Day 73, a Friday at 11.45, how often does the Hector seek out Curry when those who cook it best are often elsewhere? Burlington VT, Back to The Future? We are here primarily for another reason, and with a 13.00 rendezvous back at the hotel, Curry-Heute had to be early.
With four Downtown venues to choose from, the elimination process proved to be quite simple, Shalimar of India (16 N Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT 05401 United States of America) was the standout.
Shalimar was empty as Marg and Hector entered. A chap, suitably attired for the kitchen, greeted and let us choose a table – the window or where you like.
We – liked – a table blocking the second entrance. The next two sets of diners to arrive took the window tables. Crazy.
The menu was brought along with cold tap water, poured from a pitcher which we were not getting to keep. More was quickly summoned, a bit warm outside already.
The menu had the usual fayre, and was quickly dismissed. Hand written on a board was Goat Curry ($15.99). This being separate from the menu raised the Hector’s hopes, the opperchancity for Desi Curry?
Marg had been out earlier and had her version of breakfast. Immediately before coming to Shalimar, we had ice-cream at, the factory aside, the source outlet for Ben & Jerry’s. No Dessert at Shalimar then. Samosa ($5.00) and a Salad ($4.00) for Marg.
Our chap was back to take the Order.
Desi style? – I proffered. There was a nod of confirmation/recognition. Oh good!
British Hot – worked two days back at India Palace (Portland ME), I threw that in for good measure.
Rice was included with the Curry, wasting Bread this early felt inappropriate.
The intention was that all would arrive together, Marg always asks. Inevitably, not the case.
Half a Poppadom, each, and two Dips plus Spiced Onion were presented. It has been a while. The threat of a Poppadom was sufficient, the Tamarind Dip enough to awaken the taste-buds which are currently struggling. The Hector appears to have caught whatever lurgy Joe in Toronto was coming down with.
Samosa
Two pyramidal Vegetable Samosas, well filled, but no Salad to accompany. Where was it?
In time it did arrive, quite a plateful and sliced Carrots aplenty. Note to Chef: grating of course makes such a difference when adding Carrot to a Salad.
An Indian couple, mother and son possibly, sat nearby, in the window.
Marg pinged a slice of Carrot into the corridor of uncertainty. Instead of taking the catch at the wicket, the chap declared – let it go! Conversation was therefore spontaneous. This was the third Indian chap to engage, Marg in particular, on this trip, the first in a Curry House. Eating with one’s hands was the memorable part of the discourse. A story was told of his father’s first encounter with cutlery – ping!
Two good Samosas with herbs, potato and peas mixed well with an abundance of Salad. The Samosas were flavoursome. I loved the raw carrot and made it an enjoyable lunch.
(But, Marg, your famed Salads always have grated Carrots!)
A new member of staff had arrived to manage the front of house. It was the original chap who brought the Curry.
The Rice, featuring some Cumin, was a proper portion, well judged, manageable.
*
*
*
*
Goat Curry
The Meat was on-the-bone, a crucial feature that had not been discussed at the time of ordering. Topped with Fresh Coriander, the Masala was screaming – Desi – Tomato Seeds easily spotted in the mash.
The Oil was separating at the edge of the platter, Hector was home.
This had to be good,
There’s always the moment of trepidation. I refer back Divine Dosa and Biryani (Las Vegas NV) when the presence of – cabbage – killed the Curry. Here we go.
Oh! How remarkable. This Curry was outrageous!
When Spice and Seasoning register simultaneously, and both are perfection, a Curry has a chance of impressing the Hector. This was a Curry in a hundred, absolutely spot on. The Flavours were immense, and I’ll point out that Bier Scores have become difficult to judge with bunged sinuses.
The Goat was super-soft, at the edge of being cooked to pulp, and easily digestible. Marg was concerned that this Curry was just too early in the day for Hector. Goat Meat – this was possibly the best of the genre encountered anywhere. No Sucky Bones, a rib plus unrecognisables, enough to gnaw at, using the fingers. Sshhh, Hector eats with – the wrong hand!
No Whole Spices, but still a Depth of Flavour was being emitted from both Goat and Masala. This Meat and Masala were not strangers. I didn’t have to 
see inside the kitchen to know that this has been cooked and allowed to rest as is the case in my favoured Curry Cafes back home (Glasgow, Scotland).
Curry in Boston MA has been ignored, Albany NY does not look promising. If this is the last Curry of the – Round The World In 80 Days – then I finish on a high note.
The Bill
$27.73 which magically became $33.10 (£21.87)
The Aftermath
Our chap took the payment, and just about appeared to understand the significance of the Calling Card. He was keen to tell us about the – Sunday Lunchtime Buffet. That we are moving on tomorrow passed him by.
If the Buffet features further Desi-style Dishes, then the good people of Burlington VT have won a watch.
What a wonderful venue to have on one’s doorstep.
2024 Menu
