Tomorrow we leave for Portland, Oregon, today was therefore the last Curry on this Trip in San Francisco. Dr. Stan and Hector had agreed that we would eat together this evening at Brandy Ho’s Hunan Food (217 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133). It serves that style of food which is not reported on in this Blog, and rarely even acknowledged. Indeed it was definitely worth a visit.
For Lunch it had to be Curry and the final venue I had selected before even leaving the UK: Punjab Kabab House (101 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94102 USA). It’s all in the name, though Lahore Karahi did let me down yesterday with a Curry which was simply not exciting, or even authentic. Chutney Indian Restaurant did set the Trip off to a good start. Punjab Kabab House was clearly more upmarket, at least there were no tablecloths.
Punajb Kabab House is located a block to the west of the Powell Street BART station, and also the terminus of the Tram which goes over the hill to Fisherman’s Wharf. Hector can add these comments, San Francisco has been sussed.
I arrived bang on the 11.30 opening time, a bench blocking the open door had yet to be removed. The arrival of the Postman attracted the attention of the Staff inside. After looking at his watch, the Waiter removed the bench, I was able to choose my own table mid room.
The – Lunch Specials – Menu was brought, I asked for the Main Menu also. I feared what might come if I asked for the Lamb Karahi ($9.95). I totally missed Keema Aloo ($10.95) else that would have been a good Dish on which to judge the venue. I decided to go – Mainstream – and order Rogan Josh ($9.95) with Basmati Rice ($3.50).
Hang on, if Rogan Josh is on the Lunch Specials as Lamb Curry Special ($9.95) and includes Rice and a Naan, then why not? I have to save a few Cents somewhere on this Trip.
The Waiter had drawn my attention to the – help oneself Chai, I’m not a fan. He asked if I wish Beans or Mixed Vegetables with my Lamb Rogan Josh, it had to be Mixed Vegetables. I was intrigued as to how this would be presented and the Quantity. For the last two days I have been given a ridiculous amount of Rice accompanying what have been Standard Portions of Curry.
The Curry was brought at 11.50 by which time the Restaurant had filled up, a large group would keep the Waiter busy. Fortunately, I was able to take all the photos I required before the throng arrived.
Where’s the Lamb?
The heart always sinks when one encounters such a miniscule amount of Curry. Three pieces of Meat in a standard Blended Masala, almost Soup-like. The Mixed Vegetables were the standout on the plate, there was much more of this than the Rogan Josh. The Rice for once was manageable. For $9.95, plus Tax, in the USA, this was an acceptable Quantity overall.
The Naan arrived Quartered, it was Thin but freshly made. It felt closer to a Thick Pitta than a Naan. No Tandoor employed here I suspect. I dipped a piece into the Masala, not bad. The Spice Level impressed, I could taste Tomatoes, that I could taste anything was encouraging. When are the sinuses going to clear?
Two of the pieces of Lamb had to be halved, that looked better. The Lamb was suitably Tender, I could feel my mouth was registering a positive experience. The Lamb element of this plateful could have been demolished in seconds, I had to eke it out.
Mixed Vegetables Curry is something I tend to enjoy, especially when it has the Classic Ingredients as used in India. Chef knew his Mixed Vegetables Curry: Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Sweetcorn and traces of Red Chillies in the Standard Minimal Masala which tends to accompany this fine array. Sadly, I could taste very little, the sinuses, coupled with a lack of Seasoning, Even though I was not doing it justice, this was Authentic Fayre. When I returned from The India Trip, my first Glasgow (Scotland) Curry was a Vegetable Karahi at Ambala Deli Bar. This put me in mind to do this again.
The Waiter had time to come over and ask the customary question.
Yes, thank you – was the reply. There is no need to be negative, this was competent Mainstream Curry.
I missed the Keema Aloo, and so am left wonder.
Next time in this area of San Francisco: Chaat Corner is a more upmarket venue which would interest Marg, whilst for research purposes, Pakwan Restaurant could be my type of place.
The Bill
$10.80 (£8.00) … for Lunch in San Francisco. I paid three times this at Brandy Ho’s later, however, today the Chinese cuisine impressed more.
The Aftermath
The Waiter was busy and so I knew I could not take up too much of his time. The Calling Card was accepted, I bade farewell.
Now to get to Fort Point Brewing Company and see if the Golden Gate has less haze than yesterday when we were at Fishermen’s Wharf.
