Man – Live at The Padget Rooms, Penarth
In 1972, Wales’ most celebrated rock group – Man – released – Live at the Padget Room Penarth. Having set foot in Cardiff last year for the first time, there was the realisation that Penarth was across Cardiff Bay. The Paget Rooms survive, the mystery of the extra – d – remains unsloved.
This afternoon Hector and Marg visited the – Dr. Who Experience – Daleks, Cybermen, Weeping Angels and many long since forgotten – Creatures – were on display. The – Tardis – both interiors and exteriors, through the years, were marvelled at.
It was then time to walk across the barrage which separates Cardiff from Penarth. The Paget Rooms are located just beyond the Train Station, handy for later. On Sunday it was – Can – today it’s – Man – a different Capital, a different Band, a different Curry.
We passed two Curry Sources as we worked our way across Penarth. The Pickled Pepper is a standout in other Sources. It is a Takeaway only.
Keralan Passion, British Style
Mint and Mustard (33-34 Windsor Terrace, Penarth CF64 1AB, Wales) also have branches in Cardiff, Taunton and Chepstow, a Chain, recommended by a former colleague. Entering at 19.10, all but two Diners were sat to the right of the Spacious Restaurant. We were given a table for two, peculiarly in close proximity to a couple of Ladies, the next Diners to enter were then placed on our other side. Why cram everyone into the same space? What was wrong with the other side? The Spring Menu was brought, Hector had once again signed up for – South Indian Cuisine.
Syrian Beef Curry (£12.95) has never been encountered before. A Keralan Dish, one would expect it to be closer to – Soup – and far removed from the preferred – Punjabi Dry. Rice would be required to soak up any excess Masala.
On arrival in Penarth, Marg requested her promised Coffee. This was accompanied at 17.00 by a rather large piece of cake. Marg’s appetite had gone. Her solution was to eschew – Meat, Vegetable Mango Curry (£9.50) was her solution. We would share a Pilao Rice (£3.95) and a Fig & Fresh Coriander Naan (£2.95). Figs on a Naan? Another first. A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.50) completed the order.
As we waited and watched the place fill up, still on our side only, we wondered why people were having Coffee to start. I managed to then glimpse the interior of a coffee cup, something – Red. We never found out what it was, however, it appeared to be part of a – Deal. Vouchers were seen to be exchanged.
At 19.22, two very hot plates were set before us. Twelve minutes to serve Curry, quite a difference from the slow service at The Downsman (Crawley) last Friday, and Bengal Butler (Biggin Hill) two nights ago. Twelve minutes suggests the presence of the Big Sauce Pot and little differentiation.
Syrian Beef Curry
Twelve pieces of Tender Beef sat in a Thin, Dark Masala. The Masala had just enough substance to avoid being classed as – Shorva. Green Cardamom, Cinnamon Bark, and Curry Leaves were hidden in the depths. The anticipated South Indian Smoky Flavour was full on, I do enjoy this, for a change. There was a decent Spicy Kick, the Seasoning was slightly under for my palate, still, this was not going to spoil my enjoyment of my Penarth Curry.
*
There was easily enough Rice to share, especially given Marg’s reduced appetite. The presence of the Figs on the Naan was a real treat. One of my Favourite Fruits, these may have been – Caramelised. There was a – Sugary Crunch – but this did not detract from the experience. The Fig and Coriander Leaves added a new dimension of Flavour to the Syrian Beef Curry, a worthy combination.
Vegetable Mango Curry
This Vegetable Curry contained the four Classics: Cauliflower, Broccoli, Carrots and Green Beans. Marg assures me Baby Sweetcorn was also present, this I never saw. I did see a Copious, Creamy Masala, the type of Curry I avoid. Marg, however, is more than happy to consume this.
A Creamy Masala with a kick – was her opening observation. She too found the Fig & Fresh Coriander Naan to be to her liking, complementing her choice. Somewhere the Flavour of – Mango – had been lost.
I thought it would taste more of Mango. It was light, healthy, and wasn’t filling – was her concluding statement. Mission accomplished.
Our side of Mint and Mustard was by now wedged, still, only two people sat on the far side.
The Bill
£32.85. Within acceptable parameters.
The Aftermath
Given the proximity of my Fellow Diners, I thought it might be better to issue the calling Card at the Bar, one does not wish to make a scene. Our Waiter, however, had been gregarious, I took the chance. My introduction to Curry-Heute was brief. The Card was then taken to Mein Host who was only more than willing to talk – Curry. Our enjoyment of our meals was related. My travels were outlined, the volume of Curry consumed around the World perhaps appreciated. Marg and Hector can still just about say – We were in India this time last year. We caught the 20.20, we had been at Mint and Mustard for under an hour.
Hector has achieved his purpose for today, to get – Penarth – into the Curry-Heute Listings.
