Patan, Rajahstan – Patan Mahal

It takes seven hours from New Dehli to Jaipur by road? This happens when one goes off track for an hour to reach Patan, Rajasthan. The view of the Hill Fort, or Garrison, heralded our arrival at this remote locus. We were here – To Dine – at the Patan Mahal (V.P.O , Tanwaravati Teh: Neem Ka Thana, Patan, Rajasthan 332718, India), a Luxury Hotel which defines – Remote.

It could still be considered early afternoon when we arrived at Patan, as part of the – travel by all modes policy – we had to be driven on Camel-pulled Carts for the ascent through the Village to the Patan Mahal. The Staff anointed us as we crossed the threshold. We were shown the way to the Upper Room where we would have a – Buffet Lunch. A long table awaited. Hector took his seat at the far end, this would mean I went up last and therefore would not hold up the queue whilst the obligatory photos were captured. Day 3 of our India Trip and The Company are becoming used to The Hector’s Ritual.

Buffet #2

Roast Chicken was in the first Tureen, walk on by. Jungli Murgh, that looks much more –Interesting.

                  Jungli Murgh                                                  Aloo Taare Ko

Aloo Taare Ko (Dry Potato), now there’s a name to reckon with. Brinjal (Fried Aubergine), it does what it said on the tin. Dal Chhaunk Wali was the penultimate offering before the now Ubiquitous – Jeera Rice. Strange, I never serve this at home.

                               Brinjal                                                    Dal Chhaunk Wali

Jeera Rice

The Jungli Murgh had Shallots and Tomato to accompany the Chicken. The presence of was Meat was appreciated, that it was so Tasty came as a surprise. The Jungli Murgh was Well Seasoned and Spiced to a Decent Level. The Masala, a Shorba, did detract from the Whole. Still, for a Chicken Curry, this was as good as one might hope for.
The Eggplant was cooked to a Pulp, it did nothing for me. The Daal was duly mixed in with the Jeera Rice. One is aware that for many in India, this could be their All. For Hector it was Bulk.
Aloo Taare Ko, shout it LOUD! This was Tremendous, Wonderful, add as many Superlatives as you choose. In effect I was eating Chips, I eat Chips rarely, they are Bland. This was a remarkably well presented Potato Dish. It is a Nepalese Dish, a punch on Hector’s Nose. The Hector Hound avoids Nepalese Restaurants unless one is in Belgium and there is not much else. Cooked in Oil with Onion, Ginger and Garlic; Turmeric, Salt, Cumin, Lemon and Lime contribute to the Wonder that is this Aloo Dish. Hector will be attempting this soon, the Recipe is easy to find.

Is it any surprise I went back for more? Two impressive Dishes in one Buffet, there is hope.

Marg recalls the Pancake-like Dessert as being – Chewy.  Hector does not really care for Dessert.  If I’m still hungry, please feed me more Curry.

The Bill
We had to pay for the Drinks, as ever they were priced OTT.

The Aftermath
The views from the Patan Mahal are stunning, perhaps this is why we were here.
And so to Jaipur, where more Curry awaits.  This was worth the detour.

India Trip 2016  – Day 3 – The Road to Jaipur, via Patan