Our sixth day in Hellas and still no Stifado for Hector. There’s always Curry, and in Athena, Desi Cuisine is plentiful. Clive and Maggie were up for it today. Having checked in to our respective Psiri apartments on our return from Euboea/Evia, where there are no Curry Houses, it was Happy Hour at BeerTime. Thereafter, the short walk north to Pak Tikka Shop – Grill House (Sapfous 5, Athina Hellas105 53).
At 18.30, there was not an inside table to be had this Sunday evening. For the first time, we sat outside at this venue. The waiter brought the menu, main courses have increased by €2.00 since last year, or 50%. This shows the absurdity of the pricing at Pak Tikka, or does it prove we are generally being ripped off everywhere else?
Marg, Clive and Maggie all took the Keema Matar (€6.00) option. For Hector it had to be Karahi Gosht (€6.00), a first at this venue. Previously, I have had Karahi Gosht at the sister shop Pak Taka Tak around the corner and concentrated on the Keema Matar or Kofta Anda as a change when dining here.
All Curry comes with Bread included in the price. Was it an oversight that we did not tell Clive there was Keema Nan (€2.00) available? I suspect our waiter did not believe we knew what we were ordering, he tried to distract us with his favourites including the various Chana/Dall (€5.00). Else, he thought we should order more?
Four half litre bottles of Still Water were brought, as is the custom at every Curry Cafe. The water was not chilled. On securing glasses, these were hot.
With the Dishes all pre-cooked it was a simple matter of a reheat and cooking the Bread. A basket of three Pitta/Naan crossovers were brought. Hot, light, puffy, the Bread here is always a delight. In time we were offered more, towards the end of the meal there was but a scrap left over.
A Salad and Raita were also presented, this always adds a Euro to – The Bill.
Keema Matar
A bit wet, oily even, Rice could have been a consideration. However, it’s all in the Flavour and I know from previous visits that this is special. A Soupçon of Marg’s was graciously procured, the Flavour from the Peas was quite pronounced. The three verdicts:
Marg – Rich in flavour with a good level of spice. It was a lovely welcome back to Athens.
Clive – My only criticism: it could have been twice as much … when you’re enjoying it and it runs out. Spicy, on the edge of too much.
Maggie – More peas!
So, for the first time, neither lady found the Spice challenging, but Clive did?
Karahi Gosht
Eight decent-sized pieces of Meat sat in a runny Masala. The richness of the colour reflected what was to come, Tomato Seeds were visible. Sucky Bones and ribs were attached to most pieces of Lamb/Mutton. This was a significantly smaller portion than that served last week at Punjabi Tikka. In keeping with Clive’s observation, perhaps ordering three portions between two a la The India Club (Westminster) could be the model here.
The – kick – impressed, a Spicy Karahi. Our waiter asked about the Spice Level.
Fine! – was a fair response.
This Karahi Gosht was erupting on the palate. The Seasoning was right up Hector’s street, the Flavours from the Meat and Masala were a joy. Bloody hell! – was noted.
The Meat contained some fatty/gristly bits, who cared, the good bits were worthy of any restaurant. The intensity of the Flavours kept building towards the – Wow! – moment. The mouth was on fire.
This was a truly immense Karahi Gosht, it was over too soon.
We should have ordered more.
The remaining scrap of Bread? Marg dipped it in the Raita, gone!
The Bill
€26.00 (£22.41) – For four!
The card machine was broken. This was the first cash spent on this trip.
The Aftermath
Our waiter, possibly impressed by the empty plates, took more notice. He has been here two to three years. I didn’t recognise him. The Calling Card was issued as a thank you.