Erlangen – Boliwood – Bespoke Curry

Four days in Nürnberg and no Nürnberg Curry. Nearby Erlangen continues to intrigue. Yesterday in München was a Big Curry Day with the Oktoberfest wedged between two visits to Indian Mango. What better way to reboot the system?
Dr. Stan accompanied Hector to Erlangen but went off to explore the Non-Curry attractions of this Town. Hector had his sights on Boliwood (Gerberei 8  91054 Erlangen, Deutschland). Located along the railway line from the Bahnhof, the road was under reconstruction hence the chaotic approach. At 11.40, Hector was the First Diner of the day. Mein Host greeted me, the Lady who was presumably his Wife sat in the main, of three, dining areas folding napkins.
The sun shone brightly into the room giving a level of illumination that was going to make photography difficult. With my every move watched by Mein Hostess, the process of eliminating the contents of The Menu down to one Dish was underway. Fish at Lunchtimes is a preference, especially when the level of Curry Intake has been so self indulgent. Karahi Fisch, this has worked well this week. I asked for the – Ohne Paprika – Mein Host was puzzled. We were speaking half Deutsch, half English. The Lady spoke up, – You must have capsicums, no capsicums, no karahi. I was not to be dismissed. You can use other vegetables. The straightforward Fisch Curry seemed to be the compromise, no Interesting Vegetable for Hector. There was an extended and precise discussion about the required level of Spiciness. In Erlangen they are prepared to deliver Curry in the Extreme, the Curry House and Bombay Haus have taught me this. Above Medium – was my safe request.
From The House

A basket with Two Poppadoms and the customary Three Dips were brought by Mein Host. I ate one Poppadom, always enough. The Cumin Seeds in the Poppadom and the Tamarind Dip kicked the taste-buds into action.

By now The Lady had disappeared into the Kitchen, she was The Chef. I have felt of late that it is The Chef who I should order my Curry from, not a Waiter. The Chef knows what’s what. The half litre glass of Sparkling Water was a welcomed sight. Mein Host was happy to chat whilst I waited. He was proud to state that he has had many visitors from the UK in the past week. He enquired about Curry in Scotland and revealed that he was Punjabi. He has been in Erlangen for some thirty years I believe.

Towards the end of the last Intensive Tour – Norwich–Peterborough–London–Newdigate – Hector was Curried-out. Fresh Vegetables became my obsession, re-balance the system.
Mein Host brought the usual Large German Portion of Basmati, more than a man can eat, plus a Metal Bowl piled high. He was happy to tell me that this was an extra large portion. What was there? Everything, but…. was The Chef psychic?
Green Beans protruded through the Masala, Courgette, Carrot, Broccoli, and the Onion was Minimal! The Portion was Huge!, in balance the Fish was actually less in proportion to the Vegetable Matter, however, Hector was once more in his element.
The Masala was Thin, very traditional, but given the volume of Solids, no way was this tending towards – Soup. For once the White Fish was identified – Cod Fillet. The Spice level was on the higher end of the scale but not an assault. With Fisch Curry, Seasoning is never an issue. The Overall Flavour was still on the Simple end of the Spectrum, what would Methi have done to this Dish?   Speculation, appreciate what one has. The Lady cooked a Curry that was a departure from her norm. Mein Host was keen to tell me that all the Vegetables were Fresh. This was not a Curry scooped from the pot and delivered as the majority of Curry Houses get away with. This was a Hector Curry.

The Bill
€15.80. No need to eat for the rest of the day.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was issued, the Website shown. There was a continuing interest from our previous discussion. I had to ask how many Curry houses there are in Erlangen. Six was the reply, Hector has now visited four. Other Sources suggest up to ten, however, some may have gone some may be Takeaways only.
A Mango Lassi was offered and accepted.

Lovely people, Great Bespoke-Curry.

The 13.00 train was looming. The House of India was located, just along from the Curry House. The Curry House remains the busiest venue I have see on my visits to Erlangen. In November the research can continue.
21.05 – A Cumin seed dislodged, bliss!