Introduzione
Hector has contrived to be back in Brescia, Italia. Unfinished business at the Bombay Tandoory Ristorante Indiano (Via Solferino, 1, 25122 Brescia BS Lombardia, Italia) is decidedly part of this. Could they repeat the superb Lamb Karahi I had here last October?
Leaving Milano Centrale (also the name of a Jazz outfit I saw in Roma way back in 1976) last year I spotted the Tour Dates for my long time favourite Italian Prog Rock Band – Premiata Forneria Marconi. Within days I had secured a ticket for this Friday’s performance here in Brescia, all this for Curry-Heute? Actually, I had only scratched the surface of the Bier-Scene in Brescia, another reason to return. What’s more, Steve has travelled with me, albeit he had no ticket, yet. We should have acquired – Emotional Tattoos – by the end of the week.
We managed to check in to our B&B, Corosomatteotti62, before noon which was most pleasing. The Landlord here likes his Prog, Genesis and Marillion on his sound system. Bombay Tandoory was minutes away.
Mein Host was manning the counter, no Lamb Karahi was visible, though something out of the norm was… Liver? Heart. This can be a bit rubbery, on another day I might have been tempted, however, Kofta was there. Where else in Italia can one purchase genuine Kofta?
Chicken Kofta – he informed me. Once more Hector had Chicken Curry, caught again. Knowing the Standard Portion here is not huge, I asked for some of the Vegetable Curry too, Kofta & Sabgi (€6.50) it was. The Rice was dodgy last visit, so a Naan (€1.00) would accompany. A 500ml Bottle of Aqua Frizzante (€1.00) was presented later.
That I mentioned – Kofta – by name brought an air of recognition as in – you know your Curry. I took the Opperchancity to show Mein Host the photos from my last visit on a well known and reliable Curry Website:
Oh, it’s me – he said with the same sense of surprise expressed by Captain Picard in – The Inner Light.
Steve took a few moments to survey the available Dishes. He followed my lead and ordered Kofta, this time adding – Bhindi – and – Aloo Mutter – too. A choice of Bread and Three, where does he think he is, Manchester? The two now substantial plates were put in the – Ding Machine.
Both plates arrived not long afterwards, mine had gone in the Microwave first. Steve’s had not been heated thoroughly and was sent back. Soon – Steaming Hot – much better.
Bombay Tandoory is not a Five Star venue, this is very much at the Cafe-end of the spectrum, though there is a large dining room through the back.
Kofta & Sabgi
Five Kofta were shrouded in just enough Masala. The Seasoning was full on, the Flavours immense. The Kofta were pale when opened, Chicken indeed, and whatever Herbs had been added to give the Flavour here. This was not a Chicken Curry but Kofta, quite different.
Peas, Potato, Cauliflower and three pieces of Capsicum (set aside) were present in the Sabji which most certainly was not Fresh-Heute. It was fine, here the Masala was so Minimal it was hard to spot. This Curry was far from Shorva.
The Naan was round and pale reminding me more of the Pitta served in Tel Aviv / Tiberias / Jerusalem than a Regular Naan. Light and Fresh, it was a worthy accompaniment.
The Kofta & Sabgi were thoroughly enjoyed, but where was my Lamb Karahi?
Kofta, Aloo Mutter, Bhindi
Steve most certainly had quite a plateful.
That hit the spot – he said having cleared the lot.
He was impressed by the Herb content of the Kofta. Methi? – I proffered, he thought not. Whatever, they were Tasty.
The Bill
€8.50. (£7.59) My share, we paid separately.
The Aftermath
Quando, Lamb? – I asked in my fluent Italian.
In two days – was the reply. We are here on Friday, I’ll be back. If it isn’t it could be Heart or Chicken…
Tomorrow no Curry, one we have recovered from our – Jet Lag – the Sirmione – Peninsula – awaits instead, if we manage to – Cerco la Lingua – and get an efficient Bus, – Dove … Quando? Today, – E’ Festa -, Birra.
We walked miles today, eventually securing a PFM ticket for Steve. The Chap at the ticket office at Gran Teatro Morati was remarkably helpful, even phoning me back. So, how many PFM songs feature in this Blog?