Desenzano del Garda – Saffron Elephant – Prima Lombardia Curry

A reliable Bier Website confirms that Marg and Hector were last in Lombardia in 2004. Then we stayed on the periphery of Sirmione, neither of us can remember a thing about Desenzano del Garda other than this is where we alighted from the train, a cumbersome journey from Bergamo. After a day on Seafood Pasta it was agreed that today there would be a visit to Desenzano’s only Indian Restaurant – Saffron Elephant (Via Bagatta, 10, 25015 Desenzano del Garda BS, Lombardia, Italia) though we did find evidence of a former outlet – Indian Taj Mahal.

The Saffron Elephant was located yesterday, in fact we passed it a few times in our wanderings and saw no customers in either the Midday or Evening shifts. It was therefore no surprise on entering today at 12.30 that we were the only customers. Fortunately for the business, two more Diners would arrive and order Chicken Tikka Masala.  It may be unknown to – The Many – the Worldwide influence of Glasgow Curry, which has spread across the planet.

The Lady Host let us choose any table and brought the Menu which proved to be extensive. Meat Dishes are available in Lamb, Beef, Chicken, Duck and Pork. Already I could guess that the Meat and Masala could not possibly coexist if Chef was to maintain this array of Curry. Maiale Saag (€10.50) – Pork with Spinach, seasoned with Garlic, Ginger, Onions and Tomatoes – was – The Choice. How could Hector pass up on a Pork Curry? Also, the Dreaded Mush was not included, just in case I had my photo of Capsicum at the ready. As is the custom across Mainland Europe, the Main Course would include Basmati Rice as standard.  What happened to our Salad?

Marg was not ready for Curry this early, indeed even later would be an imposition. We have to eat Italian Cuisine in the evening despite my frustations about the prices here and at home. It costs pennies to produce what they serve, the profit margins must be enormous. Marg chose Mix Pakora (€5.00) which would include – Aubergine, Cauliflower, Chicken and Potato in Chickpea Flour.

When The Lady took our Order, Marg ensured that her Starter would arrive at the same time as my Main. Capsicum would not be a problem, I then asked for Spicier than Medium. The term – Spicy – brought a puzzled look, it was as if she had never heard the term (in English). I was told the Maiale Saag was Medium, I asked for – above Medium. A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water (€2.00) completed the Order. At €2.00 for a 750ml Bottle, probably the best value I have had this year in Europe, even allowing for Sterling crashing by the hour. Who voted for Brexit?

A single Poppadom and three Dips were brought. I was pleased to see Cumin Seeds embedded in the Poppadom, this makes such an impact, much more than a Big Crisp. The Dips looked fairly run of the mill, however, the Green Dip proved to have an Earthy Flavour, not the Mint I tend to eschew. What looked like Mango had a Kick to it also. My share of the Poppadom awoke the taste-buds.

Mix Pakora

Freshly made Pakora is always welcome, not the double fried served so often in the UK. The aforementioned Bits were present along with – Cheese. With plenty Dips remaining, Marg was well satisfied with her choice.

I liked the variety, it was all hot and tasty – was Marg’s verdict.

Basmati

As I have written too often, how many people do Chefs think they are feeding when they serve this Quantity of Rice? Nobody could eat all this. Cloves and Black Cardamom were present in the Rice, this I would discover added a welcomed Aromatic Flavour, simple but effective.

Maiale Saag

I have taken care writing Maiale, as Biala Malpa keeps coming to mind: in Polish it of course means something quite different. The Palak Pork was placed on a candle heater, the Dish was Piping Hot as the rising vapour in the photo of Hector shows. We like our food served – Hot. When ordering Saag/Palak in Europe one always fears it will be simply a mass of Spinach, little in the way of Masala-proper, and Creamy. The Interpretation at Saffron Elephant impressed, here was a Thick Masala and not to Excess. The Rice would most certainly absorb any extra liquid.

A Soupçon of Fresh Coriander lay atop the Masala with something white, I should have paid more attention here. I was keen to decant and count the Meat, eight, nine ten pieces in all, a Decent Portion. The Greenish Masala had only a hint of Creaminess thankfully. The Menu description may have said – seasoned with … – alas the Seasoning did not include much in the way of Sodium Chloride. Mild and Under-seasoned, what chance had the Flavours of emerging? It took time, a Pleasant Curry but not demanding in any way. Eating Pork in Masala was a decidedly different experience to my normal – Mutton.  This was far from the Pork Vindaloo which Hector was proud to have served earlier this year. The Maiale Saag was what it was.

The Bill

€22.50. (£20.09) This included a €2.00 cover charge per person. Presumptuous, but this is how it works in Italia.

The Aftermath

You like the food? – asked The Lady.

It could have been more Spicy.

In my kitchen there are no red chillies, only Indian Spices.

She then gestured towards her throat and told us about discomfort the following day. Saffron Elephant, a Curry House serving only Mild Curry. That is how it is.  Do the needs of – The Many – not ouweigh the needs of – The One?

I wonder how long Indian Taj Mahal lasted?

And so to Sirmione which is as spectacular as we remembered it. The walk from there to the Microbrewery – Hops! – is something else we shall remember. At least the Seafood Pasta made up for the ordinariness of the Birra. Where were the Hops?