Day #5 of this trip and Curry #3, anything to avoid Deutsche Essen. The Hector will admit to having had Wiener Schnitzel, but surely that’s Austrian?
Ganesha Tandoori Indisches Restaurant (Egelestrasse 31, 96050 Bamberg Deutschland) has impressed in previous visits. Only two, I was convinced it was more. Today would be another Landmarq (sic) Curry.
The Fisch Madras impressed on Visit #1, time to apply the Curry-Heute Test, do so again. I arrived at 12.30, far too early to dine, however, the many filled tables at the front of house confirmed that some thought otherwise. I was shown through to the narrow area linking the main seating area to the vastness of the rear. I wonder if/when that is occupied. This was the same table that Marg and Hector were allocated last April before Steve arrived and we moved across the room.
Fisch Madras (€13.90) comes with inclusive Rice and a Naan. The Euro norm is the choice of either, serving both may be regarded as a bonus, however, given what is served at Ganesha, I wonder which mortals can manage both?
A young waiter took the Order, instead of the customary Sparkling Water, today the Hector opted for a 0.4l glass of Fanta (€3.50). Later this afternoon, the top price for a half litre of Bier was €3.10, just saying.
A Complimentary Poppadom and three Dips were presented. The Poppadom was well toasted and contained Cumin Seeds which always ups the impact of the experience. Of the three Dips, the Oily one was seriously – Scharf, achtung!
What followed was a near replica of Visit #1, right down to the two Onion Rings as a Garnish. Then the Naan had been cut into four, today’s was merely halved. The teardrop shape is associated with being a proper Tandoori Naan, the Bread was Buttery, but not giving off Garlic. Light, puffy, an excellent Naan, a pity I could only eat but a scrap. Bread fills, and there so much more to deal with.
The Rice portion was almost obscene, this was enough Basmati for three. Quality Rice, but quite simply a waste of food. I took what I thought I might manage, well if it was 15.00, it wasn’t.
Fisch Madras
The presentation could not be faulted. Abundant Curry sat atop the tea light stand. I decanted seven large pieces of Fish, each would be cut into three or more pieces. Fresh Mushrooms were once again present, a welcome bonus. An Interesting Vegetable always adds Diversity. The blended, Creamy Masala was as experienced previously. With a decent viscosity, the Masala was far from being – Soupy. There was enough Masala to match the quantity of Fish, perhaps, this was only element of the meal which was not to excess.
The Fish was particularly soft, spongy even. On risking being wide of the mark, possibly Monkfish (tails). I will admit to preferring a more firm Fish. The Flavour from the Fish took a while to emerge, however, the Spice Level struck immediately. This Fish was giving back a serious – kick.
The Manager, Naveen, came to make the customary check.
This is a lot of food – Hector stating the obvious and pointing to the mass that filled the table. Naveen offered more Chillies, declined.
The Spice Level was fine, the Seasoning developed as the Flavour from the Masala came to the fore. Usually, when Bread is in play, this is used for dipping in the Masala. Today, the Naan was quickly abandoned and the remaining Masala poured over the Fish and Rice.
The body clock is still not in sync with what is stated as the current time. Trying to have Curry in effect four hours before the preferred time was always going to be a struggle, but it was now or not at all. The amount of Rice left on the plate may be embarrassing, this was a mere fraction of that remaining in the Rice bowl.
Naveen approached once more, I asked for The Bill, he had other ideas. Schnapps was offered, declined. Mango Lassi, declined also. Espresso, well if I didn’t have something I felt I would have been insulting the generous hospitality.
The Bill
€17.40 (£15.33) Usually, €20.00 is the lowest amount payable by card at Ganesha. On trying to round the amount up, I was informed the tip had to be cash. The Curry was paid by card.
The Aftermath
Introductions were made once more. Naveen asked me to make comments on a social medium, I showed what was already posted on Curry-Heute. Hopefully his boss will take on board the needless waste of food.
Dr. Robin Jones R.I.P.
This evening, news reached us of Dr. Robin’s passing. This was out of the blue, it is only a matter of weeks since he was out with – The Company.
Dr. Robin has appeared in Curry-Heute over the years December 2019 marking his 70th birthday. He would have had more to say on the Mushrooms in today’s Curry.
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Menu extracts
