Hector left Bamberg on a fast and reliable ICE, with working toilets, and arrived in München before 11.00. There was time to dump the bags in a secure locker, verify the check-in time at Hotel Dolomit and walk at a leisurely pace down Bayerstarsse, past the Glockenspiel in Marienplatz and complete the stroll though Isartor to Indian Mango (Zweibrückenstraße 15, 80331, München). Hector’s priority in München is well recorded in Curry-Heute. That Indian Mango has featured in the banner since Day 1 must mean something. Hector has just spent the last week evaluating Deutsche Curry in Nordrhein Westfalen and Frankonia. That two Reasonable Curry Dishes were presented in Bamberg came as quite a surprise. No surprises today, the Indian Mango always delivers.
Anthony, a former Colleague from a Top Independent School in the West of Scotland, also – Retired! – was sitting in the Outside Tables as Hector arrived at precisely 11.30, the Rendezvous Time. Anthony should appreciate Military Precision. I had arranged to meet Anthony at – Indian Mango – no more details were supplied. He knew which reliable Source of Information to consult.
Indian Mango was open already, Diners in situ. Herr Battra was at the door and helped us in. Anthony appreciated instantly that I was known here, he did ask – Do they know you’re Hector? Indeed they do. Mein Host, Herr Jolly Kunjappu, was not on the premises today however he has assured me in the past that his Daughter keeps tabs on Curry-Heute. Herr Battra is ever-present the Young Waiter, whose name I should know by now arrived a few moments later. With the welcomes over it was down to business.
Fisch Chettinad (€13.90)
It’s not on The Menu, Lamb Chettinad (€14.95) is. The Fish version has evolved over the years as Clive and Hector discussed on our recent visit to The Downsman (Crawley). It used to be much – Soupier, but now is a Dry as Dry can be. Hector’s influence? Fisch Chettinad, Ohne Paprika (just in case) und Scharf.
Anthony chose Lamb Biryani (€13.95) a first appearance for this Dish on Curry-Heute I believe. Anthony is the Man who chose Tajine at Cafe Salma for Hector’s Thirty Years at Lomond School Dinner, may be he’s not a Huge Fan of Curry?
Bier was partaken of, but not by Hector who has had more than enough in recent weeks. The Sparkling Water would accompany as normal..
How is your wife? Asked Herr Battra whilst we waited.
She arrives in three hours. Yes, Marg and other Current Employees, many of whom are years from – Retirement – were on their way from Scotland. At this time last year, The Hector was only beginning to consider the possibility of Perpetual Holiday. Who’s next?
Hector’s Book of Words is as Extensive as it is, the challenge remains to describe Perfection, especially when one has done so a few times in the last couple of months. Suffice to say it is the Fish version of this Curry that I always have First. Full of Herbs, Spice and Fish in Batter this – Chettinad – is unlike anything served anywhere else. The Dark Red Chilies associated with South Indian Curry are present, the Smoky Flavour may emanate from these. Served with the Inclusive Basmati, one still wonders why I have it with the Rice, any other Curry served this Dry would demand a Bread. Somehow, it works.
The Rice is part of the Melange. For once in Deutschland, the quantity of the Rice was not Ridiculous, this was the Perfect Portion.
There is a feeling of sadness when one realises that the Endgame is approaching. Later in the day I would simply ask for another Portion. It is not yet Noon, far too early for Hector’s System to be Fully Functional.
A Bowl of Raita had been placed beside me. What was this for? I deduced it could be part of the Biryani as No Masala was served as Accompaniment. I have been in the company of few who have ordered Biryani over the years, Marg did in Tunis and also had no Masala, which left her puzzled. Ricky ordered Biryani in Krakow as a means of avoiding – Soup. Perhaps I should take this on board. I’ll be ordering – Tandoori Mix – next. Are either of these Dishes – Curry – or or more correctly – Indian Food?
Of his Biryani, Anthony had the following words to relate:
Delicate, tasty, well worth a visit.
Hector would need to be Resident in this City to get this far into the Menu.
The Bill
€34.30. In Bayern there is no Tax on Bier, one suspects the Water and Bier cost the same.
The Aftermath
The Chefs appeared at the edge of the Counter to take their applause.
Hector will be back tomorrow for the Lamb Chettinad.
Now what should should Two Chaps do in München whilst one waits for the arrival of his Missus?
Later that evening in Paris…
The actions of The Misinformed who have been brainwashed into believing what they do is idealistically right…
Hector reminds the Dear Reader that he is in München and we all know what started here.
Marg and Hector are proud to have set foot in Paris this year.
What has Mankind learned through the Millennia?