Hector tends to average trips to España (aka – Spyne – if one is from Crawley) around once per decade. Here I am in Barcelona, Spain in consecutive months. David, from Crawley, whom I eventually met up with today, has been trying to get me to the Barcelona Beer Festival – BBF – for years. When CAMRA’s very own – Bieres Sans Frontieres – BSF – announced the AGM would be held here, that was it.
I am in the mood for intitials. An Opperchancity to mention PFM, again.
Last night, walking down the street where we have our apartments, we passed Tabaq South Asian Restaurante (Carrer de Salva 10, Paral-lel 08004 Barcelona España). There are many Curry Houses in Barcelona, the photos of – The Fayre – on display outside were enough to convince me that this was a venue I had to visit. There must be a Punjabi influence here, Mutton Karahi, and look at those Lamb Chops!
Despite eight of us spread across two apartments, Andy was the only person who also considered Curry for Breakfast to be the game plan. We entered Tabaq bang on Noon, the first customers of the day.
Mein Host brought the Menu, what a Menu! All the hoped for Dishes were there, Fish Curry, Queema too. Mutton Karahi (€8.00) it had to be with Masala Rice (€3.50). A 250ml Bottle of Agua Vichy Catalan (€1.00) would accompany. Andy took the Chicken route: Chicken Achari (€6.50) with Plain Rice (€2.50), Sparkling water too.
Piccante? – asked Mein Host.
Please.
Scraping noises in the kitchen suggested our order was not simply being taken from – The Big Pot. Tabaq is what would pass for a – Curry Cafe – in the UK. Simple décor, we were here for – Curry.
Andy’s was brought first, a typical Euro-portion of Rice. Who could eat all that? The Curry looked good. The Mutton Karahi and Masala Rice arrived seconds later. Here we go.
I decanted enough Rice, more than I would eat, still plenty left. Cloves, Black Cardamom and Bay Leaves were visible in the the Rice which had been coloured the same way as The Village (Glasgow) do theirs, lots of Flavour from this.
Mutton Karahi
The Mutton was on-the-bone, Sucky Bones were found, Excellent. I counted ten pieces of Meat, just. The Texture varied from very Tender to slightly Chewy. The Masala was Minimal, Blended, Thick. Tomato could be seen mixed in, possibly after the blending. This Curry had Pedigree.
The Spice hit the palate slowly then the realisation hit, this was a well spiced Curry. The Flavour was different from anything experienced to date. One has to assume that all Spices and Herbs are available in Spain, Salt included. This Curry was Under-seasoned. An infusion of Salt and Herbs was required. But then that would be a Hector Curry, this was a Tabaq Curry, so I have to accept their interpretation.
Pleasant, enjoyable, in no way outstanding. I had already decided I would come back here, the Menu is so attractive.
Chicken Achari
The Masala was similarly Thick and Minimal, Andy wondered if there was – enough. For me, this was ideal. The Fresh Coriander Topping would have been welcomed on the Karahi.
Are you getting Pickle? – I asked. This was confirmed.
Andy ate on. All of the Rice ended up on his plate. So it is possible to eat that Quantity of Rice.
That was so rotten I’ll have to come back and try it again – announced Andy as he cleared his plate.
Tomorrow?
Mein Host had approached to ask the customary question. Thumbs up.
The Bill
€22.50. (£19.91) Good sized Portions. Not bad at all.
The Aftermath
I gave the Calling Card and showed the Homepage.
By tomorrow you will feature.
Muchas gracias – was his enthusiastic response.
The Sweeties followed, a photo of Mein host as we departed was secured.
I’ll be back. Lamb Chops, Fish Handi.
At 13.00, Shkoor from Yadgar (Glasgow) phoned. We are all set for Yadgar #100 next Saturday. I shall be contacting all invitees to reconfirm through the week.
