Yesterday I awoke more in hope than expectation. Today I knew a Fish Curry was waiting @19.00 at Pail Donar Kebab (Via Paterno, 19, Catania, Sicilia). Fish, just how much Fish and Seafood has Hector consumed on top of Pasta in the past Six Days? Yesterday’s Curry-Heute Blog entry does not include today’s Lunch in Taormina where I had Minimal Meat in a Lasagne. Do the Italian’s really know how to make a Worthy Lasagne? That which is served at Hector’s House always leaves People well sated.
This afternoon Marg and Hector took a Trip north to Taormina, a Hilltop Town which comes highly recommended. We were not disappointed. A Charming Settlement with a Greek Amphitheatre which the Romans transformed towards their style. With Views towards Mt. Etna through the haze, I could finally confirm that the Constant Cloud was in fact a Gaseous Emission, an ongoing Eruption dating back to Mid-June I read later. What chance of this brewing into something more significant during our final Twenty Four Hours in Catania? Marg and Hector in a Danger Zone, surely not?
Arriving back in Catania I had to check out the Chicken Spot (Ali Baba) which is the only Curry Source I had discovered online before setting off on this vacation. Indeed they did have Three Different Curry Trays on display. The Beef/Lamb looked worthy.
Our Trek back from the Station took us to Via Montesano, the only street with Foliage across the road off Via Etnea. One cannot miss it. Pail Donar Kebab lies on Via Paterno at this corner, however approaching from the North for the first time along Via Montesano revealed another Ali Baba, again selling Indian Food. They too had Three Curry Styles on display. The same Ali Baba as at the Station? I shall never know. Suffice to say, One does not have to go without Curry in Catania.
Back at our B&B which will merit a Special Description in Bier-Traveller, I convinced Marg that Plucky Belgium would never equalise against Argentine, and so we headed out – For Fish Curry!
Marg had other Plans for Food this evening. What they were she had yet to formulate, anything but Curry.
We entered Pail Donar Kebab and were greeted by the Husband of the Lady who served Yesterday. We now had a new Mein Host, Shahadat. His hand was offered before he produced a Platter on which lay One Fish Curry. Yoffay! – as they say in the Eastern end of the Mediterranean. Wife appeared too, an immediate Photo Opperchancity.
The Turbo-charged Fan was moved towards the doorway by Me. I then set about securing better Photos of the Curry Dishes on display. Marg arranged the table and stools. Drinks were taken from the Fridge, a Mango Juice for Hector. I guess we were making ourselves feel at Home, such was the Warmth of The Welcome.
Another Platter of Fish appeared, I had to make it clear that only One Portion had been ordered. The Artistically Peeled Pomodoro confirmed which Plate was for Hector. I awaited the Mutter-Rice, again a Huge Portion was presented. A Salad was once again assembled from the Dishes which supply The Bits for the Kebabs.
The Fish was Whole, and so it was treated carefully. Fresh Coriander was visible. The Masala was Thin and Absolutely Minimal, cooked in Foil was my conclusion, nothing lost. 
The Flavours Flooded out, the seasoning was Perfection. This goes down on the Records as One of the Best Fish Curry Dishes ever set before The Hector. The Rice was the Correct Accompaniment, the peas a Sufficient Interesting Vegetable, the Salad once again playing a part.
As The Hector ate contentedly, Mein Host informed me that his Wife was busy in the Kitchen cooking up some White Bait. How much of Catania’s Famous Fish Market had found its way to Pail?
Marg has watched Hector consume White Bait by The Platter. She has never joined in. The Fish Heads, the Eyes. Realising I could never eat all that was set before me, and also having Sampled a bit of the Fish Curry, Marg did her duty. I eat White Bait from the Tail and leave the Head. Marg left the Tail. ! Maybe Marg might surprise me more and start eating Prawns served as they should be.
We were offered the Second Fish to eat now. Declined. We were offered the second Fish to take Home. But we have no way of Reheating it.
Our Host from Yesterday was much more in the Background this evening, but did make an appearance. It was he who had accepted the Fish Curry Order, and so our Thanks must go to him.
Once again Half of Italia decided that Life with Pasta and Pizza is – Unfulfilling. A Group of Youths who were clearly well known to Shahadat ordered Kebabs. They were taking a Keen Interest in what was happening at the table. One Chap also spotted Hector’s second Soft Drink – Tamarind Juice. This was a First for me. As the Curry Ingredient that turns the Ordinary into Something Special, I wondered how this could possibly be served as a Drink. The Tang was there, how much Sugar had been added I didn’t bother checking. They bought a Can of Tamarind between them to share. Shahadat realised already that the presence of Hector and Curry-Heute may be good for business.
Our Hostess presented a Plate of Fruit – Dates, Grapes and Sliced Oranges, Apples and Melon.
There was by now a Constant Stream of Customers, all Italian, all seeking Kebabs.
Marg, We need an Escape Plan.
The Bill
€33.50. Indeed! This was well above The Anticipated. It is one thing to charge for what we ordered, but much of what was eaten was not ordered. Our Hosts had supplied a Banquet and so I was not prepared to make a Fuss. I had to be happy that I had been served an Italian Curry worthy of a Hector.
The Aftermath
When you come back from Agrigento, my wife will cook….
Sorry, Agrigento is a One Way Trip.
No Curry is reported there either, but Palermo is on The Horizon…