Normally on the Sunday of the Wolf Strassenfest, Hector is on his way home, not this year, or next…
Jonathan has established something of a Ritual Sail to Bernkastel-Kues with a return to Wolf. Bernkastel provides the only Curry Opperchancity in the Mosel Valley north of Trier, Hector was surprised when Jim, Jonathan and Lord Clive decided Curry would be Lunch, only Dr. Stan went for a wander.
Taj Mahal (Hebegasse 1, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues, Deutschland) was first visited five years ago in the early days of Curry-Heute. Hector was far from impressed to the extent that a return visit was declared unlikely. This was a Classic German Curry House serving Bland, Soupy Stew that people thought they could pass off as – Curry. Last year, thanks to a generous offer by a colleague who had the power to make it so, Hector arrived early in Traben-Trarbach and so had time to travel upriver for Curry. This was a better experience, another visit therefore became likely.
After three heavy nights in Deutschland, Hector needed something Light but Powerful to titillate the palate – Fish Curry. ‘Karachi’ Machi Masala would fit the requirement, hopefully. Why ‘Karachi? At €12.00 and served with Basmati and Naan, this was ticking all the boxes.
A young waiter took the Drinks order, it was an age before the waiter came to take the Food Order. If Bernkastel had two Curry Houses, we may well have walked. Jim making his first appearance in Curry-Heute chose Chicken Taj Mahal. Clive opted for Karahi Murgh, whilst Jonathan decided not to risk Curry Disappointment and went Tandoori – Tandoori Mix.
Complimentary Poppadoms, infused with Cumin Seeds and the Dips were provided. With twelve fellowdDiners around the room, glimpses of – Other People’s Curry – confirmed that Rice and Naan would accompany. There was no sign of Soup, the Masalas appeared to be Competent.
‘Karachi’ Machi Masala
The Fish had been cut into cube-like pieces and was into double figures, Plenty! Who knows what this White Fish was however the required Flavour was there. The Masala was topped with slices of Lemon, this provided a Citrus Flavour also. In Fish Curry, the Seasoning should be a matter of course, this was, the Kick was Substantial. There was a gasp at one point when Hector bit into a Seed, this Curry had a decent Texture and was full of Flavour.
The Masala in the other Curry Dishes did not look too dissimilar.
The Two Chicken Curry Dishes
With the vaguest of names, these Dishes could have been anything. Karahi Murgh – Clive was probably the first of our group to make positive noises – This is very good. Very – was raised to – Extremely – by the time he had finished.
Chicken Taj Mahal – Jim uttered – Fantastic! As a man who loves his Curry, but never takes photos of them, Jim was most accommodating. Nice and Nippy – was Jim’s take. We had all asked for our Dishes to be – Scharf – rarely is this delivered in Deutschland.
The Rice was brought on a single plate, Four Portions, there was more than enough. Two Decent Sized Naans accompanied, this mass of Bread defeated me last year, there was still some left after they were passed around the table.
The Indian Food
The Tandoori Mix arrive Sizzling on the Iron Platter just as it does in every British Curry House. The Meat was piled high, Chicken, Lamb Chops and Jonathan’s first ever – Tandoori Prawn. Lots of Meat – was his next utterance. Rice and Naan with a Tandoori is potentially – Dry – in the extreme. There was no call for Tomato Soup to be poured over this. I couldn’t fault this – was Jonathan’s concluding remark. The Pair of Lamb Chops even had Hector salivating, they looked The Real Deal.
The Bill
€61.50. £44.75, shared between Four!
The Aftermath
We were four very satisfied customers in terms of the food. The speed of service was slow. There shall certainly be a Return Visit. The Calling Card was left in the box with the coins and notes, nobody came to take them.
This may well be the first Curry-Heute write-up where the level of Curry has gone from Despair to Respect. Hector revisits Bamberg soon, could even the Curry there have improved?