Occasionally one comes across a venue which is not a Curry House, but does sell Curry, and something says it has to be investigated. Such is Auld Acquaintance (9 Dalrymple St., Girvan Ayrshire KA26 9EU) our first port of call for a late lunch when we arrived in Girvan on Sunday afternoon.
If proof was ever required that Hector does eat multi-national food, then the Croque Monsieur enjoyed on Sunday may go some way towards this. One helluva mass of Cheese and Ham was present.
Meanwhile, Marg had a rather tasty Greek Salad. Despite the Fetta being grated, instead of the preferred – slabs, this went down very well. If the Salad which accompanied the Croque Monsieur was anything to go by, Marg’s choice must have been wonderful. Mein Host, and Chef, Premil, came out from the kitchen to check all was well. His partner, Delphina, works front of house, both are great personalities.
Auld Acquaintance, a Restaurant by name, a Cafe by décor, has a World Menu. My decision to come this evening was to sample the Curry as Delphina predicted when we departed on Sunday. Marg need not have Curry, her choice.
A Curry features as the – Daily Special, tonight – Chicken Dhansak. You can’t win them all. The Menu has – Authentic Curry (Veg from) £10.99. Fish, Beef and Pork are an extra £2.50, £3.00 and £2.00 respectively. On telling Delphina that I preferred to avoid – Chicken – she went through to the kitchen and returned with – Kofta – as an additional alternative. Kofta – was recorded as – Malai Kofta – also – Spicy. Marg chose Penne Carbonara, however she was not about to abandon the food of the Indian Subcontinent. When Vegetable Samosas were mentioned, a portion of four was ordered to start. We were advised that they would be – small.
The four Samosas were served with an interesting Yoghurt Dip and a salad garnish. Piping hot, they packed a Spicy punch,. Potato featured prominently, the Pastry was fresh and flaky, definitely moreish.
No sooner had we finished the Samosas when Delphina brought out the Curry Ensemble.
Kofta Curry Ensemble
This was quite a spread, two brown, puffy Flatbreads, a Yoghurt Dip, Mango Chutney, a Poppadom, and a karahi containing the Kofta in a sound looking Masala. As I took stock of what lay before me, and planned my attack, Prenil came out with a Soupçon of Lamb Liver Pate.
I decanted the Rice which featured Raisins. For once, this was not Basmati. The portion was sensible.
I counted six Kofta as I arranged them on the Rice, each would be halved. With all the Bits, this would be quite a meal.
The first dip of Bread into the Masala was a shocker. What on Earth was this? Last night at Yasmin’s across the road, I struggled to sense any Flavour. Tonight it was going to be a matter of coming to terms with what I was eating. This was unlike anything I have ever encountered. Beyond – Earthy, was it the Bread or the Masala? I dipped the Bread in the Yoghurt, all was well, the Bread was sound.
On tackling the Kofta, the same strange Spice hit again, plus a Cheesy taste, not Foostie, surely? Delphina had said – Malai. That implied – Vegetable, these Kofta were made from finely ground Meat. The palate adjusted, I continued, alternating between Kofta and Bread-Masala. Small pieces of the dreaded Red Peppers were present, these were set aside. I hadn’t declared my aversion, it was a case of wait and see what comes. It was time to introduce the Liver Pate, something familiar.
Prenil came out and asked if this was the best Curry I have ever tasted. Apparently nine out of ten people have said thus. Hector, sadly, is one who says otherwise.
What was I tasting? I began a process of elimination. Cinnamon, absolutely not, definitely a Spice, not a Herb, so that ruled out Methi/Coriander. Not – Aniseed, Clove, Cumin (Seed), Tamarind, the big hitters. What’s left? Powdered – Coriander and Cumin? I must pair these when I get home and taste that combination. Or, is it possible there’s a pungent Spice which Hector does not know of?
I cannot say I could ever rave about this Curry, however, it was most certainly a – taste experience. Better than – bland – I suppose.
It took me an age to work my way through all this. Marg had long finished her authentic looking Carbonara, so ordered a Coffee with Shortbread, whilst I had Poppadom and Mango Chutney for – Dessert.
The Bill
£40.42 This was relayed verbally, and so I can give no breakdown.
The Aftermath
We did establish that our hosts are originally from Bombay and worked in London before coming to Scotland. How does one end up in Girvan?
Girvan is the quietest town I have visited in years.
