You’ll have had your Curry (and your Train)
March 30th had long been marked in Hector’s Diary as a Day Trip through to Scotland’s second largest city. Nobody seemed to know why, and this was well before Hector had made his first visit to Tanjore (6-8 Clerk St, Edinburgh EH8 9HX). The lure of Quality Fish Curry had increased the level of determination to return so soon, even if it meant taking on the Edinburgh Waverley Staff, the most obstructive transit personnel I have encountered outside of Napoli Centrale. I am convinced these Chaps watch the opening five minutes of Tati’s – Les Vacances de M. Hulot – before commencing every shift. Dr. Stan was on board, but only if we went through on the 29th. Is he in cahoots?
We arrived at Tanjore at 12.30, the first customers of this session. I chose the table adjacent to where Marg and I sat last Sunday. The Chap who brought the Food last visit was front of house today, he brought the Menus. Hector was here to conduct – The Curry-Heute Test. Having been served Excellent Curry last week, could they repeat it?
A quick glance revealed that these were the Lunchtime Menus, they had nothing resembling a Full Meal. I asked for the Main Menu, this was not forthcoming.
I have come all the way from Glasgow to eat your Fish Curry.
The Replacement Samsung was powered up, the page with my review shown.
This is what I came through for. Do you not have a Chef on the premises?
The Hector was microseconds from putting on his coat.
Still there was a hesitancy, finally:
Chennai Fish? How many portions?
Two (£8.95), and two of your Excellent Parathas. (£2.95)
Glasses of Sparkling Water (£1.50) and a Fresh Orange (£1.95) completed the Order.
Sorted. Welcome to Edinburgh.
Two other tables were occupied during our visit: a Chap possibly out with his Mum, very commonplace; a Couple had a screaming wean, lovely. I managed to take the photos of the Restaurant’s Interior which were not possible last time. Still, I do not have a clear photo of the description on the Menu for – Chennai Fish.
A basket with two of the most Perfect Parathas ever seen accompanied two Modest Portions of the Chennai Fish Curry. One would not put on weight eating at Tanjore. The Parathas were Light, Flaky and Layered, as Wonderful as before. Still, they could be Larger, I managed to eat all of mine which is basically unheard of.
The Chennai Fish looked very – Red – there was no Cream/Yoghurt Topping today. The Masala was Tomato-rich, perhaps in the extreme. The Aroma was wonderful, Dark Red Chillies which I never see in Glasgow Grocers other than in packets.
A different set of Spices from what I am used to – was Dr. Stan’s opening remark. Thereafter he concentrated on his Lunch. The occasional – Mmmm – was emitted.
The Seasoning and Spice Levels were once again spot on. Full of Flavour, the much loved – Smokiness – associated with South Indian Cuisine was much in evidence. The Tilapia held firm, there was not a huge amount of Fish. Perhaps we should have ordered three portions between us?
This is definitely the Best Fish Curry I have found outside München (Indian Mango) – I declared.
It was good – was Dr. Stan’s minimalist confirmation. Hang on – A good blend of Spices – was added.
Our Trip could now be regarded as worthwhile.
The Bill
£23.80. Having looked out our cash based on what I was charged last week, I could tell this was not enough. The Drinks had not been added. Try again.
£27.75. Mein Host thanked us for bringing this to his attention.
The Aftermath
Thank your Chef for cooking for us.
The Ice appeared to be defrosting. We were told that on Monday to Friday Lunchtimes, they only serve Thalis and Dosas.
I came for my Dinner – was my hearty reply.
Finally I asked about the picture on the wall which has intrigued on both visits.
Tanjore – is what I was advised.
Further research shows it is the Brihadeeswarar Temple built in the Eleventh Century near Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, SE India.
Dr. Stan and Hector met up with Neil around the block at the Auld Hoose and commenced the rest of our day. A very pleasant, if not expensive afternoon and evening followed. Dr. Stan declared we would go for the 22.00 from Waverley back to Queen St. Being nearer Haymarket, we knew we could avoid the – Platform Lottery – all trains leave from Platform 4 at Haymarket.
No trains to Queen St. – we were informed, by the Abellio Worker. These Chaps in Edinburgh appear to take great delight in making it difficult to get to Glasgow.
There was no information given at point of ticket purchase, no announcements en route.
He pointed to a distant poster – there’s one of these in every station in Scotland.
I checked when I eventually got home, having stood in ridiculously cramped conditions on the three carriage train to Helensburgh, i.e. via Queen St. Low Level.
Aye right.
