Nirvana
There may well be further references on this trip – #MarcoPoloHotel.
A Punjabi Restaurant in Corvallis and nothing in Albany where we are staying. It was due to the relative abundance of Brewpubs in Corvallis that our second day in Albany would therefore be spent in Corvallis courtesy of Ben and Brent of Anytime Taxi.
Located in an out of town shopping parade, Nirvana Indian Restaurant (Timberhill Shopping Center 2309 NW Kings Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330 USA) was found tucked away in the south west corner. Five diners were already in situ, each taking advantage of the $9.99 Buffet, available seven days a week. 
The Lady of the house showed us to our seats, Mein Host, her husband was on hand. Hector was prepared, the contrasting photos of Lamb Karahi from my last Blog at Evergreen Indian Cuisine (Eugene) were to hand.
You serve Punjabi Curry? – I said to Mein Host.
We are Punjabi – he confirmed.
Having already studied the menu, I knew Karahi Gosht ($12.95) was an option. He looked at the photos but was not taking me on. I asked if his Masala was – Thin – as on the left, or – Thick – as on the right. He admitted his Karahi would have lots of Sauce. It was time to resort to Plan B.
OK, I’ll have Keema Mattar ($11.95), do you have Methi- Fenugreek?
Methi – he acknowledged.
Can you put some in?
With Bread, Naan?
Naan. We agreed on – Spicy.
And so he departed to the kitchen.
Lamb Kofta – Lamb Meatball Curry ($11.95) was also available. I had high hopes for Nirvana.
The Lady brought glasses of Cold Water to the table, Dr. Stan was having the Buffet. Is Dr. Stan becoming a – Buffet King?
He returned with a plateful of Chicken Makhani, Gobi, Saag and Basmati.
Chicken Makhani appears to be common in these there parts. I cannot say I have been convinced of its efficacy, but then I haven’t actually eaten any.
I’m going for a bit more – declared Dr. Stan who still had some Rice on his plate, he was going to add more, but was instructed by our Hostess to take a clean plate.
It’s the law – she informed us.
This time Dr. Stan had added Chana and a piece of Chicken Tikka to some of the above.
His appetite sated, he concluded with his famous:
Mmmmm. That was quite tasty, certainly compared to Eugene which was mostly tasteless.
My Keema Mattar, Rice and Naan arrived just as Dr. Stan was tucking into Round #2.
It looks good – I reassured Mein Host.
It is Spicy – said Mein Host.
I was not expecting Rice and Bread. At previous venues on this Trip, it has been either or. The Rice was plentiful and looked a bit – Sticky. The Naan was Thin, Greasy, not the best. Look at the Keema Mattar!
The portion was huge. The Masala appropriately – Minimal – and what there was looked – Gloopy. Fresh Coriander and uncooked Tomato topped the abundant Mince. The Peas were smaller than I am used to. This was – The Full Bhuna.
The Spice hit hard, Chopped Green Chillies were in the Melange. The Seasoning was below what I would hope for. The Peas were more firm than I am used to, a different strain. There was an underlying Gritty Texture which was most pleasing, partly the Peas, possibly also Coriander Stems in there too, and the Chillies.
Initially I was very pleased with what I was eating, then I realised my palate was picking up a Soapy Taste. I put it down to the Peas. What was easily going to be – The Best Curry I have ever had in the USA – was no longer going on that pedestal. A pity. It happens occasionally, I simply didn’t like it.
I had eaten less than half of the Naan, there was more Rice than I could ever eat. Our Hostess offered – to box – what remained. We have a microwave in our accommodation, but I was not for carrying this all day, anyway, I had had enough. I was not taking any chances, I felt there was something in there that was not right (for me). Three hours later… and it is very rare that Indian food affects the Curry Monster in this way.
The Bill
£24.44 (£18.24) For two meals, very good value.
The Aftermath
As I paid the lady at the till, so Mein Host came out from the kitchen. I introduced myslef, gave the calling Card and used my Line which sometimes works:
I have eaten Curry all over the World.
His response was nothing I ever expected:
Have you been to Israel?
He even pronounced – Israe-el – correctly.
Yes, Emek Hayarden.
This drew a blank response.
Tel Aviv?
I pressed the link on the LG which has been operating at a snail’s pace for the last eleven days.
I showed him the Blog from 2010, the first year of Curry-Heute. The Blog format had yet to be established.
This is where he worked for some ten years, but back in the 1990s. He spoke fondly of his time working in Dizengoff. He also mentioned the other branch at the Crown Plaza, Jerusalem, which Marg and Hector had failed to locate. Google Maps were not so efficient back then.
Dr. Stan was perplexed, a random restaurant in a random country was mentioned, Hector has been there and could prove it.