India, July 12 -- In my childhood, trips to Connaught Place frequently ended with visits to Wenger's. The once Swiss-owned confectionery was a favourite haunt for snacks in between shopping. The chicken patties and eclairs were my favourites as a teenager. Mummy would buy their plum cake for tea. She knew Daddy found it irresistible. Rarely could he resist a second slice!

It was only in my 20s that I discovered Wenger's flourie tarts. Covered with dry and crystallised fruit, I came to love the way my teeth would sink into the pastry. Over the last few decades this wickedly delightful creation is what I always buy from Wenger's. Indeed, whenever Pertie - do you remember him; he hasn't appeared in this column for a while? - drops by the of...