Day two in Paris, Punjabi Curry #2. Again the venue was chosen by being open at lunchtime. Marg and Hector crossed the Seine for a Southside Curry. Punjab Palace (299, rue Le Courbe 75015 Paris, France) shows well in other Sources. Dare Hector raise his level of expectation?
Eight Diners were already in situ this Sunday Lunchtime, two Ladies may have been arranging a Takeaway – Plat a emporter – as they say in these parts. We were shown to a small table for two midway between the other Diners.
As with yesterday at the Villa Punjab, The Menu showed nothing that could necessarily be attributed to Punjab. The Standard Fayre was there, Hector was called towards the Agneau Punjab. With Tomatoes and Coriander these were positives. The Creamy Curry elsewhere on the list should be avoided. A Parata would accompany.
Marg, in search of a suitable Starter, recalled the – OK Shami Kebabs – from Casablanca. At €8.50 a shout, this had better be good.
The Waiter took the order. A Large Bottle of San Pellegrino (Nestlé – boo) was the Sparkling Water on offer. I asked for the Lamb Punjab and went a bit further – Dry and Minimal Sauce.
Gone are the days when in Paris, Waiters were dismissive of people not speaking French. We live in a much more diverse culture, English is fully accepted.
Spicy?
Yes, please.
Marg ordered the Shami Kebab and a Lassi Rose (€5.00).
Lime Pickle, Tamarind and Yoghurt Dips were placed on the table with a metal stand. In Paris they like High Starters. Two very Hot Dinner Plates were then brought. Hector intended to eat from whatever receptacle the Curry was presented, so lost on me. Marg had ordered a Kebab coming with Salad, so why a Hot Plate?
Two (!) Shami Kebabs and a mountain of Lettuce – Ballast – and some Salad-like Bits were placed on the stand. Two Kebabs, this size for €8.50? Seriously? Given the Minimal Meat content and the visible presence of Lentils, this was a huge mark up from the cost price. I cannot say they looked appetising.
Marg’s verdict – It was a bit dry but tasty. The salad and the sauce complemented it. The Lassi was cold and tasted of roses.
I know what roses smell like, but not their taste.
The Paratha came moments before the Curry. A similar size to yesterday’s, not really substantial. Today’s was Crispy rather than the preferred – Flaky. The longer it sat, the Crispier it became.
Then came – The Curry…
Hector has no sense of humour when it comes to Food. This raised the hackles instantly. A Plate of Creamy Soup with a single Piece of Meat protruding. I had to count them. It took a while, was it really only Five? Indeed. For €11.50?
To be fair the Lamb was so Tender I had to decant a piece to the Plate and half it, it was a soft as Chicken. The Creamy Shorva had Coriander strewn through it. Where were the Tomatoes? What was Punjabi about this?
I ate, in a quiet rage. It is not often I feel this way when eating. I awaited the customary visit from The Waiter, none. The serving spoon was used as a Soup Spoon. This was so far from what I desired…
The Bill
€34.50. For what? €11.00 for Drinks.
I was up for paying the exact money Marg insisted on a modest tip.
The Aftermath
I took their card and handed mine to the Waiter.
I asked for dry, with minimal sauce, this was soup. This was not Punjabi Cuisine, this was rubbish.
I showed him an example of Punjabi Cuisine from a well known and reliable Curry Website. I believe I then heard the Waiter say that they do not serve Punjabi Cuisine. He’s right, they don’t!
A New Strategy
Hector cannot risk this again. The devotion to the Punjab will be temporarily set aside. Curry Cafes, or – Cantines – as I have unearthed they may be called await, near Gare du Nord.