There is Roma and there’s Trastevere. Discovered on a wander a decade and a half ago, this is where Marg and Hector choose to reside whilst in Roma. Clive and Maggie are along the road, we can’t shake them off. However, this morning they were off seeing some Chap who has a Balcony and is known to make Pontifications. Hector took the opperchancity to have a Lunchtime Curry, the Reader can draw their own conclusion.
What were the chances that there would be a Curry House in Trastevere, Two Hundred Metres from our Accommodation? The Locus of Jaipur is (Via di San Francesco a Ripa 56, Trastevere, 00153, Roma, Italia) was confirmed yesterday, they are open at Lunchtime everyday except Mondays.
On entering we were shown to a table one from the door. Another family were three from the door. The next arrivals were wedged between us and the door. Door Dressing. Marg was not up for Curry this early and so her table setting was cleared away. A Half Glass of Proseco was placed before The Hector. Just what I needed, a top-up after last night’s spectacle of the Dutch thrashing Brasil.
The Handi Gosht was the stand-out Curry Dish on the Menu. I felt there was no need to negotiate and adjustments, the Ingredients were listed. After the Non- Paratha in Palermo, I decided to give Italian-Indian Restaurants another chance. Aloo Parantha – as many places call it. At this point Marg announced she would have a Meat Samosa. Samosas are making regular appearances in this Humble Blog of late. Archie, back in Glasgow, is giving more recommendations.
The order was taken, with the addition of a Large Bottle of Aqua Frizzante. Three Dips arrived, One was Tamarind – Yay! A Basket of Broken Poppadoms soon Accompanied. These had not been asked for, and a charge of €1.00 appeared on The Bill later. Sneaky. However, every Italian Eatery has a Cover Charge of at least a Euro, so Fair Dos.
Despite asking for the Samosa to be served at the time of Hector’s Eating, this arrived first.
A Samosa Tardis
It’s Warmer on the Outside and Colder on the Inside – was Marg’s first proclamation.
There’s more Potato than anything else.
I asked for a Meat Samosa.
Indeed, the Keema was hard to spot. This was a Vegetable Samosa with Minimal Meat. Fine, if up to the standard served in Palermo. However, this does break the Trade Descriptions Act. I’m sure the Italians have signed up for that. Marg used the Dips and remarked on the Sweetness of the Tamarind. The Poppadoms were polished off too. Marg had eaten.
Handi Gosht
The Handi Gosht was served in the same metal pot as in the UK. Two things stood out: The Boiled Egg sitting on top, and the Soupy Nature of the Masala. I used the Spoon.
The Paratha was Quartered (why?) and was placed under Marg’s nose. She remarked instantly on the Aroma – Wafting – Melted Butter was our conclusion. Once more, this was not a Paratha, no sign of Flakiness. It was OK, the Potato filling was there, but The Chef’s idea of what a Paratha is, differs from mine.
The Curry had a Kick but lacked Seasoning. The Thin Masala had Pieces of Onion and Tomato mixed in this was quite pleasant. Familiar – Mainstream Curry Flavours – were present. The Lamb was Minimal and Slightly Chewy, maybe Six Pieces. The Pieces of Boiled Egg gave a Different Dimension. The Dry Texture of the Egg Complemented the Soupy-Masala. This was the Highlight.
There was little to cause Excitement. This was Curry.
The Strays
It was Marg who spotted the Thin Strand towards the base of the Pot, a piece of Spaghetti! At the bottom of the pot were both Red and Green Capsicum. These were picked out and placed on the side. Now how did these Three Non-Listed Ingredients get into Hector’s Curry?
The Bill
€16.00. As One would pay at Home for a Starter and a Curry.
The Aftermath
As we were sitting in such close proximity to our Fellow Diners, I decided just to leave The Calling Card without further comment.
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