The Oriental Emporium (Southern Ltd, 87 High St., Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1BA) was the First Port of Call today. Lord Clive of Crawley, on his Home Turf insisted we stop off here for Samosa before sampling the Local Ale. They used to serve the Best Onion Bhaji in Crawley – he reported to Hector and repeated to Mein Host as Two Warm Samosas were packed up. They were gone in seconds. A Pleasant Aperitif.
Samosas are featuring with alarming regularity these days. Hector does not Snack, normally.
The Downsman (Wakehurst Drive, Southgate, Crawley, RH10 6DH) at 18.00 was announced as I arrived at Chez Clive. Debs will meet us after work. Running late, we started without her, a Portion of Tandoori Lamb Chops – each!
Served on the Cast Iron Platter, on a Bed of Fried Onions, The Sound Echoed The Anticipated Pleasure. Burnt Exteriors belied the Slight Pink Interiors, nothing to worry about. Debs arrived and was allowed One Chop, of Clive’s Allocation, I believe. The Fingers were licked, time to consider The Mains.
Debs had phoned ahead and stated her requirements – Chicken Tariwala with Mushroom Rice. Clive has been working his way around the Downsamn Menu. Chicken Rambala – ding dong…(?) with his now customary Aloo Paratha and a Spontaneous Saag Aloo on the Side.
Hector had spotted The Chef that he had spent charming moments with back in May this year. Having followed the instructions given and enjoyed the Lamb Handi in the June Visit, a Challenge had to be issued. The Handi was most enjoyable despite the Thin Masala, let’s see…
Can I have Lamb on-the-bone with a Dry, Thick Masala with Methi and Extra Seasoning, please?
This was not a problem.
We need a Name for this.
Lamb Handi with Methi.
It is written.
I was not impressed with the Paratha last visit, too Flat, and not Flaky enough for The Hector. Keema Pilau? A must. After the enjoyment of Jeera Aloo at Indian Affairs (Roma) another Side of this was mandatory. This would amount to a Mass of Food. Belgium is next, Frustration is around the corner.
Debs’ Chicken Tariwala had a Thick Soupy Masala, the sort of Curry that Hector avoids but Others love.
I Take it you’ve had this many times?
This was verified. A bit of Heat, Pleasant. You know what you’re going to get.
Clive’s Uniquely Named Dish was definitely a Stir Fry. This meant it was Seriously Dry, but it had crossed the line from what should really be considered – Curry. Flakes of Meat mixed with Vegetables. A Tasty looking Dish.
Not Spicy Hot, but Spiced. – was Clive’s description. He thought this would be an Ideal Dish for Maggie.
Yes, here we are, Two Chaps, One Chapatti, married, but not to each other. When Jim’s Mate spots this Blog Entry he’ll be on the Phone to his Favourite Editor.
And so to the Lamb Handi with Methi. Again served in a Tall Pot the Meat was visible at the top. A Mixture of Lab Chops and Other Cuts, this was Quality. The Dish superficially oozed -Dryness, there was no Masala visible, Perfect. The Keema Pilau was the back-up plan to absorb any Excessive Wetness, no need, this was Dry and Savoury too. Classic Umami.
The Jeera Aloo is on the verge of becoming The Most Sought After Side. Potatoes with Cumin and No Masala. With the Lamb, Rice, and Potato and no Masala to speak of, Hector had won the Proverbial Watch. This could be The Driest Curry that Curry-Heute has ever reported. Congratulations.
It was a Game of Two Halves
Beneath the Meat in the Tall Pot, a Mass of Methi Masala was uncovered. The Dish changed its character significantly. This was closer to the standard Methi Lamb served at The Downsman. It was all getting a bit – Heavy – perseverance required. Remember, when it’s Wednesday, it will be Belgium.
The Methi Masala at The Downsman is Superbly Rich, a Slight Creaminess. Now the Rice had Moisture, easier to digest. Satisfaction was attained. Let me out of here.
The Bill
£22.35 for Hector’s Bits. The Lamb Chops at £7.95 are the same as The Main.
The Aftermath
Quiz Night at The Swan. A Pub that used to sell a Decent Range of Quality Ale, alas, no more.
Has Hector mentioned that he remains – Undefeated – in Crawley Pub Quizzes?
Has the Dear Reader realised – I am still on Holiday?
I saw a T-Shirt in Corfu a couple of weeks ago with the following message written on it. Three reasons to be a teacher – June, July and August.
Closest thing I could find to curry in Corfu was a bottle of Tabasco!
Hector replies:
It’s a pity I have no notes on the Curry House that Marg and I visited in Zakynthos.
I signed their book and made a comment as one is entitled to do in every Greek restaurant… I offered to return the next day and show The Chef how to make a Masala…