In my wanderings around the so called Theatre District of San Francisco, I have observed that the majority of the Curry Cafes class themselves as Indian and Pakistani Restaurants. My choice for today and tomorrow should be serving my Favourite Cuisine – Punjabi.
Lahore Karahi (612 O’Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94109 USA) was entered just after noon, a large Takeaway was being assembled on the table adjacent to the counter. Had this not been the case I would have wondered where the Staff were. Whilst there is an open kitchen, a wall on the left of the door does obscure the Staff on entry.
I took my seat, a Menu was provided, it was quite basic, where are the Lahori Dishes? Lamb Bhuna ($11.99) with Basmati Rice ($3.00), a very Mainstream choice from a Mainstream Menu. Canned Soda ($2.00) would complete the Order.
Do you have Methi? Fenugreek? – I asked the Waiter.
I may as well have been asking for the latest Stock Exchange figures. His blank expression was not encouraging. Pronunciation? I wasn’t asking for Oregano.
My can of Sprite sat alone on the table, I had to fetch my own plastic cup and with a nod of approval from the other Chap on the premises, I took a Pitcher of Cold Water from the base of the fridge. Not as hot as yesterday, but Hector needed rehydration after an excellent day visiting four San Francisco Microbreweries.
The other Chap was the Chef, I could not see him working from my seat, however, the Waiter was now busy inserting large skewers of Meat into the Tandoor. I never saw this emerge, I was too busy counting seats. Lahore Karahi seats thirty eight in Curry Cafe ambience.
Lamb Bhuna and Rice – said the Waiter with a smile as he placed my Curry on the table.
My eyes were deceiving me, I thought I saw a Creamy, Lentil-rich Masala with Meat swimming in it. When reality struck, I was not any happier. Here was chopped Onions in a Tomato Shorva. In what way was this a – Bhuna? The Masala was far from – Thick. Either blend it, or cook the Onions to a – Mash.
The Rice was abundant, enough for two, a waste. As I put half on my dining plate so I spotted Cumin Seeds. I counted Meat into double figures as I arranged it on the Rice. I studied the Masala, finely chopped Coriander was present, plus something – Black – which was definitely not seed-like, another Herb? The occasional Clove of Garlic was encountered also. The Large Green Chilli looked menacing from the moment of its arrival. To eat or not to eat, I decided not to be so silly.
This Lamb Bhuna was Spicy, I waited for Flavours to emerge from this Melange of Onion, Tomato and who knows what else. Had my taste-buds stopped working? I was getting very little from this …. Spicy Lamb Stew. The Meat at least was suitably Tender. Because of the Soupy nature of the Masala, I had run out of moisture quite quickly, it had been absorbed into the never ending Rice. Still, I would rather be eating this than what I see the US Citizens put away. That I find disgusting.
There’s no escaping it, after yesterday’s encouraging introduction to San Francisco Curry at Chutney Indian Restaurant, this Lamb Bhuna was a major disappointment. It did nothing for me. Punjab Kabab House tomorrow, hopefully that will have authentic Fayre.
The Bill
$18.51 (£13.71). About the same as yesterday at Chutney, but there I had a Starter also.
The Aftermath
I introduced myself, not knowing how much of what I would say would be understood. I was asked how my Curry was.
I expect a Bhuna to have a Thick Masala, don’t you agree?
Our conversation was brief, my Blog says it all. I was bade farewell with – Thank you.
