Hector is in Roma, it is two weeks since Polska, and I’ll try not to mention The Trip prior to that, as often. There was a 14.00 rendezvous at Piazza Venezia, Deep in The Heart of Rome. Hector had left it a bit late to try a Curry House in the cluster near Termini, instead it was Google Maps to find the closest venue.
Maharajah was Choice #1, on entering the half-filled Restaurant, the Waiter told me they were full, and asked if I would come back at 14.00. They weren’t, I didn’t. A classic case of not wanting to give a table to one person at a peak time. Il Guru next door did not open until later as I was able to confirm. This left Mother India (Via dei Serpenti, 148, 00184 Roma, Italia) some fifty metres along the road. It was empty.
The Lone Diner was shown to a table mid room at 13.10. By 13.20 a Chap in a Turban took a table opposite, he ordered Chicken Tikka. Minutes later a Group of Twenty Indians were marched though to the back where a Buffet awaited. I wish I had been able to have a gander. Two Americans were the final guests of my visit one ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Glasgow’s great Curry Gift to The World.
Despite having consumed a considerable quantity of Lamb two days ago in Brighton, Hector felt up to some more. Mutton Rogan Josh (€10.00) accompanied by Jeera Rice (€4.00). A splendidly Large Bottle of Acqua Frizzante (2.00) would be the
liquid intake. At least Sparkling Water is cheap in Roma.
A Complimentary Poppadom was brought with three Dips. Tamarind! Hector is in Europe, it is about time this featured in more UK Curry Houses. The Lime Pickle I did not touch, it could have destroyed the Palate before I had a chance to sample the Rogan Josh. I made sure I kept the Dips, Tamarind and Lime Pickle can rescue many a Bland Curry.
When the Rogan Josh was placed on the table, the heart sank. Soup! This must be the Thinnest Masala I have seen in ages, Shockeroony. I have had Thicker Shorva, this was pitiful. What was the Onion Content in this Masala? There was Meat in there, somewhere, I counted. Five average sized pieces of Mutton. Five, for ten Euros. This was far from acceptable.
The Jeera Rice was big enough for two to share. Why does so much Rice get wasted? Who could have eaten all this Rice, and with what?
The Reader may deduce that I was not a Happy Hector. The Curry was poured over the Rice, Rice and Sauce would be the Lunch. Each piece of Meat was carefully rationed, I must not wolf them down too quickly. The Mutton at least was very Tender.
The Spice Level and Seasoning were Fine no problems. The Cumin Seeds in the Rice were the Major Source of Flavour on the plate. Without this, one is left to wonder what Flavours there would have been. There was the acceptance that this is someone’s interpretation of – Curry. It is not mine, and was far removed from the Punjabi Cuisine in the West of Scotland. Still, it was Curry, Hector likes Curry.
The Lime Pickle was stirred in, this increased the number of Solids on the plate, measurably. Now I had a Huge Spice Kick. Too little, too late. I ate as much Rice as I could. To say this Meal was a disappointment would be an understatement. This was as Mediocre a Curry as I have experienced, and the portion size was ridiculous.
The Bill
€18.00. A €2.00 Service Charge had already been added. Tip €0.00.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was not issued. Where I sat in the Restaurant the signal on the Replacement Samsung was so poor I could not access Britain’s most popular Curry Blog.