Hector’s choice for a San Francisco Curry yesterday was very much his own. Today’s was suggested by Curryspondent Bill who has many connections, and even a relative in this grand city. Initially he had me jumping across the Bay to Richmond, then there was a – stop press!
Five Rivers Indian Cuisine (2245 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122 United States of America) is way to the west of Downtown, so dragging Marg that far out did not immediately appear likely. Cue a conversation with an Indian chap at The Crafty Fox, and The Golden Gate Park and Botanic Gardens were added to Marg’s wanna’ go list. Five Rivers lies a couple of blocks to the south of these.
Tram N takes one to the door, prior to this there was the matter of ticking off a certain red bridge. Eventually, and certainly hungry, it was 16.30 on a Sunday afternoon, the perfect time for Curry.
Another couple entered along with us, we were the only sit-in diners for much of the stay. They took a table in front of the counter, we sat in the main dining area to the right. Staff, we needed staff, no sign of any.
A young chap appeared, menus were provided, one for Curry, the other for Mr. Singh’s Pizza. We have succumbed to Pizza twice on this trip, as yet no Burgers.
Bill had advised that there would be no Karahi Gosht on-the-bone but they should be serving Punjabi Fayre and could make the Hector tweaks. No pressure then.
Lamb Kadahi ($15.95) including Rice, had – bell peppers – listed in the description. Trusting Bill, I asked the waiter to withhold these.
He did not appear to know what – bell peppers – are and assumed I meant – chillies. Why does this keep happening? Once that was sorted, the bigger test:
Can you add extra Methi?
This drew a blank despite Lamb Methi ($15.95) being on the menu.
Fenugreek, Methi?
I may have got through.
Above medium, Spicy – was also conveyed.
Marg was sure he wrote down – medium.
Marg stuck to the Mainstream, Lamb Rogan Josh ($15.95). To sample the Bread quality, a Butter Naan ($2.95) was added. This completed the Order.
Chilled water had already been provided.
It was an elder chap who brought out the food:
Lamb Karahi without bell peppers – was announced on presentation.
The Naan was pathetic. Quartered, even whole it would have looked feeble. Thin, not risen, and only beginning to show the required blisters.
A funny taste to it – remarked Marg.
*
The Rice for sharing was well judged. Enough, manageable.
Lamb Kadahi
This was not what was hoped for. A Dry Karahi with a Thick, Minimal Masala is what the Hector was expecting, not Shorva. Then there was the Onions, lots of them, too many. A Karahi with lots of Onions, heaven forbid what they would have served if let loose on the Capsicum.
It’s just as well there was Rice, using the Naan to eat this alone would have made a right mess. Ten big pieces of Meat were arranged on the Basmati, a decent portion. The moment of truth.
The Lamb was Tender, and may well have been giving back Flavour/Spice. The Flavour was nothing I recognised as being associated with Punjabi Cuisine. Do I put this down to being different, or plainly wrong?
No Whole spices, no Bones, what was here to impress this commentator? The watery Shorva did not. The threat of Cumin in the Rice did bring out something familiar, but the Masala itself was not delivering. In time I noted – Peppery – in a struggle to find something that might be recognisable as positive.
As one who tends to talk up the Mainstream, when that’s all that’s available, this Curry was definitely not in that category, but it’s difficult to see why I was sent here with such conviction.
Lamb Rogan Josh
From whose – Book of Curry – was this a Rogan Josh? There are two interpretations, the cursed modern – Creamy, or the Tomato-rich the Hector grew up with. What was this?
Again, a Masala which was lacking in viscosity, but maybe an improvement over the above. As a straightforward – Curry – I would have no problems with this.
The proof is in the eating, as some insist on saying, the bottom line, Marg thoroughly enjoyed her Curry.
Plenty pieces of lamb of varying sizes. I had to cut up a few. A rich tomato-based sauce. (how did Marg come to this conclusion?)
When added to rice, the sauce was absorbed, hence the meat became dry. There was no sauce for it. A very enjoyable, filling meal.
I was disappointed with the Naan, flat.
The Bill
$37.10 soon became $43.25 (£34.56)
The Aftermath
A wee girl had come on duty as we ate. She served the next sit-in customer and dealt with payment. It was to she that the Calling Card was given.
Puzzled, definitely, the thought of summoning a senior colleague did not occur to her. Was there one?
Maybe she gets these all the time?
Bill, who sent me here?
2024 Menu
