Hector spent the early years of Curry-Heute wandering up and down Geraniou trying to locate the the mythical – Green Garden. That Rajdhani has been re-branded as Curry Garden (Geraniou 16, Omonia, Athena, Hellas) leads me to conclude that it was here all along. Maybe one day someone will confirm. Google stats show that Greece has the highest readership of Curry-Heute by nation, so somebody out there must know the answer.
As I approached Curry Garden, camera in hand, a chap sitting in the doorway called out to me:
Come in, very good Curry.
That was a first in this part of Athena. This was Mein Host who then took the time to lead me through the Curry on display. After the excesses of the past couple of days, I had something light in mind, an Aloo Gobi would have been ideal. When he pointed to the Lamb on-the-bone, I said – Karahi Gosht – that was it. I had turned down Beef Biryani, Chicken Biryani and Vegetables. On asking for Bread I was offered – Oily Bread. This was declined, Mein Host was persistent. He used another term which I got hold of…
Paratha! yes please.
He suggested two, I insisted on one.
A young waiter brought two small bottles of Still Water and glasses.
As we waited I consulted a well known and reliable Curry Website, I had just ordered exactly the same as last time in these premises. That was Rajdhani, this was Curry Garden, a comparison may be required.
The food all arrived together, once again a more than adequate Salad was part of the spread: Onions, Carrots, Cucumber, Olives and a menacing large Green Chilli. This time there would be no heroics, I would nibble at the Chilli, adding the – extra bite – as required. This was my third Athena Curry with Olives this trip, it has not gone unnoticed that the quality of Olives I have been served greatly surpasses the quality served in the Greek Restaurants I have frequented.
Paratha
The Paratha Police did not have to be summoned, this was as good a Paratha as one can get. All of Hector’s boxes were ticked: served whole, soft, layered, flaky, and it had been made from White Chapatti Flour, not Wholemeal. It was also a sensible size, and had well fired areas, the Bread of the last two days has been so lightly cooked. This was a – Paratha.
Karahi Gosht
The appearance was the very definition of this Curry. The Masala was enough to shroud the Meat which of course was served on-the-bone. Beneath the Meat were traces of Oil and Masala, this was as – Dry – a Curry as one could hope for.
Astonishing!
Once more Hector had found another Curry of which songs will be sung. This was truly spectacular, was I in Bradford? It certainly tasted like a Bradford Curry. Surma was the only Athena Curry House to ever draw this accolade, Curry Garden, note the venue and no need to write a comparison with Rajdhani, this was in a different league.
The Dark Brown Masala had probably been blended, the Flavours were immense. I could see no evidence of Herbs, however, there must have been Methi in there. No Curry could surely taste like this without it.
The Chilli did its job, the Seasoning was exactly as I would have it. The Meat did taste a bit – Fatty – at times, no gristle was encountered. At the price being charged one cannot expect Shoulder of Spring Lamb. Regardless of this minor criticism, the Meat was still Tender, nothing was going to detract from my enjoyment of this Outstanding Curry.
The quantity of Meat was nearer twenty pieces than ten, that it was on-the-bone was just as well else I probably would never have managed to finish it. Because the Salad had so many – Interesting – components these had to be addressed also. Hector was in his element, Marg helped ensure that nothing was left. Praise be to Marg who was sitting there patiently, watching Hector indulge himself once more. Way better than an omelette which was Marg’s choice for brunch elsewhere.
The young waiter had done his duty throughout and checked all was well. Where was Mein Host?
The Bill
€10.50 (£9.21) Comparable to the Curry Cafes of Glasgow, Manchester and Bradford.
The Aftermath
It was one of the Chefs who took the cash. On showing the photos of Rajdhani he confirmed that despite the change of name, the people were the same. The Chefs were more than happy to pose for what came out as quite a surreal photo, then Mein Host reappeared. The photographic ritual was complete.
We were offered complimentary Dessert, Tea, anything virtually. The offers were declined, why spoil the wonderful flavours that would linger long on the palate?