Once upon a time Hector & Co. were in Köln so often I was recognised by name walking into Reissdorf. Only two visits this year: Hector Bounces Back and the Weinachtsmarkt. After the nasty ICE down from Amsterdam where the entire Nederland population appeared to be on our train it was time for Curry-Heute. Ganesha Indisches Restaurant (Händelstraße 26, 50674, Köln, Deutschland) impressed back in the summer so this was the first choice.
A couple were finishing as I entered just before 14.00, five more diners would subsequently arrive, good business.
The Lunchtime Menu and the Main Menu were provided. Exactly what the difference in Curry quality would be who knows? The Main Menu has a greater range. The Waiter was over for the order before I could check in a reliable Curry Website what I had eaten here first visit. That was the Lamb Hyderabadi which impressed so much I was back the next day. Today would have to be the Lamb Methi Jaipuri.
Methi! Minimal Sos please.
A half Poppadom resplendent with Cumin Seeds and the Dips were brought. The Waiter pointed to the Pickle and nodded. No more was said. I nodded in acknowledgement, I knew. I wasn’t falling for that again.
The Tamarind covered the Poppadom, tasty. Why don’t we have this Dip in the UK as standard? Ok, just how HOT was the Pickle? Bloody Hell! Definitely the hottest thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. No sooner had I started this self flagellation when The Waiter brought the Curry. Far too quick for my liking, straight from the pot. There was a possibility Methi had been stirred in.
The Boiled Rice was inclusive and suited the Curry which had excessive Masala, so much for Minimal. Almost Soup-like this is not what The Hector wanted. The Taste-buds were wrecked by the Pickle, the Curry could only be bland. Methi?
Around eight pieces of Tender Lamb provided the solids. An Interesting Vegetable would have been a welcome addition with hindsight. Back to inhale the Poppadom, Bloody Hell!
The Bill
€12.80. With a glass of Sparkling Water.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was handed over and sctutinised. Say – Hi – to Joginder for me. That was it. Now for some Gluhwein.
Later
Today is a landmark day. There is only one day in one’s life when the announcement of one’s retiral is made. Where better than Reissdorf in Köln Sud? I chose today as I would be surrounded by Friends one of which is a Colleague.
Hector retires after Thirty Four Years of teaching in June 2015.