Hand Cannot Erase
Hector and Steve are in Poznan! Yesterday we put the Ladies on a train to Berlin Schönefeld then took another to Polska. How did we get away with that? I have not mentioned the Joys of being Retired for a Blog or two…
Restauracja Indyjska Shivaz (Mielzynskiego 16, 61-829 Poznan, Polska) was first visited in April of this year, Steven Wilson Day. Shivaz has become the Curry House of choice in Poznan due to ease of access despite the address not matching the locus. Steve was met at Stary Rynek then we walked up 27 Grudnia. Where’s the Curry House? – I asked Steve as we stood metres from the entrance, they need better signage and a change of address.
We were The Lone Diners this Monday Lunchtime, there was no sense of recognition from the Waitress or The Chaps sitting at the Staff Table, by now surely Hector should be a familiar face?
Steve asked for advice, Lal Gosth (34 Zl) (their spelling) is the Dish I have had on two visits and would probably have been my choice again until I was attracted to the Specials at the tail end of the Menu. Mumtaj Mutton Korma (45 Zl) – Mutton in spicy yoghurt-onion-cashew nut, stewed – might possibly be a Desi Korma. I asked the Waitress if this Dish really was – Spicy. I was assured, let it be. Rice is inclusive at Shivaz as it is across Europe, however, I enjoyed the Vegetable Pulao (16 Zl) on Visit #1 and was denied last time.
I was advised that this Rice would be charged for, make it so. Steve added a Plain Naan (10 Zl) to the order. This created a dilemma: having foregone the Inclusive Rice/Bread, would there be a charge for the Naan also? A small bottle of Still Water (5 Zl) and a large Sparkling Water (15 Zl) completed the order.
Poppadoms and Dips were presented. The Poppadoms were in the standard European style – embedded Cumin seeds. Very Salty.
Mumtaj Mutton Korma
Grey – was Steve’s observation. Far too Creamy was mine. This was as far from a Desi Korma as a Curry could be. The Masala visually was as described, a Thick blend of Nuts and Onion. What happened to the Spice? There was no Spice in this Korma at all. On a scale of one to ten, this was zero. The Seasoning was there, or was this still the Poppadom coming through? A Sweet and Mild Curry, what was this to set before The Hector? At least there was no Coconut. It made a change.
The Rice became the focus of attention. Broccoli, Peas and Carrots were the Interesting Vegetables, it’s just as well I had ordered this else the meal would have been a disaster. The Lamb was suitably Tender but one has to admit that Chicken is the better option with this style of Masala.
Can I have the Blandest thing on the Menu? Next time I shall read all the reviews on Curry-Heute and order – Mutton Rogan Josh, Spicy Spicy.
Steve was advised that the Naan would be another three minutes. What came was Thin, almost Unleavened Bread. No Tandoor?
Lal Gosht
The Lal Gosht, as it should be called, had a slightly Creamy Masala. When I mentioned the lack of Spice in the Korma, Steve concurred, his Curry was lacking Spice also. What was Chef thinking about? Was it a lack of communication with the Waitress?
The meat was tender, there wasn’t a lot of flavour, you couldn’t taste garlic (or any other ingredient). There wasn’t much heat from it. Very average.
So, The Chaps who sat at the Staff table were doing what? Who was in the kitchen? Shivaz has impressed previously, not today.
The Bill
115 Zl. (£22.16) The Naan did not appear.
The Aftermath
We left.