It Never Rains but it Pours – is the line I wrote back in the 2014 visit to Athena. On that February day, Marg and Hector had a very impressive Lamb Karahi at Kohenoor down at Keramikos near The Lazy Bulldog pub. Both have closed.
Today we escorted Clive and Maggie up to Syntagma where they took the bus to the Airport, no messing around on the Metro. There was a gathering which required the attendance of many Police, suitably attired to deal with what may follow. We carried on, did a big loop of a walk and were back in the apartment before the arrival of this afternoon’s prolonged thunderstorm.
It was Marg who suggested we have Curry this evening, therefore I thought we should give the Curry Cafes a rest and visit somewhere more upmarket. I was selecting a venue close to Strange Brew Taproom when messages started to arrive – Deutschland is going into Lockdown #2. We are due to arrive in Frankfurt on Lockdown #2 Day, an escape from Deutschland was formulated. Here we go again. However, if flights are cancelled a la The Escape from Polska, there are always the islands in which to take refuge.
Having lost some ninety minutes and a few Shekels, I decided we should stay local. Indian Kitchen (Apollonos 6, Syntagma, Athina, 10563) had also impressed back in 2014, the year we explored the Mainstream venues around Plaka/Monastiraki. Arriving before 20.00, there was no-one sitting inside, a couple of outside tables may have been served by Indian Kitchen.
We took the table for two at the far end. The waitress brought the Menu, nothing has changed since 2014, same prices, same choice of two Lamb Dishes, both featuring – Capsicum. I raised the matter of the Dreaded Green Mush with the waitress.
Then those dishes are not for you – was the response. No flexibility then, however, knowing that I enjoyed the version – without – previously, Marg was willing to take the risk and opted for the Lamb Karahi (€11.00). Last time, withholding the Capsicum was not an issue.
A Beef Curry was the alternative, nothing nasty here. The waitress then announced that I could have anything in the Chicken Curry section done in Lamb. Instinctively, Lamb Methi (€11.00) was requested.
Marg would have a Roti (€3.00) to accompany. In my readings before I came out this evening, I had read of an outstanding Paratha, I believed it to be here without checking. Paratha (€3.00) it was. Note the restaurant prices for Bread compared with what I have been paying in the Curry Cafes for the past week. A 0.75l bottle of Sparkling Water completed the Order. I had mooted Rice, the waitress was quick to confirm that we had ordered enough.
With no other customers in the shop, I took the camera for a walk. Two Chefs were in the open kitchen. Open, apart from the protective window between us.
The Bread was presented on a board, both sat side by side, in quarters. Peely Wally or what? The only real way to differentiate the Roti from the Paratha was the buttery sheen on the latter.
I would expect a Paratha to be made with the Butter inside, not simply spread over at the end. Expectations sank. As I ate on, so it dawned on me that this may have been a poor attempt at making the White Paratha which I love. This effort was rubbery, elastic, not the right texture at all. It did the job of conveying Masala from bowl to mouth. Marg managed all of her Roti.
Lamb Methi
Token Coriander leaves and Ginger Strips topped the Herb laden Masala. The Creaminess of the Masala was inevitable, this is Europe. My first dip of Paratha into the plentiful Masala gave the hoped for Methi blast. The Masala was well Seasoned, the Spice Level was Moderate. I rarely ask for – Spicy – so few venues ask, one would think this would be a matter of course. At least I had the correct Flavours.
The food was delightfully Hot, always a plus. Eating from the pot, it was difficult at first to establish the Quantity of the Meat, I counted to double figures, so a decent portion then. Unfortunately, the Meat was far too chewy and added little to the Curry. For once I can state with absolute certainty – the Meat and Masala had only recently been introduced.
Lamb Karahi
The same Toppings featured. The evil Capsicum protruded through the blended Masala. Blended Masala, in a Karahi?
Marg reacted to the Spice Level as often she does, though Marg has been getting better of late. When I tried some of the Masala, it did nothing for me. Hector had his Methi.
My mouth is on fire – was the next utterance. That may have been the case, but Marg admitted that she knows this does no harm and does not last.
Marg assembled a colourful pile of Ballast on the side of her plate. Capsicum of all colours, plus big blobs of Onion. Why do Mainstream Restaurants think that this is what goes in a Karahi? Why can’t the Chefs/Managers visit the multitude of authentic venues nearby and see what the Pakistanis are serving?
I felt it was spicy and a hot temperature. The meat was fairly chewy, there was a lot of sauce. I can’t complain about the peppers as I knew they were coming, but there were two large pieces of onion also. The Roti was more doughy than I’m used to. Filling.
The waitress attended our table four times during our visit. Firstly, to bring the Menu, secondly to take the Order, thirdly to bring the food, and finally to take the money. The customary question was never asked.
The Bill
€30.50 (£27.48) How many venues have the same prices as 2014?
The Aftermath
We left, without ceremony.
With so many better, alternative venues, I doubt if there will be a Visit #3.