It’s Three Years since I last set foot in these Premises, easyJet prevented my return in December. An entire Day was tagged on to Hector Bounces Back to ensure that the Curry-Heute Test could be set – Repeat the Wonderful Lamb Vindaloo served in July 2011.
Having had an Excellent Curry late afternoon, I needed an Aperitif before Dining. Arendsnest provided some distraction.
Moti Mahal (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 34, 1012 SB, Amsterdam) had changed, gone was The Traditional Décor, welcome to the Contemporary. The Menu has expanded considerably too. No way would Hector have chosen the Vindaloo if Lamb Karahi had been present last time. This created a Dilemma, judge their New Menu or stick to The Test. Vindaloo it had to be. The Menu mentioned a Herb Content, maybe that is why it impressed so much last time.
The Less than Trusty Samsung needed a boost, a good time to discover that the Back-up had been Damaged in Transit. It had survived the entire Trip in Hector’s Pocket, but not a Day in Hector’s Bag.
Mein Host with whom Hector is Pictured from the First Visit was busy behind the Counter. It was his Sidekick who dealt with Hector. The Order for Lamb Vindaloo, with Inclusive Rice, was given plus a Large Bottle of Sparkling Water.
There was no attempt to secure Minimal Masala, this had to be a – take it as it comes moment. There was no Surprise when the Metal Pot came with Brimming with Masala. This was in the Classic Style. A Single Large Piece of Potato was highly visible also.
The First Piece of Lamb was Terrible, Gristly, too Chewy. Don’t Panic! The Second was much better, only One more Piece of Lamb was below the Expected Standard, still, there should have been None.
This was indeed a Vindaloo. The High Spice Content and Seasoning gave No Mercy. The Palate was – on Fire – the Sensation reached the Back of The Throat. I must be Mad! – is was what I noted. The Promised Herb Content was lost on me.
Now to demolish the Sparkling Water.
You can’t go Back
This remains a Very Impressive Vindaloo. It did not have the same Impact today in terms of Flavour, but then, I had not just arrived from Belgium.
The Bill
€23.50. I went up to the Counter to pay in order to engage Mein Host. The Large Bottle of Water had added considerably to the Price.
The Aftermath
Mein Host looked at The Calling Card.
I remember you, you were here in the afternoon.
He read The Blog for the previous visit, smiling at appropriate moments. He recalled that it was He and his Son who had served us that day and that it was He who had prepared The Curry.
Next time, Lamb Karahi.