Wednesday, the day the weather would turn, no more rain. Two weather apps, neither has been accurate. The day trip to Sintra went ahead regardless. The total cloud cover was unexpected, the mist up in the hills made photography a farce. There was even a hint of the sandstorm blowing in from the Sahara as we returned to Lisboa. Palacio Pena and Castelo dos Mouros are certainly worth the visit.
We chose 21.00 as the optimum time before closing for Curry-Heute at Caxemira – Conzinha Indiana (Rua dos Condes de Monsanto 4, 1º Dt. º-1100 – Lisboa Portugal), a venue I was determined to return to. Caxemira, the upstairs Curry House people walk past every day, not knowing the splendours that are served here. The upstairs locus and the décor are reminiscent of The India Club at The Strand (London).
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We were given a table mid room, I had the view of the serving area, the lady there would observe all the photography and note-taking. The Menu is not vast, realistic, not an endless list of tweaked Dishes that are going to come out of the same Big Pot anyway.
Today for Hector, Rogan Josh (€12.50) – Borrego/Lamb – of course. A Paratha (€2.75) would accompany. Marg returned to her favourite, Kheema Curry (€13.50) with a Roti (€2.00). For Steve, Lamb Chilli (€12.50) with a Garlic Nan (€3.25). Mein Host gave a Piri-Piri warning to Steve, Mr. Madras would surely cope.
Bottles of Agua com gas (€1.65) completed the Order.
All the Bread was served quartered. Why do I always forget to ask for it to be served whole? The Garlic Naan had risen to create the required puffiness with burnt extremities. Internally, it did not resemble a – normal – Naan, but did have the same airiness as that served on Sunday at Annapurna Anjos. The Paratha had layering, the swirl, but would go too crispy, not perfect. The Roti had burnt blisters and had risen. The Roti went crispy, as they do. There was actually little difference between the Roti and the Paratha. When Marg ordered a second Roti, here was the confirmation that the Bread was decidedly – small. In the end, the second Roti was not finished, but there was no trace of Naan or Paratha.
The sparsity of the décor was not the only thing which would make me think of The India Club, check the portion sizes, there were lessons to be learned here.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Eight pieces of Meat, the magical number which Chefs have decided constitutes a – portion. The – redness – confirmed the richness of Tomato in the blended Masala. Finely chopped Onion were also present, so blend the Masala then add more Onions, different. I should try this at home.
The food was hot, the Spice Level I recorded as – sharp. The Seasoning was – right up there. The Lamb proved to be delightful, giving flavour, Tender, Spicy. So many positives here lead to the conclusion that this was indeed a Curry to be respected.
Mein Host checked on our progress:
I like hot food, this is hot.
Kheema Curry
Clearly this Curry had been served way too wet. No Peas, no Potato, just a mass of Mince in a Soupy Masala.
Marg ate the lot, with the help of half of the second Roti. A Curry that was evidently enjoyed.
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Lamb Chilli
Despite the false colour in the photo, this Curry was actually – brown. The Masala had a similar Texture to the Rogan Josh. Steve ate in silence, savouring the moment. Having eaten here previously, he knew this would be a good Curry. At the end he did say he could distinguish between the Piri-Piri and the Chilli.
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As with The India Club (London), I would suggest that diners have a Starter at Caxemira, or, as I have come to realise, order three Dishes between two.
The Bill
€53.45 (£50.37) Maybe this was pricey enough.
The Aftermath
There was little point having a Curry Blog and not revealing it. A second Calling Card was issued at Caxemira, Mein Host was delighted. The lady who had observed all was brought in, she too appeared to be well chuffed. Three happy diners, two happy staff, hopefully Curry-Heute can give joy to all.
Menu extracts
