Marg and Eleanor had only been in Gdansk for a matter of minutes when Hector put them in a taxi to the airport. Some have work on Monday and flying back from Poznan was not the optimum route back to Blighty. This gave The Hector two hours to check-in and have Curry-Heute before the rest of The Company would catch up.
Masala (Rajska 10, 80-850 Gdansk, Polska) is located in the Madison Shopping Centre immediately across from the Mercure Hotel where The Danzig Six would take up residence for three nights. Spotting Masala was simple, gaining access was something else. Having walked around the block, access was gained to the rear end of Madison it would have been quicker to enter through the main entrance.
A Family with two weans entered the quite busy Restaurant, I had to ensure it was clear that I was not accompanying them. The family took a table, the Young Girls on duty ignored me. Eventually I gestured to a small table for two right in front of the bar. There was an indifferent shrug to confirm I could sit there. Another Young Girl, one of three (were there actually four?) I observed, brought a Menu. Chinese and Thai Cuisine was also on offer. When a City has numerous Curry Houses to choose from I give venues such as this the body swerve. Gdansk only has two City Centre Curry Sources, so here I was.
Having had Curry on three consecutive days I was hoping to demonstrate more of the Spectrum that is Indian Food by ordering Fish. I was delighted to see Fish Curry (39 Zl) but then studied Fish Tikka Masala (39 Zl). The Curry had Curry Sauce, the Tikka had Masala Sauce. The couple at the next table were served their dishes, one had a Thick Masala, the other had as Thin a Shorva as I have encountered. Taking no chances, and at the risk of shocking The Reader, Hector ordered Fish Tikka Masala.
The Young Girl who brought the Menu took the order. It was at this point I realised that this had become a daily occurrence. When was I last served by someone who might actually know about the Cuisine of the Indian Subcontinent? Whatever their duties, some were were more active than others, the girl behind the bar had little to do, and the other(s)? The setup reminded me of Glasgow’s Athena Greek Taverna some twenty years ago when the Female Mafia decided what was what: – Don’t expect us to serve you whilst we’re having a chat.
Sitting in the middle of the room I had no Opperchancity to take photos of the interior else I would have been invading people’s privacy. There was an upstairs balcony, could I have sat there? I may never know. With the corridor of the Shopping Centre forming the largest wall of the Restaurant I felt I was sitting in a Goldfish Bowl.
I had been given the choice of inclusive Rice or Bread, I had chosen Rice. I was soon in two minds. The Chaps in the Kitchen could be seen preparing Bread through the glass window which separated them from the dining area. Rotating Dough was their Party Piece. The Man from Bradford would tell me later that he had heard that the Chefs here are from Delhi. I could see no evidence of this.
A Visual Feast was set before The Hector, a Mass of Fish protruding through an Impressively Thick Masala. The Rice was a Generous Portion, not Excessive. Finally I had something to photograph. The dim light in the Restaurant meant I had no idea of the colour of what sat before me. Still, the juices were flowing in anticipation, this could be Something Special.
Eight Decent-sized pieces of Fish were counted, this was not the nasty Four Pieces swimming in Sauce that I have been served elsewhere. The Fish retained a bit of Firmness, not the Scottish Haddock served so magnificent in Glasgow’s Yadgar. Masala Fish – is as good an identification as can be offered. The Seasoning was well down which is surely nigh on impossible in any Fish Curry? There was a Modest Kick which did catch the back of the throat. The Masala was Onion-rich, as Thick as one could hope for. All was going well, then the Pleasure stopped.
The Overall Flavour was Dry-Musty, it became monotonous. I had been hoping for the Smokey Flavour from Dark Red Chillies to kick in, not present in this Curry. This most certainly was not a Chettinad. The lack of any visible Herb meant that this Curry lacked any genuine Depth of Flavour. A Handful of Methi and/or Fresh Coriander would have been a welcomed inclusion.
Hector can and does eat Curry every day when the Opperchancity presents. This was an Unexciting Curry.
So there we have it: Hector ordered a Tikka Masala, what other outcome could there be?
I had to approach the bar to offer to pay. The Girl there declined and said I would have to wait for her Colleague who was nowhere to be seen.
The Bill
44.00 Zl (£9.24) I had been well fed for a modest sum. The Sparkling Water was 5.00 Zl.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was left on the table. Without further comment I departed. To whom should I have been discussing – Curry?