Hector Bounces Back, Day 4 brings us to The Long Stretch, five nights in Düsseldorf. Hector has been – Passing Through – Düsseldorf for years, with the odd stopover. The Curry Scene is researched, but relatively unknown. Walking from the Hauptbahnhof – Tandoori – was missed, another look required. Punjabi Tandoori certainly is not at the reported locus. Crossing Königsallee into the Altstadt, it was now 14.45, late for a restaurant only open for the midday shift. Fortunately – Mayur – (Hohestrasse 2, 40213, Düsseldorf, Deutschland) was easily located, and open!
Mein Host permitted me to select any seat in the house, Hector was The Lone Diner. Choosing a seat at a table for four I was facing the action, and a small TV in the corner where boxing was currently being shown. A Glasgow accent, was this the Commonwealth Games being watched in Deutschland, aye right.
Mayur is a large, spacious restaurant. Far from being a Curry Café, this is a place – To Dine. The Staff I saw during my visit were most certainly – Indian.
The Midday Menu was given, I asked if the Main Menu was available. Given the time, I am surprised the Lunchtime Deal was offered.
The Menu was standard, Bhindi Gosht was agreed upon, served – Trocken and Spicer than Medium. At €17.00 this was already more than The Bill in most venues. With included Rice it takes the edge off this, I suppose. Inspired by the success of my most recent Paratha order I asked for Aloo Paratha.
A Cumin-Poppadom and Dips were brought. Tamarind once again. The Lime Pickle felt Tame after the outrageous Chutney served a couple of days ago in Ganesha (Köln). The Menu had suggested a €1.00 charge for these.
I asked about the Boxing. Mein host is evidently a follower. He quoted how many boxers there are in England now compared to a previous time.
Topped with Fresh Ginger Strips, the Bhindi Gosht had a familiar appearance. The request for a Dry Curry had been taken on board. The Masala was indeed Minimal. Initially I thought the Lamb content was a bit on the stingy side, however more pieces kept revealing themselves. The portion was substantial. The Lamb was mixed with Okra which had been cooked to Perfection. Still a bit firm, no sign of the deterioration to slime. The dominant Flavour in the Dish was Cumin. As no Seeds were seen, Powder was assumed. I did find my first Black Cardamom of The Trip.
The Pilao Rice added an Aromatic Flavour too. Combined, there was a pleasant Earthy Taste.
The Paratha was served Quartered. (Why?) Flaky and well-stuffed, this had the required Texture. The Seasoning in the Paratha carried over to the Curry, again a good combination.
Last night in Soest I ate a German Dish – Ham and Cheese served on Pork with more Ham in the Bratkartoffeln. Parts of this Dish were – way too Salty. Today’s Paratha was creating a similar experience, but not as extreme. Excess in Moderation.
Overall, I cannot fault what I was given today. Fine Curry, well-presented, with sufficient Flavour, and not Soupy at all.
The Bill
€22.20. Pricey. There was no charge for the Poppadom and Dips.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was accepted and the Website shown. Mein Host suggested I return one evening when The Other Chef is on. Lamb on-the-bone would be a possibility. Once the rest of Düsseldorf is evaluated, I may well return.