RuBaRu (Dluga 27, 85-737 Bydgoszcz, Polska) is conveniently located across from Prolog9, currently the only Multi-Tap Bier House in Bydgosccz. It was agreed that we would dine here this evening after our day trip to Torun.
Torun is a nearby settlement with a Spectacular Stare Miasto, Old Town. There was also a Curry House, the Royal India, Hector was tempted, had I been travelling alone, no question.
That the Hostelry of choice – Krajina – could be regarded as the Finest Multi Tap Bier House I have visited in Polska may mean a return at some point in the future.
We entered RuBaRu around 19.00, four other Diners were present. The Waitress dealt with the drinks first. The Sparkling Water came in a Large Jug, the Still Water in a Pint Glass, baffling.
Marg ordered a Poppadom and asked for Mango Chutney. None was available, Tamarind and Mint would accompany. Steve ordered Mutton Soup/Shorba.
The Menu had a Realistic Range of Dishes on offer, with Pork featuring in addition to the customary Chicken and Lamb. Who was working in the kitchen? Curry could be ordered by weight, 150g or 300g Portions, a system I like. This means if one was certain of the order, 450g could be mustered. Marg and Steve ordered The Specials, Chicken and Lamb respectively. Murghi Special/Mutton Special – Tender pieces of tandoori chicken/lamb with fresh garlic, ginger and red pepper with aromatic Indian spices. Not for Hector. In a determined attempt at avoiding the – Offending Vegetable – Hector took a leaf out of Lord Clive’s book – Dhansak Mutton – Tender piece soft lamb cooked with lashings of lentils in eastern spices. Why the Dhansak had – Eastern Spices – and The Specials had – Indian Spices – was also baffling. Lashings of Lentils, very Blytonesque.
At RuBaRu the Rice is not inclusive, but Modestly Priced. Jeera Rice (8Zl) would accompany the Dhansak, whilst my Fellow Diners ordered Chapattis, Steve added a Pilau Rice.
Marg was happy to receive two Poppadoms, OK they weren’t as Large as what would be served in the UK, but they did have the European favoured embedded Cumin seeds. Marg ignored the Tamarind and concentrated on the Mint, little does she know how much Tamarind has gone into Hector’s Home Cooking.
That European Menus tend to use the term – Shorba – as the Soup Header encourages Hector whose ideal Curry should never be described as – Soup. The Mutton Soup did not impress Steve. Not seasoned, the fresh garlic was added too late. It seemed like a Chinese soup with an egg? The Meat was few and far between.
The Restaurant has a powerful Spice Aroma on entry, we discovered it again as we departed, part of the air conditioning unit above the door? One wonders how busy this venue could ever get.
Well laid out the walls were decorated such that one knew this Restaurant was Indian. But what about The Staff? Who was cooking the Curry? We observed no employee who could have his/her origins in the Indian Subcontinent.
Dhansak Mutton
The Curry was Thick with Lentils, so the Masala was far from the typical Onion-based Masala that is the Norm. This was Lamb served in a Daal, one feels Dhansak should be more than this. The Tender Lamb was truly Soft as advertised. Sadly, the Dhansak was Under-spiced and Under-seasoned. There was no sense of Potency, the Cumin Seeds occasionally were bitten into and gave off their Blast of Flavour, but the Curry itself had to little to offer.
The Specials
These were served on what would normally be employed as a Sizzling Platter, however, the Curry was presented on Leaves of Lettuce, possibly Cabbage. Hector was not eating this selection, and just as well. Both Dishes had Abundant pieces of Capsicum and Onions.
Marg generally tries to avoid Large Pieces of Onions and ends up with them, here she had the Worst of both Worlds. Other Venues would have described this Dish as – Karahi. The term – Special – permits The Chef to serve anything, any which way.
This was a Stir Fry.
Marg Chicken-picked the Meat, there was a Mound of Ballast left. For the n’th time, what does all this Capsicum have to do with – Curry?
Marg declared – There was not enough sauce. I enjoyed the meat, but could not eat so much chunky red peppers and onion. Steve fared no better. Ratatouille – was his interpretation.
This was a tin of tomato sauce with red peppers and onions. It wasn’t unpleasant, a naïve curry. I didn’t realise it was an Italian Restaurant, I thought it was Indian.
We should all have tried the Royal India in Torun.
The Bill
150.00 Zl. (£26.50) The Zloty has gained a few Pence against the Pound in the last 24 hours.
The Aftermath
Now to watch the Football, Polska v Ireland. Unlike the same time last year, when Scotland were in playing in Warszawa and Marg and Hector were in Kraków, Hector will be happy to blend in with The Locals and support Polska tonight.