As has been my custom over the last three days in Wroclaw, I announced my venue for Curry-Heute. It was only as I reached Buddha Lounge (ul. Rzeznicza 28/31, 50-130 Wroclaw, Polska) at 12.15 that I picked up Steve’s declaration to join The Hector. That I have now visited all of the current Curry Houses in Wroclaw and have chosen Buddha Lounge as the first venue to spend my Zloty in, twice, should say it all.
Steve had chosen a table mid-room, in what is quite an elaborate set-up, as much Bar-Lounge they would have you believe. I would have to see it to believe it. The Menus were provided, The Hector already knew what he was having, Europe’s most reliable, dedicated Curry Blog having provided the information.
Lamb Kadai (35 Zl) with Jeera Pulao (14 Zl) would once upon a time been a very cheap meal, no longer for those of us who are paid in Sterling. Steve spent a few moments studying his options, then out of the blue came Lamb Madras (38 Zl) and a Keema Naan ( 22 Zl). I suppose if he orders the same thing every time, then his comparisons are most valid. Sparkling Water (15 Zl) completed the order. Despite asking for two Bottles, our Waitress suggested one at a time. We humoured her.
It was only after this that Hector realised his omission. The Lamb Kadai clearly listed the – Dreaded Ballast – I would have to take what comes.
The Waitress brought the Sparkling Water:
Would you like me to pour your water?
We’re Big Boys, we can manage.
From this point, I knew we were going to have fun at Buddha Lounge.
Send in The Clowns
The Waitress brought the plates. After a few minutes we still had no Curry and the plates, cold, as provided. The Waitress was summoned, time for Steve to engage:
Could we have warm plates please?
It is not possible – was the unexpected reply.
We explained that putting Hot Food on a Cold Plate lessens the enjoyment, the last part of the Meal will be inedible by the time we get there. She understood, the plates were taken away. Who knows what was said through the hatch to the kitchen?
When Warm Plates eventually appeared, – Yay!
Lamb Kadai
This is when photos mislead. I had chosen Lamb Kadai based on my previous visit. Although I did not actually have this Dish, it was served with the Thickest and most Minimal of Masala of the various Dishes – The Company – had chosen. What is shown today may be commensurate, however, what was in front of me today was difficult to see. The central part of Buddha Lounge was in virtual darkness, I could not see the detail.
The Lamb Kadai was arranged on top of the decanted Jeera Rice. There was enough Rice for two, another example of Euro-Waste. By this time I had realised the Capsicum was a Significant part of this Dish, both Red and Green. The Masala was Onion-rich also, Strips which were indistinguishable from the Peppers were part of the Vegetable Melange. In this light I had to go for it. I would pay the penalty for eating Capsicum later, they repeat, and dominate the usually Pleasant After-taste. At least the Capsicum was cooked to a Pulp which did help. Those I found, were discarded.
The Ginger Strips gave off most Flavour initially, there did not appear to be much in the way of Flavour in this Curry. The Spice Level was – Fine – however, the Seasoning was definitely – Under – which was restricting the full flow of Flavour. The occasional Cumin Seed from the Rice confirmed that The Hector Palate was not at fault. There was a lot of Lamb, this was a huge meal. The Tender Lamb tasted of – Lamb – a first this week. Things were looking up. Slowly, slowly, the Spice and Seasoning were more noticeable, this Lamb Kadai improved the more one ate, and a fair number of Capsicum Strips had been removed.
In the end I was left with half a portion of Rice and a pile of Capsicum. How many had I eaten?
*
*
Lamb Madras
Steve was positive from the start. He had what he wanted, no Capsicum here.
I had to inspect the Keema Naan. For me, it failed, looking too much like Donner Kebap than grains of Keema. Steve, however, was not put off:
Lovely – was his verdict.
As he ate more of the Lamb Madras he confirmed that his Curry needed more Seasoning. Note, Steve’s – Salt Tolerance – is well below mine.
Where the whole Naan and the contents of the metal bowl containing the Lamb Madras went to with such speed, puzzles. It was still two hours before my preferred eating time, however, such is the nature of this Trip, Brunch was required.
That was rare! – was Steve’s remark as he scraped the last traces of Masala from his plate with the final piece of Naan. He’ll be having this again, next time in Wroclaw.
The Bill
124.00 Zl. (£25.83) Another Waitress was given the task of securing payment.
Cash or card? The Poles appear surprised when one produces – Real Money – these days.
This Lady was also – Charming.
The Aftermath
I would leave you sixty roses, but I haven’t got the money to buy, so, so long.
It was not a long walk from Buddha Lounge to Doctor’s Bar, around the corner.
