Bologna, the final leg of this tour, Bohemian or otherwise. Bologna, another first for Hector, another blank canvas in terms of Curry-Heute.
Initial research highlighted one venue in particular: Tikka Point (Desi Nashta) on Via Federico Venturini which runs parallel to Via dell’Indipendenza, in the heart of the city.
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Tikka Point turned out to be essentially Takeaway. A pity, Kofta Anda was reportedly a possibility.
Three tables were squeezed in at the doorway, all occupied. I have sat Marg in some less than salubrious eating joints over the years, this would have been too big an ask.
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Serendipity reared its head once more. Completely off the radar and a few units to the south on the same street lies Mirch Masala (Via Federico Venturini, 4, 40126 Bologna Italia), this was a substantial venue.
We could see diners in an adjacent room to the entrance seating area, another room lay to the back. With the fayre on display in the style of a decent Curry Cafe, all looked good. I established Lamb, Marg the Keema. Vegetable Curry, Daal and Saag/Palak were also on display.
Do we order here?
We were directed through to the large room we had seen from the street, table service.
A family from the Indian subcontinent were finishing their banquet, another group sat to my left. Meanwhile, a table for eighteen was being prepared. It’s graduation day in Bologna, eighteen – Indian – chaps would fill the table.
The waiter brought a menu. This surprised somewhat, I’ve got a bit out of the habit.
Mutton Aloo (€12.00) was the safe choice, let’s be brave: Mutton Karahi (€12.00). For Marg: Qeema Matar (€10.00). These choices demanded Bread: Naan (€1.50) and a Roti (€1.50). Spice Level was discussed, medium for Marg, more for Hector. Not crazy – went down well.
We asked for the large bottle of Frizzante (€1.50), two 500ml bottles (€1.00) arrived, they could have been better chilled.
Glasses, plates, cutlery were conveyed by staff, various. A somewhat tired looking Salad was accompanied by a Raita which had a distinctive bite. More Salad was offered when the empty plate was handed back, declined.
Our waiter brought the food, crucially, everything served was – hot. The Roti, served whole, had risen, burnt puffy blisters had formed. The Naan, also whole, had perforations, yet it too had risen. The perforations had prevented blisters forming.
The Naan was sheer joy. Thicker Bread than I have seen for a while, the Naan was was super-soft, fresh tasting, wonderful, but more than a Hector could ever eat.
Mutton Karahi
The Mutton, on-the-bone, was piled high in the karahi. One – Sucky Bone – featured plus an array of ribs, potentially quality Meat then. Fatty bits were encountered, these were few.
The Shorva-esque Masala puzzled. Thinner than one would expect, there was more than a hint of Creaminess in there. A decent Spice Level registered on the palate, however, the Seasoning was lower than the Hector typically seeks.
The soft Mutton required minimal chewing, it also gave off the distinctive Flavour of the Meat itself. Spices had been absorbed, their Flavours being released, this was Mutton worthy of praise.
Dipping the Naan into the Masala was the alternate treat. Each and every mouthful was celebrated, this was a Curry which definitely suited the Hector. Then there was a moment of realisation.
As a Karahi Gosht, this Curry failed, the Masala was quite simply – wrong. As a Desi Korma, this Curry ticked all the boxes. Hector loves Desi Korma.
Finishing the Naan was never going to happen. I managed as much Bread as was possible until the need to finish the Meat and Masala became paramount.
Qeema Matar
The karahi could hardly have held more, a big portion. The Mince had been ground to a level of fineness not found in the UK. The Oil quickly gathered on the periphery, I observed a puddle at the midway point. Marg mopped up this excess with her Roti. She appreciates the Flavour lies here. Earthy, quite spicy – observed Marg.
A Soupçon came my way at the start and a full spoonful later. The underlying Flavour was markedly different from the – Karahi. No way was this as good as my – Desi Korma.
As a counterpoint to Hector’s approach, Marg stopped eating when the Roti ran out. Enough already.
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The Bill
€23.00 (£19.96) The Salad, Raita, Naan and Roti were evidently inclusive.
The Aftermath
Our waiter had dealt with the payment at the till. He was visibly excited when it was announced that Mirch Masala would appear in Curry-Heute. A happy chap.
Menu extracts
