
TEL. (413) 458-2521
FAX (413) 458-2657
mchugh@berkshire.net
November 14th, 2005 at 8:18 pm
Hey Israel,
great to hear from you. I hope you got home okay. The
conference was long and tiring, but interesting and I
met many fine and interesting people - including
yourself.
Yes, lets not give up the fight .. and hopefully we’ll
see each other again at the G8 Summit in Scotland…
Peace
Nahid
long live the rights of black students
GET UP STAND UP AND DONT GIVE UP THE FIGHT
November 14th, 2005 at 8:28 pm
dear luke i was worker at manna, here are few lines ,while i enjoyed israel’s hospitality at manna and house mt shalom
THE IRON LADY FROM HE STEEL CITY
Now, xenophobia is not policy
With an English lady, June Bhooshi
Her gentle ways and smiling face
Are uncommon to the human face
No stiff upper lip,
No whining crib-crib,
No starched upitty airs
Or articulate flairs
Just s good mother and wife
And great friend for life
While virtues like patience
Understanding and forgiveness
Makes one to do a double take
On Gandhi and Jesus
NOW Israel lucky man,
And his children chosen ones.
To bloom in the warmth of a home,
Carved out by amdist strife and gloom
It takes a lot of guts and grit to see
Beside plum jam, scone and tea !
ALEX MATHEW
December 1st, 2005 at 11:39 am
DEAR MIKE
Nazareth and myself were talking about ISRAEL BHOOSHI ,
saying how we miss ISRAEL and his MANNA APPLE PIE HAHAHAHAHAH.
WE miss him, when our church visits kodaikanal.
Noel Kirupakaran
music director
FGAG CHURCH
BANGALOR
January 2nd, 2006 at 7:54 pm
dear luke
Wow,
great to hear from you still remember your veggie pie and apple crumble
i’am really pleased about the change for you
i pray to my almighty for a fulfilling life for you and your family
g.muthu kumar
currently chef pattisire
LEELA PENTA HOTEL BOMBAY
formerly HOD PASTRY CHEF
taj coramandal chennai
January 12th, 2006 at 5:13 am
dear mike
Seven year back I climbed israel’s house mt shalom with pastor Paul of FGAG & team and Abundant church team coimbatore. We had lunch at at his house before that, he took us on trekking. I was introduced to israel n family by aunty Shymala she is a teacher from Coimbatore and she has two sons Mervin and Roby they are in Singapore now. I still remember during our departure his daughters and son came to us off at the check post,and our bus disappeared in kodai’s misty roads. I liked his house every much, i did not see his reaturant…manna.
As divine plan of god in 2005, iam doing christian mission work in scunthrope , linconshire, uk. i just made contact with israel bhooshi & family in sheffield, uk, we shall have reunion and reflect our trip to his loving house ,i plan to see that family once mor after 7 years……kodaikanal to sheffield.
January 28th, 2006 at 7:08 pm
dear mike, my dad is israel bhooshi.
i was born in 1983 in kodaikanal, did my schholing at st peter’s kodai, in 2001, we moved to sheffield uk, where my mom comes from, and in 2005 i revisted my birth place, here is bit i want add.
Kodai has changed a lot and i would think for the better. A lots of all the peti-kadais disappeared and that means that the roads are a lot less congested and cleaner…but again that could just be because i am here in the middle of off-peak season.
I visited the mount and kembu mary was right behind felling a big tree..as soon as she saw us she started to scoot but i asked her to come back.. i just made the courtesy conversation and we went our own way.. a lots of trees disappeared and the trail from the house down to the well is almost overwhelmed with fallen trees and undergrowth. The places near the well are almost untouched tho.
Visited Manna yesterday and had some of the Apple Crumble and Cheese Toast..the crumble was good but the bread needs a lot of work, too much yeast taste in the mouth afterwards. I wrote a small paragraph in the guestbook ;) and had a lemon tea too.. different recipe, can’t give much of an appreciattion.. it seems that Ivy just runs Manna for the extra pocket money and not as a serious business or contribution to Kodai.. well, can’t expect too much .
Ivy seems to give me the impression that she might give up on Manna and do something a bit less ’streneous’ — one grey hair has appeared already. I have to go visit George and her for breakfast one of these days, will fix a time soon. I shall try and learn more then.
I met almost everyone on the first day here just outside Silver Inn (where we eat lunch). Angie, The Kollies, John and Nimi, The Nicholls and the loads of locals whose names i can’t remember all pass their warmest regards on.
The kodai folk n bussiness community keep asking when you will return and they say that kodai is just nt the same when you are absent.
January 28th, 2006 at 7:24 pm
dear mike would like to include this in about legend israel bhooshi
Financial Daily
from THE HINDU group of publications
Monday, January 24, 2000
——————————————————————————–
• AGRI-BUSINESS
• COMMODITIES
• CORPORATE
• FEATURES
• INDUSTRY
• INFO-TECH
• LIFE
• LOGISTICS
• MENTOR
• MONEY
• NEWS
• OPINION
• INFO-TECH
• CATALYST
• INVESTMENT WORLD
• MONEY & BANKING
• LOGISTICS
• PAGE ONE
• INDEX
• HOME Life | Next | Prev
Manna in the mountains
“If your stomach grumbles, there’s Issy’s Apple Crumble” is a popular adage among gourmets and tourists in Kodaikanal. So, on arrival in Kodai, we tracked down Israel Bhooshi’s Manna, a unique Western vegetarian restaurant located down the Bear Shola Falls Road.
The aroma of freshly baked goodies wafted through the air and we were greeted by Bhooshi, a portly man with a grizzly beard. The course of Bhooshi’s career makes interesting reading.
At Manna, the fare is as simple as the setting and the food is devoid of excess oil or frying. The range of dishes includes oatmeal porridge, pancakes, vegetable au gratin, pizza margarita, vegetable shepherd’s pie, soups and pies. But Bhooshi’s brown bread, made out of whole wheat, yeast, salt and water, is as legendary as his wild-honey laden apple crumble.
The menu card states, “We do not serve tomato sauce, chillies, spices or eggs in our food.”
The food is reasonably priced. One can have an oatmeal porridge for Rs. 20. Cheese omelette is served with Manna brown bread and fresh tomato. The sweet-tooth specials include whole wheat scone cake, apple crumble and apple crumble with custard drinks.
The son of an army major, Bhooshi recounts with pleasure how he learnt the rudiments of cooking from his mother. After graduation, he went to Mumbai looking for a break in the catering industry. There he worked with ITDC, Oberoi and the ITC chain of hotels, learning the tricks of the trade. But he quit his job later to realise his ultimate dream — a restaurant of his own.
Smitten by wanderlust, Bhooshi and a friend embarked on `Bharat Darshan’ on a two-wheeler. After traversing the length and breadth of the country, the adventurous duo landed in Kodai in 1979. Charmed by the misty mountains, the verdant forests and the picturesque green valleys, Bhooshi decided to settle down in this quaint hill station.
He started off with a small bakery selling herbal tea, cheese, omelettes, cakes and brown bread. The clientele increased steadily and the demand for pastries grew. With the help of friends, Bhooshi soon started a restaurant on a vacant plot of land. Built with corrugated tin sheets and waste wood, the restaurant used wind-felled trunks as chairs and tables. The menu was modest and comprised Western vegetarian food.
As fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and butter are available abundantly in Kodai, Bhooshi took to vegetarian cooking which did not require much storage and other facilities.
A 110-year-old British cast iron oven gifted by his friend, Mani Shanker of Kodai Dairy Products, proved to be a great boon.
As the years rolled by, Bhooshi shifted to a concrete building. The walls are adorned with charcoal drawings made by another Hyderabadi friend. The architecture is functional and the place has a rustic ambience. The dining area is cosy and can seat 12 persons at a time. Bhooshi has retained the log stumps for tables and chairs.
“Advertising is not my cup of tea,” says Bhooshi. Word-of-mouth publicity helps and Manna’s fame has spread through international guide maps and travel books. During summer, foreign tourists flock to Manna for baked items. Bhooshi cannot cater to large groups as he handles the chopping and cooking himself. His friends — Alex Mathew, a copywriter, and Chippy Goodwood, a leather technician — assist him in running the restaurant.
During the peak season, Bhooshi prepares 10-12 breakfasts, 5-6 lunches and about 10 dinners. One has to order dinner in advance. While waiting for the food, we went through a book containing assorted newspaper clippings, poems, limericks, drawings, etc. Between sips of hot chocolate and choice nibbles, Bhooshi engaged us in a stimulating conversation on nature and the degrading environment.
He loves to explore the forests on a backpack. Inheriting his concern for nature, his three children pick up all non-bio-degradable garbage that come their way and haul them to the Corporation. Bhooshi lives with his family in a secluded hilltop house, far from the madding crowd, sans electricity, pipe water or nosey neighbours. His wife, a foreigner, teaches at a local convent.
As we revelled in the food and camaraderie, Bhooshi regaled us with tales of his adventurous jaunts in the jungle. His face glowed as he spoke of future plans to organise treks for nature enthusiasts.
“Manna is not just another eatery. I want it to be a meeting place for people who share my passion for nature and environment,” says Bhooshi.
viji johnson of NATURE TRAILS kodaikanl
January 28th, 2006 at 7:37 pm
I met Izzy when I was on a missionary journey to Kodaikanal in 2002. An unforgettable experience ! He was just about to leave for Sheffield and we lost touch for years. Three days ago I received a letter from the urban depths of Sheffield to my log-cabin school deep in the shadows of the Finnisn taiga forests and he told mw where to look on the Net. So here we are ! Izzy’s food at the Kodaikanal Easter celebration was a mouthfest; his humour a blessing and I still have a photo of him holding a bunch of bananas over my head to reduce the risk of my feeling to self-important!YOur letter tells me you read these pages; Glad to be back in touch and to make it so public. May The Lord BLESS your new life and bring us back together when He decides ! God bless! Mike
March 23rd, 2006 at 8:21 am
Praise God Izzy ! We are in contact! I won’t readily forget your food @ the Easter Celebration in Kodia in 2002 nor the photo of me with you holding a bunch of bananas over my head to make me look “bananas” . It sems odd to get your letter from the depths of the urban jungle of Sheffield to the shaded clearing in the Finnsh taiga forests where we live ! I spent 6 months in India and Andaman after the tsunami and saw George in Kodai in February. Will e-mail you ! God bless! Mike
March 23rd, 2006 at 8:34 am
Hey feels great to read all the responses. Me took some of my colleagues to Manna & Viji took us to Mount Shalom got to see a lonely Byson! but the view was amazing now after this the guys who came along with me fell in love with the place and they have been 2 Kodai twice and planning another trip again coz they dint get to meet viji. I agree with the what Shalom said Manna is not the same without my big beard Isreal uncle.
March 31st, 2006 at 5:15 am
The crisp air in Kodaicanal and lovely hiking with Vijay certainly worked up our appetites in January 1999. We were just boyfriend and girlfriend then, now we are married and living in the hot tropics of Thailand. Our good friend, Rafi Peled, introduced us to both Vijay and Israel, as well as warm and welcoming Naser from Taj Villa (a must stay, especially on those cold early spring nights). Our dining experience with Israel was unforgettable, as were the stories from Vicki and Heath of Leeds (we believe) who stayed with Israel, June, and their brood at Israel’s home. Israel has certainly touched the hearts of everyone who has been lucky enough to share his acquaintance. I am amazed to read the stories and look forward to reading more from others. Wherever you are, England or India, you will most certainly continue to touch those you meet through your wonderful, healthy, earthy baked goods and good natured charm. Thanks, Israel!
If Vicky, Health, Vijay, or Naser see this, feel free to contact us in Thailand at [REDACTED]
Boaz Englesberg and Stacy Strong
March 31st, 2006 at 11:37 pm
Hello uncle,
Its great to see all the comments and the joy, everyone has experienced through your love and care…
keep the good going,Wish you a blessed and remarkable EASTER TO YOUR BLESSED FAMILY.
Thanks & bye take care
jenith
April 5th, 2006 at 10:19 am
Hi Isi,
Great to hear from you and that you’ve moved places.
You family looks lovely…I didn’t know you had such big kids!
I’ve got a six year old son and and a seven month old daughter…
The guitar shop closed a while back but the band is going strong.
We are planning a UK tour in April May 2006. Will you be there? Will it be possible for you to get us in touch with some agents and promoters there… maybe we can do something with Greenpeace while we’re there? Would be great since we have some pub gigs lined and would be happy to play on some of the festival stages… right now we are rated as India’s top rock band. So let me know.
OUr drummer Rajeev will be there in december to finalise dates and events so maybe you can meet up with him as well.
rudy….. bass guitarist of “Thermal and quarter”
April 5th, 2006 at 11:20 am
Namaste Israel, I am happy to get in touch again with you and I hope you doing fine. How is life in england ? not too hard or too cold ? For me, India and Europe are so different, life is not the same even if human being are all the same throughout the world. Tell me what you are doing overthere, still into cooking ? And how is doing your family ?
I can see that you are involved into ecology, a lot to do……
cathie turke
france
kodaite 1980
April 5th, 2006 at 6:17 pm
Dear Israel,
Thankyou for your words of encouragement about the christmas hampers . It was incredibly kind of you and I am very grateful.
Your cafe manna ,kodaikanal sounds like an amazing place!
cath warrington
sheffield
April 7th, 2006 at 6:17 pm
Now, what’s all this cavorting with the high and mighty of the city? (The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress). And after your picture with Nick Clegg, too! Do I sense a political career unfolding here?
Mike & Marian.
sheffield
April 7th, 2006 at 6:21 pm
Jen and i are old friends of Izzy, and make it a point Kodai once every year at least. The place is not the same without Izzy, but we go all the same. Vijay keeps us company, and we still do some great walks. We always visited Manna after a hard walk, to have a piece of Izzys “apple crumble”, “honey tea”, and shoot the breeze. It is great that George and Ivy are keeping the place going.
All the best Mate!
Owen
April 8th, 2006 at 5:10 am
What an impressive CV and an inspiring review of your restaurant - sounds idyllic!
It seems that you have the right skills, aptitude and motivation to make your business work.
Tim
prop organic food store
chesterfield
April 13th, 2006 at 8:29 am
Dear Isreal, Where are you.My daughterAiswarya remembers youwith your scrap book. I cannot forget your coming for Aishu’s wedding in Bangalor.I will be in UK in June . I want to meet you. Please reply.K.Jayaraman, Bangalore
April 29th, 2006 at 11:36 am
K.Jayaraman. My email I?D>is jaykakarla@yahoo.co.in,. Please reply. My daugfhter Deepa is in UK now.Love Jay
April 29th, 2006 at 11:51 am
Dear Bhooshi,
My joy knew no bounds when we saw your family photo and your blog .my memory lane has taken me to Kodai first time when we entered Manna ,I still remember how you welcomed our family,with that simplicity and smile and love.you offered me hot lemonade to try.Oh;It was out of the world.I remember those Hot Brown Bread and Apple crumble were too delicious .there was so much love and warmth in that baking and cooking of yours.You must continue to bake and touch the heart of everyone.Bless you and your family. Thanks and take care Nirmala
April 30th, 2006 at 10:55 pm
Hey Booshi Baba…
I remember Manna Bakery alright. Landed in Kodai one January morning Shankranthi. Went all the way from Hyderabad to Kodai to participate in JAN JAM with the boys. Some how in the fog found Manna Bakery and got into sleeping bag with dew falling on head…oooh it was cold…didnt expect it to be. Around me HUGE Eucalyptus trees reaching up to the stars…and I feeling like an elf in elf land with all them mushroom thatched umbrellas and the wooden seats. Israel landed up in the morning as expected and we had us a cuppa and the rest. I will never forget that morning. Kodai..heclk I went for one jam and stayed for a week. Had the Pie, had the Magic Yogurt and more….
I havent been back since…life has been keepin me busy…but get to meet Vijiboom our common friend from Nature Trails…but thats about it.
Take care Bro..G_D be with you and your family!
Blackjack
Hyderabad, India
May 1st, 2006 at 2:37 am
I am truely greatful to God for the way in which he has used you and your family to bless so many! Its truely his blessing knowing you as a member of VA. I pray all else is fine and well with you all….May the Lord God bless you with all his best…He has made you a unique and unforgettable friendly person to many
May 15th, 2006 at 8:25 am
hi yall,
we’re on tour, a ‘lil behind schedule but now rockin in glasgow a long way from back home in bangalore. and gawd be praised for who should knock on our door 2 days ago - good ol isi. manna from heaven. found us after a long trail from sheffield where he stays. brought with him the good cheer, he’s so full of, bearing gifts for us and our families back home.
then he came back yesterday the 7th of june 2006, to bake us some of his famed apple crumble. have pictures of the event - which i don’t know how to put up but it will be up on the band site ( www.thermalandaquarter.com or the blog taaq.in ).
a small planet it is!
June 8th, 2006 at 6:30 am
Hey Ruzhde!! Good to see you hooked up with the Manna himself!! Flashes of a drive in a maruti van with the back seat ripped off..apple heaven at manna and ofcourse some good mushroom harvest…..the tea with mushis by izzy was…………Peace….:-)
June 10th, 2006 at 7:08 am
Israel,
The good thing about trees is their ability to endure. I’m sure the fig
and cherry we planted will be there, or not far away, after we have all
moved on. I trust the spirit in which they were dedicated will
similarly prevail. Power to the saplings and all the Sheffield College
student forums and flora! I’ll be looking out for a review of your
restaurant.
Very best wishes,
Mick
June 21st, 2006 at 6:38 pm
hi israel, u didnt turn up for the TAAQ show, and i went there just because i thought u would be lost in glasgow!! i was furious…#@!!
in the 90’s i wouldnt have had the guts to speak about israel. unlike others, i did not know israel personally, well not really-he was my dad’s friend, while i was just a middle school kid absolutely PETRIFIED of his temper. (both my dad’s and israel’s!!) i wasnt sure whether to address the manna man as israel or mr. bhooshi (at least i knew he didnt quite fit the ‘uncle’ category!! lol)
however, the last decade has seen many changes, for starters ive grown up, and secondly israel has calmed down a lot-old and wise?? the last place i expected to bump into him was my brother’s marriage-but thats israel for all of you-full of surprises..sometimes good sometimes not!!!
take care, and hope to catch up with u and ur family in the uk..
p ;-)
June 24th, 2006 at 5:36 am
I met Israel when he started working at Whirlow Grange (where I also work). I was immediately struck by his passion for food and his huge friendly personality and so when I heard his BBC Radio Sheffield interview by Wendy Middleton and that he was planning a business idea of cooking South Indian food at peoples houses, I wanted him to come to my house and cook for me. So right now I’m sat next to him waiting for my food to be ready to eat, and I can’t wait. The food that Israel has cooked for me both here and at work has been so good that I’ve asked him to cook for my birthday/house-warming party next week so 15 of my friends can be treated to his food, and I can’t wait.
If you’re yet to try his cooking get in touch with him, I assure you, you will not be dissappointed!
October 9th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
Very great food man. words can not describe how much i enjoyed your cooking, as the previous sentance shows. excelent! keep up the goodfood
Mike
October 20th, 2006 at 2:53 pm
Thank you very much for the great curry. It was very delicious and enjoyed it alot.
Best Wishes
Robert
October 20th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Tasted like a piece of heaven, dropped down from the sky at the first moment of spring, served in dish of joy. When I took my first mouthful, I was transported to another world, a world of seraphims and cherubims jubilating, drenched with golden light. It was like there was a party in my mouth, and everyone was invited……
October 20th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
I feel unlucky coming from the same state in INDIA and didnt have the oppurunity 2 taste the food in MANNAS but i was lucky to work with such a great man or i call him as my brother MR.ISRAEL and had to taste his food in UK which he belives its God hsa given me the oppurunity for this movement. IF it is reallly so i thank the god for showing me such a good frien and good brother.
February 10th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Well I have to say I totally agree with Jonathan et al - I know Isreal from the International Café (www.internationalcafeinsheffield.org.uk) and the Indian Shef certainly lived up to his reputation and cooked a great meal last night at my house for me and a group of friends. What a legend! Top food, top bloke recommended!
Thanks
Andrew
March 15th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
I work with Isreal’s brother, Moses at the Sheriff’s Office. What a fine, friendly man. I think they are two peas in a pod. He’s my computer guru. :)
December 11th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
its george from bangalore carlton
April 14th, 2008 at 10:52 am
We were in Kodai in the last week of June 08′ and went to see Manna three times.We went at the times mentioned on the board to no avail and to see a note saying Shut.Is Manna closed? We were looking forward to the English breakfast and the apple pie!!!!. Dont know if Israel will remember that I have met him on a few occasions with friends of his(Fats and Vivek).You have even come to my Pizza Corner store where I worked for sometime, all this way back in 98′ or 99′.Wanted to be witness to the wood oven too.Please do let us know if Manna is operational we sure will be visiting Kodai again and dont want to miss Manna.
June 29th, 2008 at 10:16 am
everything about israel bhooshi is just true
truely he is a man of god
he sure lives one day a time
manna restaurant at kodai kanal is superb
the food ,the micro wave oven,the veiw towards the lush green forests with bison grazing
he is the 365 days santa for people around him
July 13th, 2008 at 1:56 am