Blue India (59 High St., Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1BQ, England) what a wonderful name for a Curry House, especially when it’s St. Andrew’s Day. Hector finds himself in Crawley once more, Lord Clive is about to turn 60, the first of a swathe of such Birthdays.
It was Lady Maggie who outlined the plan for the day, we could not eat twice, Lunchtime Curry was the optimum outcome, Lord Clive knew there was a Venue I had not visited. This was Breakfast.
Two and a Half Fellow Diners were in situ as we entered around 13.30, where was Mein Host? After an age we were greeted and shown to a table beside the bar. Maggie wondered why we were being hidden away, however, the tables towards the window only sat two. We could not be Window Dressing. As we took our seats, Clive confirmed that his Discount Card would procure a Two-for-One Main Course. I was told that Blue India had moved to this location not long ago and was smaller than the previous unit. Downsizing.
The Menu had two Standout Dishes –Desi Karahi (£7.95) – and – Railway Lamb (£11.95). Why the £4.00 difference? Maggie declared first her intention to try the Railway Lamb with Mushroom Rice (£2.95), Clive would opt for Chicken Desi Karahi with an Aloo Paratha (£2.50). Hector followed Maggie’s lead but did not ask for less Spice.
With tablecloths this Venue was quite Pukka. The Chef of The Year award was proudly displayed. Who wins Awards?
Mein Host disappeared once more. There is a question one ponders when visiting a Curry House mid-day, is there a Chef on the premises, or is The Waiter doing everything? One Venue actually did admit this to Hector, silly.
The Railway Lamb was described thus – Cut Of Lamb Cooked In Garlic, onion, Ginger, Tomatoes & Fresh Herbs In Rich Chif’s Special Magic Masala Sauce, Laid On A Bed Of Spinach, A Truly Authentic Dish Of India. There was nothing offensive here, the Bed of Spinach sounded a compromise, hopefully the joy of The Herb without a Spinach Overdose. What came ticked many boxes. There was a Thick-looking Masala, Onion based and not Excessive. The Lamb pieces were Flat and Large, plenty Meat. The Cucumber and Tomato Garnish showed some thought. By the time the sensible Portion of Mushroom Rice had been spread across the plate, the Curry looked – Sound.
The Seasoning was the first thing to hit the Hector Palate, brave. The Spice Level was Moderate, Maggie felt this was within her comfort zone. One wonders if we both had the same, my Railway Lamb could have benefited from more Spice. The Tender Lamb was on the Chewy side, but worth the effort. I was enjoying this Curry, the Flavours were Old Fashioned, a throwback to a time gone by. The Spinach was in Perfect Balance, quite an achievement. If the Railway Lamb had been cooked with Methi, well…
The Lamb itself was Well-Seasoned and gave off Flavour, a far cry from many recent Exploratory Curry Dishes where the Meat and Masala were Strangers. Clive and Maggie have dined aboard Indian Trains, hopefully Hector will manage this in 2016.
The Desi Karahi was Onion-Rich, at least the Offending Vegetable was Minimal, Token Capsicum. Clive rarely criticises a Curry, this was another with which he was perfectly happy. It was the Aloo Paratha that permitted the quote of the day:
Well stuffed, a pile of King Edwards in there.
The Customary Question was never asked. We could have paid Compliments. We finished our meal and asked for The Bill.
The Bill
£36.20. A good price, with the discount.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was taken to the counter. Little more to say on this.
Later this evening
It is Monday Night, Quiz Night at the Snooty Fox, Three Bridges.
Hector has taken part in Crawley Pub Quizzes at three venues, this one included, and remains undefeated. Once more I joined Lord Clive, Lady Maggie, Rosie, Phil and Colin who spontaneously make up a new team name each week. Hector’s record maintains. The name of the team this evening?
Andy Murray’s British Again!