There are no surprises for guessing where Hector had his Curry-Heute. We stepped in to Pak Tikka Shop – Grill House (Sapfous 5, Athina 105 53) at 13.20, it was remarkably busy. I had assumed many would be at Friday prayers, instead, these were being broadcast on TV.
Our friendly waiter greeted with thumbs up, he knew why Hector was here. I approached the counter – Kofta Anda? He pointed to one of the trays under the glass counter. I would not have recognised this otherwise. With no Kofta or Egg protruding through the mysterious Masala I deduced there was not much left.
I joined Marg at the table, she had already recognised a fellow diner wading into Chicken Pulao. Our waiter came to the table with the customary large bottle of cool Still Water.
One Kofta Anda, one Naan, one Salad. Marg added – one Samosa.
This would be a replica of our first visit here last year.
The Salad today had two pickled Chillies, these were coming Hector’s way. Marg was about to arrange the Salad on her plate whilst she waited for the Samosa, however, everything had arrived.
Samosa
Why hadn’t I ordered one? I have yet to try them. As stuffed as a Vegetable Samosa can be, look at the size of the piece of Potato inside the fresh pastry. Superb. And given what we paid at the end, no more than €1.00.
It was hot, the filling was very moist, and mainly potato – was Marg’s description – just what I was expecting.
Kofta Anda
The portion appears to be minimal, it is not. Unless one is going to put a whole Kofta or Egg in one’s gob, then what is presented has to be cut up. On cutting each of the three items in four, I had twelve bits to address, a veritable plateful.
The Masala was not the usual Oily Shorva that accompanies Kofta. I surmised that Yoghurt had been mixed in to create a Masala which took me back to the halcyon days of the Lamb Desi Korma at The Village (Glasgow). The Masala looked different from last year, or maybe it’s the flash that loses the creamy hue.
The Naan today did not have the – Wow! – as in recent visits. Still very good, there was something less here today. Perhaps it was not piping hot when it arrived?
The first dip of Naan into the Masala registered a big Kick, this was Spicy. Desi Korma indeed. All of the Naan would be used to scoop up this amazing Masala. The Seasoning in the Kofta was at the – brave – level. It appeared to be Lamb Mince which was the base in the Meatballs. The Herb content came across strongly, even a Tang, and this was before I tackled the Pickled Chillies. I cannot recall enjoying Kofta Anda as much, and the Curryspondents will know how much I relish this Dish.
Our waiter came over to check all was well.
The Yoghurt in the Masala is wonderful, these are excellent Kofta, the Herbs come through so well.
He left us, again with his winning smile. That was the last we saw of him today, so maybe it will be another year before I can capture his photo close up.
It was sometime after 14.00. Hector came over a bit strange. I felt my body shaking. Surely not a new symptom for the dreaded virus?
Can you feel that?
Marg assumed a large vehicle was causing a vibration. Nothing was rattling. Having experienced this strange sensation three times previously, it had to be:
We’re having an Earthquake.
Marg didn’t believe me last time on Zakynthos. Nobody in the restaurant was reacting. I felt myself wobble again, if I’m wrong, this is not good.
The Bill
€6.00 I am going to miss this food and these prices.
The Aftermath
I asked permission from the waiter who took the cash to take my camera upstairs. This was granted. I was surprised at just how much seating there was. A few chaps were sat in the front seating area, I carefully avoided including them. To the rear, and above the cooking area, lies a large room which would suit mass gatherings.
Pak Tikka Shop – Grill House is quite a place. Outstanding food, great service and unbelievable prices. Is it actually better than the sister shop Pak Taka Tak? Regardless, it is added to – Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses.
I received a text from Lord Clive back in Crawley.
6.6 earthquake in the Aegean Sea. Have you been all shook up?
Confirmation, and sadly lives lost.
Back on matters Covid, the Greek Prime Minister was expected to announce further restrictions in Hellas this afternoon. The Earthquake may have put this back a couple of days. Two more days is all we need.