Hector is in Berlin, it would have been easier to come directly from Polska, however, that was not to be. The flight yesterday from Glasgow had to divert to Leipzig for fuel when both Berlin Airports were forced to close, a wee bit of rain. By the time I arrived in Berlin, meeting – The Company – became the priority, one Curry Opperchancity missed.
Today, it was a matter of finding somewhere along the line of the U6. Swera in Kreuzberg impressed last year. Nearby lies Shiwa (Großbeerenstraße 68, 10963 Berlin), today’s venue, well off the high street where Curry 36 was spilling on to the pavement..
Shiwa appeared to be closed given the shutters and graffiti, but a modest sign saying – Open – was enough to confirm otherwise. Shiwa is the most modest of venues, four tables, twelve chairs. Mein Host was at the counter, Hector would be The Lone Diner at 14.00.
The Menu was brought, as ever Chicken was dismissed, the Lamb Curry variations were studied, then I spotted – Ente – on the next page. Duck Curry, one does not have this often, it had to be. Ente Chili (€8.50) was ordered, this comes with Rice (or Bread) as is the European Way. Mein Host disappeared into the kitchen leaving me to record the scene. I did spot another Chap in the kitchen later, a two man operation.
I had not asked for – ohne Paprika – as I have learned to do in Deutschland, what a mistake to make. I studied the Menu again once my Ente Chili had arrived. Paprika was mentioned in very few of the Dishes, the descriptions typically included Tomato and Ginger. Here I had a plate of Duck in a Red Chilli Sauce with copious strips of Onion and Green Peppers. Ballast in the extreme.
For once, the Quantity of Rice was manageable, to mix or not to mix. By mixing the Masala into the Rice, a suitably – Dry Curry – was achieved. The Capsicum was easily rounded up and cast aside. The Masala was too Red and could easily have come from a jar. Surely not? One suspects that a Chilli Sauce was simply added to whatever Masala had been prepared. There was a Sweetness, a sense of Spice, the Seasoning was Fine. The Duck was Soft and required just the right amount of Chewing. The Duck was not Spiced and had no doubt just been introduced to the Masala.
Technically, this was a Poor Curry, in terms of the eating it was Quite Enjoyable. I managed to clear the plate, with the exception of that which should never have been there.
The Bill
€8.50. (£7.45) I was never offered a Drink.
The Aftermath
In my best Deutsch, I told Mein Host that I did not eat Capsicum and that none were mentioned in his Menu descriptions. The Calling Card was given, the Website shown. For The Lone Diner seeking a Quick Lunch, Shiwa is ideal.
And so back on to the U6, Alt Mariendorf is the end of the line. Here lies the site of an old gasworks. Today, it is the home of Stone Brewing.
