Yesterday’s visit to Tabaq South Asian Restaurante (Carrer de Salva 10, Paral-lel 08004 Barcelona España) was considered to be a success. The Menu impressed, I had to explore it further. The photo of Lamb Chops – Costillas a la Brassa – outside was the first thing to catch the eye when I first passed two nights ago. Hector was back for Noon Curry, this time as The Lone Diner.
Mein Host smiled as I walked in, a good welcome. I showed him the review of yesterday’s visit before I took my seat. There were even more – gracias – than yesterday.
The Menu, was brought, I asked for Chops, sadly not available today. Fish Handi (€7.50) it would have to be with a Queema Naan (€2.00) to accompany. Who on Earth orders Mince with Fish? Hector does when he is trying to establish the Quality of – The Fayre. A 250ml Bottle of Vichy Catalan completed the Order.
Mein Host brought his pone from the kitchen and asked me to load up – Curry-Heute. Other customers arrived so that was the end of our discourse.
The Fish Handi and Keema Naan arrived with a bowl of Raita. What to do with this?
The Naan looked as if it had been cooked on a Tawa not in a Tandoor, too Thin. Served in four pieces, I opened up a slice to reveal the sought after – individual grains of Mince.
I ate from the Karahi as is my custom. There was a welcomed Coriander Topping, yesterday’s Lamb Karahi needed an infusion of Herbs. The Spice hit early on, I waited for an explosion of Flavour on the palate. Black Cardamom and Cinnamon Bark were revealed as I tackled the four large pieces of White Fish. I realised my nasal passages were blocked, my taste buds were having a break. For a few moments I could not taste a thing. This Curry was woefully under-seasoned. Back to the Naan.
The Keema in the Naan was giving off a definite Flavour, the Naan was well seasoned, the taste buds were working again, I found this bizarre combination was working. This was comfort eating.
I found I could taste the Fish, even though the Flavour from this and the Minimal Masala was very subtle. Disappointment was looming. I had hoped for much more.
Halfway through, Mein Host placed a bowl on the table. It was Rice, a Dessert. It was just as well I recognised this else I would have had a crazy combination.
In order to give the Fish more of a chance, I dipped the Naan in the Raita and had this alone before finishing off the Fish Handi. It’s a pity I cannot be more positive. Too many Hops on the palate?
The Rice contained Almonds, it was cool and very refreshing. This I could taste, so I have to deduce it was the Curry that was lacking. The importance of Seasoning was highlighted today.
The Bill
€10.00 I handed over a €20 note. Mein Host did his sums then gave me €10.00 change. Muchas Gracias.
The Aftermath
Day 2 at the Barcelona Beer Festival, thirteen tokens left. That should be enough.
