Today Hector finds himself in Carlisle in the North of England. Visiting the Moo Bar is the primary purpose of the venture, but Curry duties call. The Club 55 train ticket made the day trip feasible. Steve and Hector took an earlier train than the rest of The Company in order to secure a first Carlisle Curry.
Another media website has a line of Curry outlets listed along Botchergate, just outside the Train Station. Indian Palms looked the most appealing but was not found. It was a matter of where was open at noon, Masala Bazaar (Unit 4A English Gate Plaza, Botchergate, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1RP) proved to be the only open venue in this stretch.
Mein Host was at the door as we approached. We were shown to a table for two in what was a large, bright and colourful venue. Posh Café approaching full blown Restaurant might describe the décor.
The Menu was a heavyweight, a tome.
Stated at the start of the Main Courses was the proud claim: No curry house stereotypes!
Enjoy our adventurous curries, specially selected from various regions of India. Indeed there were some interesting names and descriptions given. The Indian Railway Lamb Curry- Cubed lamb with baby potatoes, in a curry leaf, coconut, mustard seed and onion sauce caught the eye of both Steve and Hector, however, Coconut, no thanks.
Bhuna Gosht Adraki – Intensely cooked lamb with ginger, a specialty of Hyderabad – would be Hector’s Choice. This should be Thick and perhaps tending towards Dry. For a moment I considered asking for Potatoes to be added but then the consideration – let’s see what comes – prevailed.
Steve debated the Kolhapuri Tambda Rassa (Red Curry) – Fiery and flavourful lamb curry cooked with birds eye Kolhapuri chillies and potatoes, a speciality of Kolhapur, developed for its local wrestlers, is not for the faint hearted – which had a Four Chilli rating. No problem.
Chapattis, a Pair (£3.00) and a Plain Naan (£2.95) would accompany.
We were The Lone Diners, a bit early for Curry in Carlisle though Masala Bazaar is open from 11.00 to 23. 00 on Saturdays, luckily for us.
The Curry Arrived
Two bowls, not filled to the brim and a basket with the Breads. That’s the Naan? – was Steve’s first remark. Served in quarters, the Thin Naan pieces looked pitiful. The Chapattis fared no better. Two Small Thin Disks. These were poor examples of the genre.
The Bhuna Gosht Adraki had more Masala than one would hope for, at least this had a Thick consistency and was scooped easily with the pieces of Chapatti. The Lamb pieces numbered six, Four of which were large. The Lamb was Tender, well cooked, but added nothing to the Masala. under-Seasoned, under-Spiced, the words – Lamb – and – Stew – came to mind.
On spotting the Dark Red Chilli in the Kolhapuri Tambda Rassa I expected Steve to make a reference to the Spice level of his Curry, alas no. So much for the Four Chilli rating. He too remarked on the Tenderness of the Lamb but then – the meat tastes as if it was just chucked in at the end ….. not a lot of flavours … very ordinary.
We ate the lot. We like Curry, this was Curry, albeit far removed from the spectacular.
So, Dear Reader, Hector describes such Curry Experiences as – Mainstream. Is this – average? When one encounters the outrageously wonderful as we did last Friday in Lancaster, such moments live long in the memory. Few Curry Experiences are so awful there is nothing to be positive about. Curry-Heute does not aim to close venues, but to celebrate the Joy of Curry. The question for today – Should the Mainstream be classified as below average?
The Bill
£31.75. £9.95 per Main Course was pricey given the volume of Curry presented.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card and mention of the Curry-Heute Blog was greeted with a – Wow – by Mein Host. Prior to this he had been very formal and had not attempted to engage us in any conversation. A very pleasant conversation then ensued. Apparently they have problems sourcing Ingredients in Carlisle. I suggested a trip to Manchester or better still, Bradford would take care of this. Manchester’s Lahori Dera was mentioned, he was aware of this outstanding venue. I was asked to explain my preference for Bradford. Methi – was the reply.
John would join The Company on a later train. What chance this not being the only Curry Heute?