San Francisco – Chutney Indian Restaurant – The Treats of San Francisco

As is written in Bier-Traveller, Hector had not eaten for twenty four hours, the food served in Club Class on the British Airways flight to San Francisco was attractive, what I had was tasty, but at 40,000ft, Hector had no appetite. It is Dr. Stan’s Big Birthday Tour, Hector is his Passepartout. Four nights in San Francisco means three lunchtime opperchancities for Curry.

I knew there were a few Curry Houses near Adante Hotel on Geary St., I did not expect to trip over so many in such a small area as we set out last night in search of Bier. I did not expect to trip over so many people sleeping rough on the pavements either. The Itinerants bother no-one, somehow they survive, exist.

I had three venues already selected before arrival, Shalimar gave way to Chutney Indian Restaurant (511 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102 USA) across the street. When I saw it last night, I knew, this would be the venue for my first San Francisco Curry.

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Most of the venues I have seen are in the Curry Cafe category, there’s nothing posh going on here, the prices are therefore commensurate. I entered Chutney @11.30, three Diners were already present, a handful more would arrive during my stay. The Waiter was mid-room when he greeted me, I was able to choose my own table. He brought the Menu but said I would have to order at the counter. I asked about the Daily Specials, all were available, including Karahi Gosht, but none were priced. I decided to play safe: Lamb Seekh Kebab ($2.99), Gobi Gosht ($9.49) and Rice Pullao ($2.49) would be accompanied by a Fanta equivalent. All soda’s (sic) $1.25.

The Order was placed and a table number given:

Help yourself to drinks, everything else I bring.

A welcome pitcher of Cold Tap Water was brought, just as well. The sweat erupted as I took my seat, it’s warm out there today. Hector has found summer at last. A Salad with abundant sliced Onions and wedges of Lime was presented also. I assumed this was to accompany the Seekh Kebab, I noted Raita was an extra Dollar.

Gobi Gosht

All the food arrived simultaneously, and was brought by a different Chap. The Gobi Gosht impressed immediately even though the Masala did appear to be Thin and Oily. I had to reposition everything on the table and decide from what plate I was actually going to eat.

The Seekh Kebab was a portion of one as expected at this price, it was a decent size. This too had more sliced Onions and some Fresh Coriander, more than was on the Gobi Gosht. This I saved for later. The Lime was squeezed over the Kebab, it was the natural thing to do. The Tandoor had worked its wonders, the Flavour from the Seekh Kebab was intense, Spice hit at once. This was a good choice.

The Rice was more than a Hector could eat, even in this ravenous state. I decanted more than half on top of the remaining Onion and Fresh Coriander. Cinnamon Bark and Black Cardamom were present in the Rice.

I carefully arranged the Meat and Cauliflower on the Rice, cooked Tomatoes also topped the Curry. It was only after I had done this that I appreciated that the Oil I had seen initially was peripheral, here was an authentic Minimal, Thick Masala. This Curry had potential.

Five Large pieces of Fibrous Lamb were accompanied by a similar mass of Cauliflower. There was a lot of eating here. The Cauliflower was probably overcooked and did not give off the expected Flavour. The Lamb varied from Tender to Chewy but was decidedly edible. Initially the Spice Level was noted as – Low – this was revised upwards. This was a Curry which impressed the more I ate. The Seasoning was well judged, the Flavours slowly started to register. The Cinnamon had done its work, the Fresh Coriander and Onions added further Flavour and varied Texture.

I ate on, slowly, by the end there was an appreciation of having eaten a Curry exactly as I seek my Curry, Dry. Chutney Indian Restaurant is a venue worthy of consideration.

The Bill

$17.64 (£13.26). This is similar to what I would expect to pay at home.

The Aftermath

The original Chap took the cash and accepted the Calling Card. He asked for my verdict. I congratulated him on the quality of the Fayre, no Soupy Curry served today.

2018 Menu