You like my curry – remarked Mein Host as Hector returned to the Punjab Balti & Pizza House (298 Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 2UL) some twenty four hours after Visit #1. Lord Clive of Crawley had joined The Company at the Oakham Brewery Tap prior to a relatively brief return to the Peterborough Beer Festival. Clive was disappointed that Royal Spice has gone, he too has fond memories. There was only one place to go, the Peterborough Curry House which sells Curry – in the Bradford-style. Hector is hard pushed to recall ever having having had a Curry with Clive in Bradford, a fact that may be significant.
A full portion of (six) Lamb Chops costs £8.00. The Downsman Ritual had to be maintained. Chapattis (70p) would accompany the only dish in Hector’s mind – Lamb Methi Balti Bhuna.
The Lamb Chops were ordered as soon as we took our seats. This should go some way towards creating a gap between Starter and Main. As with last night, the phone was ringing and ringing. Curry and Pizza for the discerning. We would be the only Diners.
Clive loves his Dansaak. Under Dansak Balti, the description was – sweet, sour and spicy. So what on Earth would a Pathia version of this be? Clive had to find out. Balti Chicken Pathia it would be, Pilau Rice was included. The Keema Naan was ordered regardless. We would struggle, we also had a time limit. If we were not on the required train, disaster.
The order for the Mains was given, the Lamb Chops came in good time.
A Pile of Lamb Chops was presented on a Sizzling Platter. A Layer of Onions completed their cooking on the metal, just like The Downsman. Maybe not The Downsman, but still bloody good – was Clive’s verdict on the Lamb Chops. Let’s not overlook the quality of the Raita, this is a standout too. Seven Chops were served, perhaps because one was slightly higher in bone content. There was plenty of eating here. All the Chops were Larger and Thicker than one normally encounters. The Spice and Seasoning had the lips throbbing. Slightly tougher than The Very Best, these were still very impressive Lamb Chops.
There was a wait…
Forty five minutes was the Delivery Time, hopefully this did not apply to the only Diners on the premises.
Mein Host apologised for the gap between Starters and Mains, this at least gave us time to let the Chops digest. Eyes were on the clock. Time dragged throughout The Wait, it would disappear in a flash during The Eating.
The Lamb Methi Balti Bhuna was identical to last night’s. The Punjab Balti & Pizza House had just passed The Curry-Heute Test. Once again, the size of the actual Balti was misleading. Packed with Lamb there was insufficient room to have Excessive Masala. The Spice, the Seasoning, this was Intense Curry. To have this on consecutive days was demanding, the mind once again wandered towards Fresh Vegetables. Only one of the two Standard Chapattis was utilised, such was the quantity of Curry.
A Sweet and Sour Pathia, a Tautology. Clive had to try it, it was far too Soup-like for Hector’s palate. The Curry was decanted on to about half of the Rice, Hector declined all offers knowing how much food there was across the table. The Keema Naan was possibly even more Substantial than given to me last night. We had a lot of food.
Ten minutes before the time when we had to be away, a taxi was ordered. The taxi arrived in five, we had to leave Precious Curry. Takeaway? Give me a break!
The Bill
£26.30. We had even more Food tonight for less than twice that paid yesterday. This place is most affordable.
The Aftermath
The departure was rapid. Dr. Stan and a train awaited at Peterborough Station, where there are no left luggage facilities. Why?
Crawley here we come…