After yesterday’s Experience Diabolique, Hector went back to the drawing board. Research for Curry Cafes in Paris suggested something called – Cantines – may exist, my own mental picture of simple outlets would be proven correct or not. Passage Brady about halfway between Gare du Nord and the St Denis Arch showed up on a map search, a line of Curry Houses along a Lane. Paris‘ Brick Lane equivalent? Irram Baig of Glasgow’s Village read of yesterday’s plight and also contacted The Hector this morning to suggest this locus. Hector – The Optimist – was back.
I also considered that showing a Photo of The Hector Curry would facilitate success. Marg and Hector took the Meandering Metro to Château D’eau and walked down Boulevard de Strasbourg. There, across the street was a lane with a Banner proclaiming the location of Passage Brady. The first venue was closed, the second the New Delhi (4 Passage Brady, 75010 Paris, France) had a good thirty or so customers dining in the lane. The other premises were not Curry Houses. Is this it? Checking to the end of the lane, we returned and took a table inside. Pas de Fumer.
The Menu had – The Usual Suspects – The Punjabi Masala would be my normal choice from this list, however I’m trying to avoid excess Masala. Ginger Lamb was a possibility.
I showed The Waiter the Photo form the New Karahi Palace (Glasgow). This is what I am am looking for, not Soup, a Dry Curry with Minimal Sauce.
He drew my attention towards the Chicken Dishes, would today be the day? Eventually we agreed on Agneau Ginger with the Hector Requirements made clear. A Paratha to accompany.
Marg maintained her – I’ll just have a Starter – and ordered Seekh Kebab. At €8.50 not an insignificant investment.
We watched as a stream of Plates de Jour were brought downstairs, left on the table opposite, to then be taken outside. Metal trays with the Curry Portion occupying one of the three cavities, Rice and Bread the others. Very Puffy Naans stood out from the array of Food which passed our eyes.
The Customary Dips were placed on the table and the now familiar metal stand put on top. A Platter with two impressive Seekh Kebabs completed this set up. With Onions and Green Peppers as Garnish this was most inviting. Well, for Marg.
Two Kebabs – was Marg’s first comment. They are usually served in Pairs. So much for – just a Starter – this would be quite filling.
Marg’s verdict – Tasty, moist and plenty of it.
Success.
Agneau Ginger
I could see the Lamb in the serving dish so an improvement on yesterday, but still way too much Masala. In what way was this – Dry? Hector felt like Simon Wagstaff (Venus on the Half Shell, Kilgore Trout) the intrepid Intergalactic Traveller. I shall not reveal the answer to the Ultimate Question – Why was Man created to suffer and die? However, here was another classic example of Man’s Failure to Communicate. This was not – Lost in Translation – was The Chef ever instructed? One negotiates with a Waiter, does he pass on the Refinements, or just shout in – Ginger Lamb?
The Standard Seven Small Pieces of Lamb, a Modest Portion but appreciably more than the Five from yesterday’s insult. Once the Excess Masala was mopped up a Sensible amount made the Dish look more acceptable. I am able to use the term – Masala – today, this had some Pedigree. The Consistency suggested an Onion Base. The Ginger Strips gave the Dish Kudos. The Spice level was – OK – despite me having asked for – Spicy. The Seasoning was Perfect, this Curry had Flavour.
The Paratha was the largest, and Thickest served so far in Paris. It was Genuinely Flaky, this was an Excellent Paratha! Is it possible that Hector was actually enjoying himself?
The Bill
€28.00. This included a large bottle of – Badoit – Sparkling Water.
The Aftermath
The Waiter had the courage to ask. Still too much Masala. He was a bit vague at this point and suggested what sounded like another venue where I would get a Dry Curry.
Can you write this down?
Here. He pointed again at the Menu, to the Punjab Masala – I can make this dry.
Aaaaaagh! Then why didn’t he do so today?
Passage Brady
Our egress was back towards Boulevard de Strasbourg. Across the street was a more substantial signage – Passage Brady. We had been in the Annexe (The French don’t have a word for – Annexe). This was more like it. A line of Curry Houses with Chaps in the lane touting for our business. Cards were issued as we passed, conversation was mandatory. La Reine du Kashmir have promised that they can create anything I desire. We shall discover the veracity of this tomorrow.
