Hector’s Big Birthday Trip and we are back at Chili’s South Indian Cuisine (4220 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 USA) for the first day of – Seattle WA, The Final Four Days. An early rise in Portland OR saw Dr. Stan, Prof G and Hector arrive in Seattle WA just after noon. With no hotel check-in until 15.00, Curry before was the optimum use of our time.
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Arriving at 13.15, I stood at the window for a moment to locate a particular photo posted thereon.
Who is that? – I asked Prof G, the most rhetorical of questions.
He was taken aback. That Hector’s photo was close to Marg’s was therefore not a surprise. You can tell people that Curry-Heute reviews are a prominent feature of the window display at Chili’s, until people see it, well…
Chili’s South Indian Cuisine was busy today, quite a contrast to this very day and time last week. Then I did wonder why people were not having a Friday Curry lunch. Prof G was introduced to Anila, Mein Host. The Professor, the Doctor and Hector, the humble Master. I know my place.
Today our table was mid-room. The waitress, now used to seeing us, brought the ice-cold tap water, not that Seattle WA is particularly warm today. A British Climate, today having British Weather.
Prof G was pointed to the business end of the menu.
Chettinadu Goat (Bone-in) Curry ($22.99), Hector’s favourite at Chili’s, had been held back for today’s visit. Prof G trusted My lead.
Dr. Stan almost had me change my mind. Chettinadu Fish (Boneless) Curry ($20.99), how had I not spotted this? On my second visit to Chili’s, a Fish Curry was had, I was assured they couldn’t do a Fish Chettinad. Having consulted a well known and reliable Curry Blog, I can state with certainty, Fish Chettinad was not on the menu as recently as 2024. That was it, no matter what, the Hector will be back on Sunday.
As is the way at Chili’s, all Curry comes with Basmati and a pair of Malabar Parotta. Spice Level was discussed. Anila recorded Hector’s 4 on the scale of 1 -5, Prof G saw sense in Doctor Stan’s 3.5.
We would wait an appropriate time. People were still arriving, hopefully Chef had some assistance.
Chettinadu Goat (Bone-in) Curry
A Chettinad with a thick, viscous Masala, only in two München Curry Houses have I found this. Chettinad does not have to be – Soup!
Unlike last Friday, care was taken in the arrangement of the Meat and Masala over the Rice. A Sucky Bone, from a Goat! Possibly a first.
Normally, when Bread is to hand, the Hector starts with a dip, not today. The Meat was so inviting, the Tenderest Goat ever encountered. Quality Meat, and so much of it. The ratio of Meat to Masala was such that careful planning would be required, else a pile of leftover Rice might result.
Spice Level 4, a kick but in no way stressful. The three dried Red Chillies, a feature of efficacious Chettinad, were set aside. Does anyone ever eat these? The subsequent big Smokey Flavour associated with South Indian Cuisine was to the fore, complemented by Cinnamon or Star Anise, both possibly. Coriander Stems, providing a bit of grittiness to the mix and adding to the pleasure. Spice, and full on Flavour, this is what Curry is about.
Then there was the Parotta, not one, but two. Soft, pliable, layered, perfect Paratha. The retained Masala was put to good use. Curry and Rice, Curry and Bread, two differing eating experiences, yet one meal. Just how much pleasure can a man savour?
Meanwhile on my right, Prof G had already declared he would want to come back. Last week in Albany NY, he visited Curry Leaf where Hector enjoyed his favourite Curry, a Desi Qorma in 2024 as part of RTW-80. Prof G did not have such a good experience, today, he was clearly impressed:
This Curry is amazing – was the second of three comments.
I like the vibe of the place, the family atmosphere.
Curry, Rice and two Parotta, somehow, last weekend, the Hector cleared his plate. Today, the final grains of Rice proved to be too much. No need to eat to excess.
Chettinadu Fish (Boneless) Curry
If the Masala in the Goat Chettinad was viscous, then this was even more-so. Indian Mango (München) and subsequently Dessi Tadka of the same parish, has long set the standard.
On Sunday, the Hector will have much more to say on this mysterious presentation. Mysterious? What is the connection between Chili’s and the aforementioned?
For the moment, we have Dr. Stan’s comment:
Excellent Curry, with different flavours coming with each mouthful. Cooked to the spiciness requested and tasty, flaky, fish.
I shall advise the reader that Dr. Stan has frequented the München Curry House which set the standard.
Bring on Sunday!
The Bill
Paying for myself and Dr. Stan only, the American game was played at the till.
$50.12 (£37.24) Amazing value.
The Aftermath
We promised to return on Sunday, although Anila advised that there is a street fair being held then. In terms of business, who knows what that will bring? We shall find out soon.