Thirteen days without Curry, that is a disgrace!
The Curry served on the Greek Islands was varied. On Crete, Krisna Authentic Indian Restaurant (Platanias) and Namaste (Chania) did well, Heraklion’s Curry Park failed. On Santorini, the Jaipur Palace did their best. So why the gap?
Naxos had nothing to offer. A venue called East-West in Chora, the main town, has disappeared. Keema Mutter had been unearthed from an old online Menu there, a pity. On Santorini there was a Curry House at Paradise Beach – Indian Palace – owned by the same company as in Santorini. The Menu at Indian Palace was almost identical to Jaipur Palace with each Dish costing typically €5.00 more, so why bother.
My first meal in Mykonos was at Appoloosa Bar Restaurant where Curry was on the Menu. Daal and Boiled Rice or Chicken Tikka Masala. I was not desperate enough to have a Chicken Curry, and who eats Daal with Rice? Actually, an Indian family sat beside us and ordered the Daal with Rice and five spoons. They must have left hungry. Marg and I both had Chilli Con Carne, the equivalent a half portion each was served, the prices were a rip-off.
At least I knew in Athena, Pak Taka Tak was waiting, and many more Indian Restaurants in the Psiri district directly south of Omonia. Walking up Athinas en route to Marg’s favourite pet shop, we passed a new venue – ABC Indian Restaurant. Mutton Karahi featured in their posters, but no Curry was on display, one for the future.
Imagine my reaction walking down Theatrou from the Markets when I saw the shutters half down on Pak Taka Tak! Taste of India – it would have to be, hang on…
On Theatrou, a street which is no more than fifty metres long, about three doors down from – Taste of India – Pak Taka Tak Restaurant! They have moved across the street! I hope in some small way I have aided their success which enabled the move to grander premises, the original venue took courage to enter. However, as is written, the Chef invited me in off the street to inspect their Fayre when Marg and I first encountered this Source of astonishingly good Curry. Doing my bit for Google Maps, together we have created an address for the venue, as none was printed anywhere: Pl. Theatrou 24, Athina 105 52 – is what may appear in time.
Five tables were set up in the downstairs accommodating twenty two. I approached the counter, camera in hand, and started recording the Dishes on display. The Mutton Karahi was there, yay! Keema Mutter, Beef Karahi and a Vegetable Curry were also on offer, NB – no Chicken and not even a glimpse of Capsicum ! Mutton Karahi (€4.00) was ordered with one Chapatti, two Samosas for Marg.
We sat at one of the two empty tables. I semi-recognised the Waiter, he brought a large Bottle of Still Water, this would do. I showed him his photo from my last visit, he took the Reliable LG up to the counter to show the rest of the staff who pretty much look the same. They were chuffed. With virtually no English spoken, he asked for more, he was shown an even older photo.
A Chap behind informed us that they have been in these premises for six months, what an improvement. Marg confirmed that – The Facilities – are acceptable, though one could have one’s own paper as Bona Fide Travellers should know. As we waited, I counted three different monikers for this venue. The sign outside: Pak Taka Taka Restaurant. The sign inside: Pak Ta Taka Tak Restaurant. The Menu: Pak Tikka Restaurant. They are doing themselves no favours here.
Marg was impressed by the Quantity of Food being taken out, the Bread especially is something we have observed flying out the door on previous visits. A Raita came, then an elaborate Salad accompanied by two Vegetable Samosas, this was all for Marg.
Spicy – was her opening remark. This was of course from the Samosa which looked well filled. They were served – Warm – this visit, previously served Cold. The Hector was somewhat distracted for the next few minutes, behold the Karahi Gosht!
Karahi Gosht
The photographic ritual was interrupted to marvel at the – One Chapatti. Two Naan-like pieces of Bread accompanied the Plentiful Curry. This Bread was Magnificent, Soft and Fluffy, not a Chapatti, not quite a Naan, better than either? Previously, it was nearer Kulcha Naan.
Thirteen days without Curry, and here was The Hector about to dip some Beautiful Bread into a Punjabi Karahi, let us savour the moment…..
This Karahi Gosht would stand proud beside anything I have been served in Glasgow, Manchester or Bradford. This must be the best Karahi I have been served in Mainland Europe. There was enough Blended Masala, the Oil collected at the side of the Karahi as it would at home. The eruption of Flavour on the palate was Immense. Then the Fresh Coriander hit home, if I was an Athenian, I would be here every other day.
The Meat, on-the-bone, was cut Large, well into double figures. A couple of pieces needed more chewing, this was definitely Mutton, no Beef substitute here, one could taste it.
The Meat, the Masala, the Bread, this was – Curry Heaven.
The Bill
€8.00 (£7.00) OK, it’s not – The Ritz – but given some very silly prices I have been charged in the last three weeks, this was real value.
The Aftermath
In order to create a – Page – for – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses – I needed more photos. Marg got in on the act, so did a Chap who was evidently Mein Host. The Calling Card was given to him and the Waiter. I went upstairs to find interesting – Muriels (sic) – and a single large table which could seat perhaps ten. Chaps there wondered was what I was up to.
Mein Host then led us across to Menandrou and past the original premises, a few metres further on at the corner: Chask*a – Sweet Faluda Shop. He took us downstairs to an empty room which was ready for tables and chairs. This – Sweet Shop – should be operating fully shortly. It may take great courage for Foreign Tourists to venture down there. I suspect all will be well.
