‘Tis The Wolf Strassenfest Wochenende
The Curry House in Zell has been visited but never experienced. I phoned last week, Dead Number. Where else, Trier? A possibility. Cochem – closed. Wittlich – closed. Too far to go down to Koblenz and back, however with better planning, I could have met up with the rest of The Chaps en route to Traben-Trarbach. Walk over the hill to Bernkastel? Aye right. It could pour at any time. The Bus Timetable was consulted, Coffee in Cafe Wichtig, the venue formerly known as Altstadt Cafe, aka Frank’s. €7.00 by Bus? It’s €14.00 by Boot. Hector arrived in Bernkastel at 13.00, there was exactly an hour until the boat leaves.
What time does Das Boot leave?
On my first visit to the Taj Mahal (Hebegasse 1, 54470, Bernkastel-Kues, Deutschland) I concluded the food was so bland there would never be a reason to return, less I sample the Palak Gosht. The Karahi had disappointed that much. Today I also considered the Bhuna Gosht. Advice sought.
In English, the first time I have written this word since it was decided that we could not abandon them to their lonesome fate without the Scots and Our Resources to keep them afloat, I asked for Curry with Minimal Sauce. I’m learning the German way. I was steered towards the Palak Gosht. Fate. We have to accept – it was written.
At €12.00 including Rice and Naan, this would not be the Worst Curry Experience of all time. Last night’s effort at Shadhona (Bishops Stortford) was certainly placed in The Bottom Three. A Sprudel to accompany. This is Deutschland, Curry before Bier.
A new chap brought the traditional Deutsche Poppadom with embedded Cumin Seeds, always a treat. Three Dips accompanied, he took me through them. The Lime Pickle, from the Lime Pickle Jar was intense. The Poppadom was fragile to say the least. The palate was rejuvenated.
Palak Gosht
Palak Gosht in Germany usually has a Cream content, this was OTT. I have never seen such a creamy Palak Gosht. The Spinach was strewn through, not the dark, Herb-rich style we have become used to in the UK. We are still the UK. The Kick was Modest, Hector Braveheart. Where was the Seasoning? What is it with Salt these days? Either too much or too little. Don’t the Chefs taste their own creations?
The Lamb was plentiful and reasonably tender. Once again there was the feeling that Lamb and Masala were strangers until ten minutes ago.
A good-sized shiny Naan arrived last. This was most appealing, a couple of Wee Burnt Bits and a hint of Butter spread across the top, Garlic Butter? There was now an excess of food for this time of day. €12.00? Great value, even if the Curry is not setting the heather on fire. At least it resembled Curry.
Expectations were not high, the Flavour lacked Intensity. A proper Onion-based Masala would be a welcomed addition to what is typically served. This is what passes for Curry in Deutschland unless one visits the Indian Mango. München next month!
The Bill
€12.50. This made the cost of the Sparkling Water most agreeable.
The Aftermath
Hector had a Boot to catch, no time to hang around. Calling Card #2 was left.
Now for Wolf!