Hector is in Norwich as a build up to the Peterborough Ale Festival, because he can…
Having checked in to the Norwich Travelodge bang on Noon, Hector had just over an hour before the rest of The Company starter to arrive. Curry O’clock. Spice Lounge (8-10 Wensum St., Norwich, NR3 1HR) was chosen due to its proximity to the Travelodge and being one of the few places open at lunchtime, so that’s Hector sorted for the next three days.
I was shown to the upper seating area by the Young Waiter. Mein Host was behind the Bar and suggested I sit through to the rear of the large room as work was ongoing, fixing the air conditioning. There was no Hot Water at the Travelodge, is Norwich broken? I kept my small table at the edge of the balcony, from here I could see, and be seen.
Would you like Poppadoms? No thanks.
As ever, if they wished me to have them, bring them, I am not paying for them. The Menu was studied. Under Traditional Favourites was – Methi Dishes. Traditional? This would not have been on The Menu a decade ago. Some Dishes listed the Vegetable to be avoided, I had the Waiter confirm that no Capsicum would be harmed in the creation of my Lamb Methi. Mushroom Pilao would accompany. £3.50 for this pleasure, a bit steep, but the Lamb Methi was only £6.75.
With some of the the ceiling on the floor and ladders aplenty, there was much activity in the large dining area. Eighty Diners, or more, could be accommodated. There were Tablecloths.
Being the first customer this Monday Lunchtime, the wait was not long. The same Waiter brought the Curry, another Chap had been sentenced to folding Napkins at the far end throughout my visit.
The Waiter decanted the Mushroom Pilao, more than enough Rice.
The Lamb Methi looked the part. The Masala was an authentic Brown with a visible Oil Base. The Masala had genuine Quality, Thick with Onion, some Tomato-mash aided the Texture. There was no lack of Seasoning, the Spice Level was Fine, I could have asked for Spicier. This was acceptable. The Lamb Portion was generous for this price, in double figures, there was a lot to eat here. The Lamb was Tender but not so soft it did not require chewing, Perfect. A few Micro-pieces of Capsicum had sneaked in, these were easily avoided.
The Flavour Baffled
Very Good – was my statement when the Waiter asked The Customary Question. This Dish was very enjoyable. Apart from the Methi, there was a distinctive Flavour I could not fathom. Had the Chef appeared and looked Chinese I would not have been surprised. Monosodium Glutomate? A wild guess, there was something unusual about the Overall Flavour, a slight Sweetness, Peppery, Ginger. I would need my Chemistry Set to complete a precise analysis.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Lamb Methi. If this is representative of what is available in Norwich, this could be a wonderful trip.
The Bill
£11.75. £1.50 for the Glass of Sparkling Water.
The Aftermath
The Chocolates were declined, the Hot Towel welcomed. The Calling Card was issued, the Waiter said he would pass it on. Back out into the rain, where is the Fat Cat Brewery Tap?
Some Takeaways I passed later on. Indian Foods, I like it!