This would be a weekend without Bier, it most certainly was not going to be a weekend without Curry. Hector finds himself in Aberdeen, the Designated Driver for the Hockey Tour of a Top West of Scotland Independent School. The Young Ladies are scheduled to have Curry tomorrow evening, tonight they chose Pizza in Union Square. Hector crossed the road to visit the nearest source of Curry – Nazma Tandoori (62 Bridge St., AB11 6JN, Aberdeen). Time was when the Curry here was a stand-out, then the Jewel in The Crown became the first choice. Since the birth of Curry-Heute the quality of Curry served in the City of Aberdeen has seen the prices inflate whilst the Curry has stood still. The Echt Tandoori has become the most reliable source of Curry, but this is a 30km drive to the Aberdeenshire Hinterland. Perhaps tomorrow Shri Bheema’s may have something Special on offer. Tonight, Hector dines Mainstream.
Arriving just before 20.00 there was the realisation that this was a Friday night at the peak time for dining. Would they entertain The Lone Diner? The Reception area and Bar lies at the top of the stairs. Hector was met by a Young Waiter and taken to the Dining Room. The place was busy, a group of twenty were assembled immediately as one entered this area. I was escorted behind them and along the wall to table for two in the corner. I would be out of sight, this would be interesting.
The Menu was brought and the Drink order taken by the same Young Waiter.
The description for Lamb Karahi – Karahi cooking is native to Sind, formerly part of the Bombay province, these dishes are presented to you using fresh ginger, garlic, chopped onions, whole cumin seeds, tomatoes and fresh coriander leaves, served in a traditional sizzling karahi bowl. There was no mention of Capsicum but I have learned here to take no chances.
A Mature Waiter began the noting of the order for the large group. That I could be here all night became a matter of concern. Another Young Waiter spotted the international sign of ready to order, the ignored menu. I ensured that no Capsicum would feature despite it being a non-listed ingredient. In the spirit of Dry Methi Rules, I asked for a Sprinkling of Dry Methi to be added on top. At £14.45 for the Lamb Karahi, this is more than I am used to paying for a complete meal. £4.00 for an Aloo Paratha is the going rate in the City of Aberdeen where Bread is basically a rip-off. For the record, a Chapatti is £1.70 and Fish Curry comes in around the £20.00 mark, ouch!
A Pint of Sparkling Water was presented, or was it Soda Water on tap? The Bill would reveal all.
Within twenty minutes of placing the order the Lamb Karahi and Aloo Paratha were brought. Whilst some Green Herb was visible on the top, there was no sign of Dry Methi. A Strip of Paratha was dipped in the Masala, the lack of Seasoning registered immediately. Time to appreciate the Paratha, this was under Fired but was Large enough to last the duration, too Soft. Hector seeks – Flaky.
The Palate waited for The Hit. The Karahi was under Spiced, no Kick. Six Large Pieces of Lamb comprised the Meat content, the Lamb gave nothing to the Curry in terms of Flavour, however the texture of the Lamb was Excellent, this was Quality Lamb. Still I waiter for Flavours to emerge. The Onion content was Excessive, the classic Onion-overdose. Large Pieces, too many, I can imagine the Capsicum I avoided. The Onion killed the Karahi. The Masala was suitably Thick and Minimal, so was the Flavour. Still I waited in the hope of the Herbs to perform their Little Miracles, nothing. This Curry was approaching – Bland. Killed by Onion.
My notes record the consideration that the Pint of Sparkling Water may have been the highlight of the meal, however, I have to give it to the Quality of the Lamb, this did impress even though the Meat and Masala were no doubt Strangers.
I was finished at 20.34, just as the Group of Twenty were receiving their Starters. The timing of the Service I cannot fault.
The Bill
£22.15. So, £3.70 for the Pint of Sparkling Water. Aberdeen is pricey. The request for – No Capsicum – was clearly noted on the order, the request for the Methi Sprinkling was never recorded. No tip.
The Aftermath
I rejoined the Young Ladies in time to see Get Hard starring Will Ferrell. Hector has one piece of advice regarding this movie – Don’t bother.