Two days ago when I arrived in Peterborough, I planned to have Lunch at the Market next to the Travelodge. Hopefully Daniel at Viva Goa would have his splendid Fish Curry waiting. There wasn’t much sign of life at the Market on Monday afternoon.
Yesterday I realised Viva Goa has gone leaving Embe2go (1 Cattle Market Rd, Peterborough PE1 1RJ England) as the sole supplier of Curry at the Market. However, Hector was eating Thai Cuisine courtesy of Oakham Ales. The plan for a Noon Lunch today was to sample the Goat Curry advertised on the Board outide the market perimeter. On asking for this I was told it would be Mutton Curry (£5.00).
I also saw Moi Moi mentioned on a different Board, whilst not a fan of this Nigerian staple, it could mean the availability of West African Beef Stew, Spicier than many a Curry. More research is required.
Chatting with Mein Host, Nick, I asked what happened to Daniel at Viva Goa. Unfortunately he gave up some six months ago. No more Fish Curry for Hector?
Anyway, more about Embe2go: Nick told me – Embe – means – Mango – in Swahili. He used to have a restaurant called Mango, the rest is self evident.
Steve turned up just in time to have me double the Order.
The Bill
£10.00
As we waited Clive passed by, Paparazzo duty calling.
We were presented with Rice in a cardboard box, topped with Meat and Gravy. This had then been covered with Salad and Beans, something different. The cardboard box was a first, perhaps this is the way ahead given the present bad publicity plastic gets.
I cannot use the term – Masala – today as what Liquid there was soaked into the Rice before I had a chance to study it. The food was Hot, and well Seasoned, this had Hector won immediately. I saw seven to eight decent sized pieces of Meat which were reasonably Tender, but Chewy enough to stop me eating too quickly. Beans and Parsley in a Curry was a new experience, a different Texture, different Flavours.
Steve, facing the market stall, was summoned back up. He returned with a Supermarket-quality Naan. It had a piece missing and was going to be thrown out. Thanks, Nick.
Eventually I was left with some Meat and the moist Rice which had taken on the full Flavour of everything in the box. This was a Tasty Curry, perfect for this time of day.
The Aftermath
I showed Nick the photos of Daniel etc. from last year, he was happy to pose – at his spot. Hopefully Embe2go will continue to flourish, I can only imagine how tough it must be in the winter.