There was no Curry yesterday! Instead, Marg and Hector had a day trip to Delphi, it took so long it could have been Delhi. Still, the experience was worth it, some great photos and a reminder that not everyone is gifted in keeping the attention of the assembled for the required duration. We have had better guides.
I had almost accepted that Buddha on Sunday would be my last Curry of this trip to Athena when the thought finally drifted into the vacuous mind – if Marg can go out for breakfast, so can Hector.
I hadn’t wanted to end the trip with a – Mainstream Curry – so going for an overdue return visit to Taste of India (Platia Theatro 22, 10552, Athena, Hellas) became the plan. Taste of India opens at 09.00, reportedly. It was 10.25 when we entered, a family sat at a table to our left. Mein Host appeared from through the back. Only two trays were on display, one had nothing of interest, the other clearly had a rich looking Desi Meat Curry, and it was on-the-bone.
Not ready – I was informed. Pak Taka Tak was next door, they would be – armed and ready. Hector would be fed this morning regardless.
On establishing the Curry was – Lamb, one portion was ordered.
€5.00 – was quoted.
I added – Naan – to the Order.
I was then asked if this was a Takeaway or were we sitting in. Mein Host pointed to the window table to the right as we had entered. Marg and Hector, window dressing.
A 1.5l of chilled Still Water was brought to the table by a young waiter. Marg had seen Mein Host redirect the waiter when he went to the fridge, the bottle eventually presented, still had its seal.
Missing today was Daniyal, son of Mein Host who has kept in touch with Hector on a certain social medium. It has been a while since I was here.
As has been the pattern in the Curry Cafes on this trip to Athena, the Curry would be accompanied by a worthy Salad featuring Green Chillies and Olives. Once again, the quality of the Olives was way above what one typically receives in the local Greek Restaurants. Two bowls of Raita were also presented, I set one aside, no way could we justify both. Marg would tell me that the Raita was particularly – Spicy.
*
The Bread
We were given two quartered pieces of what has been served in this area as – Naan. I tackled the top – Naan – it was too crispy for my liking. This, however, is how Marg likes her Bread. She dipped the Bread in the Raita and took some Salad. Having now officially become part of the meal, there had to be a Marg photo.
Lamb Curry
The excess Oil was a standout, I would eat around this. The blended Masala was also more abundant than either of the Karahi Gosht served at Pak Taka Tak or Curry Garden. The Lamb was on-the-bone, and there was plenty of it.
This was definitely a Desi-style Curry, it was distinctive without being special. The Lamb was suitably Tender, one Sucky Bone was encountered. The Seasoning was below what I hope for, the Spice Level was aided by adding the Green Chillies, a bite at a time. The Olives added an extra dimension to the Overall Flavour. Hector’s home-cooked Curry must feature Olives in the future.
Marg took a Soupçon, she described the Flavour of this Curry as – perfumy. I had no sense of the – Aromatic. For me sadly, the – Wow – that was hoped for never materialised. I have been spoiled at the aforementioned venues this week. The Desi Flavour was present, so I am being quite harsh. Had I just encountered Taste of India having been only to the Mainstream Curry Houses of Athena, which was the case when I first came here, I would no doubt be in raptures. This was decent Lamb Curry, and still way better than the Mainstream.
With the top Naan finished it was on to the second. This was much softer and closer to the light and fluffy Middle Eastern Pitta I have described previously at Pak Taka Tak.
The Bill
€6.00 (£5.17) I shall miss these prices.
The Aftermath
It was 11.00 when we had finished, two hours ahead of Blighty. So flying home today I have to turn my clock back, then again next week. Sleep patterns will be disrupted, this may call for late night Curry. Next week could be very demanding on the Curry front, watch this space.