Once more, Marg and Hector met up with Eleanor on Rynek at 13.30. We left the Square and walked up towards 27 Grudnia. Standing on the roadside I challenged The Ladies to – Spot the Curry House. Restauracja Indyjska Shivaz (Mielzynskiego 16, 61-829 Poznan, Polska) is not that obvious and most certainly is not at the advertised locus. The advert on the pavement is the biggest clue.
We would be the only Diners for the duration of our visit. The Young Waitress did not offer us the Lunchtime Menu even though we were still within the Window of Opperchancity. A la Carte for us, maybe she could tell?
As has been Marg’s prerogative, Coffee and Cake had been her Breakfast moments earlier, she would have a Starter only. Methi Mala Kebab (26.00 Zl) and a Methi Roti (10.00 Zl) was her selection. One can never have too much Methi. Eleanor, faced with her third Curry in as many days opted for a Nawab Veg Briyani (30.00 Zl), their spelling. This was quoted as being accompanied by Rayta. Many would prefer the offer of a Masala to accompany.
Hector had Lal Gosth (34.00 Zl) on the first visit here, again their spelling. It was time to sample this once more. I also asked for Lemon Rice but was informed this was not available? No Lemons? We had just ordered a Biryani. Spicy and no Paprika – completed the order.
The Waitress returned a few minutes later to advise Marg that the Kebab would be – Sweet.
Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were presented. Eleanor had not seen Poppadoms with embedded Cumin Seeds before. She had a sample, though neither of us took a whole. Marg got tore in then wished she hadn’t ordered the Roti, this would have been enough for her.
The wait was appreciable. There is nothing worse than a Curry arriving in moments, straight from The Pot. Preparation noises could be heard from the kitchen which one has to pass if the Facilities are used. This would be Marg and Eleanor’s final day on The Polska Trip, The Man from Bradford would go home today without having had Curry. Strange.
Methi Mala Kebab
A Circle of Large Chicken Pieces was set before Marg with a Mint Yoghurt in the centre. Marg recalled ten pieces, Hector’s memory was twelve. The photo shows eight, however, the size of each piece of Chicken was more than substantial. The Roti was served halved in a basket and bore little resemblance to any Roti encountered before. This was well towards being a Naan. The Methi coating looked most appealing. Dipping a piece into my Masala a few minutes later was – Joyful. Whatever this Bread was, it was Wonderful.
I had anticipated Coconut featuring to provide the forewarned Sweetness, Marg denied the presence of this.
Loads of Chicken, herby, worked well with the mint sauce.
It wasn’t sweet.
Nawab Vegetable Biryani
The upturned Rice made us wonder if the Biryani was better eaten on the serving plate. In the end, Eleanor decided to decant. In doing so she was able to control the Ratio of Rice et al to Yoghurt. Marg asked about the Vegetable Content. Hector was quick to predict – Potato, Cauliflower, Peas and Green Beans. To this Eleanor added:
Carrots, Chickpeas, Peppers, Onion and chopped Green Chillies.
This Dish had been carefully prepared and would probably explain the Noises Off and the wait.
Very refreshing with the Raita – remarked Eleanor.
A very pleasing flavour combination.
Lal Gosht
Once upon a time, The Village (Glasgow) served the most amazing Lal Gosht, no more despite what they may say. The Dish served at Shivaz bore no resemblance to that Meisterwerk. As Hector has experienced all week, here was another Creamy Masala with Tender Lamb. The accompanying Plain Basmati meant the Interesting Vegetable was not acquired. The Viscous Masala had a slight Sweetness and was more Tangy than the Achari served yesterday at Taj India. There was Abundant Masala, Marg knew to help herself, the Methi Roti was dipped often. The Seasoning was Ideal though this Dish was far from Spicy. The Lamb Count was into double figures. The Lamb was very Tender which has been a positive feature of all Curry Dishes served in Polska this week.
The Lal Gosht was – Pleasant – it could and should have been Spicier.
The Bill
109.00 Zl. (£22.89) All Soft Drinks were 5.00 Zl.
The Aftermath
A Calling Card was left, there was little interaction with the Waitress.
What had been a Company of Fourteen would be reduced to Eight this evening. Time to track down The Remnants.
