The Last Day in Hellas – 2017
Yesterday’s strategy of Curry for Lunch at Pak Taka Tak left me well fed and therefore not needing another full on meal. Still, to keep Marg company I forced down some Souvlaki at a Plaka Restaurant we have visited a few times, but can never translate the name. Today we agreed that our final meal in Hellas would be Curry.
Indian Tandoori Masala (Karaiskaki 15 & Aisopou 2, Psiri, Athena Hellas) has been mentioned in these pages before. Back in February 2015 it was spotted just prior to its opening.
Our afternoon walk was in search of Bottles of Septem 8th Day (Mera) to take home, no joy. We took a walk through the back streets of Psiri heading to Omonia along Geraniou for old time’s sake. The Curry Palace/Dhaka Palace is still going strong, this is where Hector and and Marg first had Quality Athena Curry. Almost next door was the Rajdhani now re-branded as – Ruposhi Bangla. Apart from a new name, I could see little difference.
What’s in a Name?
Around the corner from Menandrou, the original site of Pak Taka Tak and the location of Chask*a Sweet Faluda Shop, is Pak Tikka Shop – Grill House. As reported yesterday, Pak Taka Tak employs three names, now we have this variant. The same people? I doubt it, Mein Host would surely have mentioned this. Hector walked in boldly, camera in hand. I pointed to my camera and the counter, a Chap gave me the nod. Behold, more Desi Curry, Athena-style. As with the other Curry Cafes in this area, not the sort of venue you would go out for an evening – To Dine. However, if one is a true Curry Enthusiast, then these are places I have to recommend.
Indian Tandoori Masala
One could be distracted whilst looking for the Curry House by Little Kook next door. A ridiculous and overpriced Cafe with a Decor which is out of Alice in Wonderland. I mention this not to bring them publicity, but to act as a Curry-Beacon.
We entered Indian Tandoori Masala sometime after 20.00. People were sat at tables outside, not for us. The Chef and the Waitress were the only two people inside. Service was prompt, a Bottle of Still water was placed on the table, I asked for Sparkling Water. Two 250ml (€2.00) Bottles were provided. The price of Sparkling Water / Soda Water has been an issue for the past few weeks.
The Menu was not overlong. I had seen a photo of the Lamb Bhuna (€9.00) online and had already made up my mind about this. I thought Marg was going to have the same but surprised me by choosing Chicken Karahi (€8.00). She has been disappointed with this in Europe too often, as has The Hector when a plate of stir-fried Meat and Capsicum is presented. The given description gave hope. I had a brief flirtation with Lamb Rogan Josh (€9.00) which claimed to have a – thick, creamy, Bhuna sauce. Two options in Lamb with a – Thick Masala – a choice.
Marg announced she would have – One Chapatti – to accompany which was strange as none were on the Menu. Roti (€1.20) was an option, instead, Marg followed our norm. We would share a Vegetable Rice (€5.00) and a Garlic Naan (€2.50). The Waitress appeared to be surprised that this was the extent of our Order. Hector was surprised too, the total for this lot would be about half of what we paid for an evening meal on the islands.
Marg had the – catbird seat – and could see all. It was she who spotted the upstairs and the Chef in action in what was from her perspective, the open kitchen:
There’s your Lamb. In goes the Rice.
The first observation was of course a telltale sign.
The Spread arrived, a Mass of Vegetable Rice, way more than enough for two. Where was this Quantity in Mykonos at Appaloosa Restaurant? With Carrots, Peas and Green Beans, this would do the job. No way would we eat all this Rice.
The Garlic Naan was a decent size. Beneath what was presented may have been a Bread similar to the Stunning “Chapatti” I was served yesterday at Pak Taka Tak. Covered in a Layer of Garlic (Paste?), the Yellow hue was off-putting, it would turn out to be – Sweet – also.
The two Curry Dishes looked the part. In no way was the Chicken Karahi a – Stir Fry. This had a Light-coloured Masala with a reasonable Texture, certainly not – Soup – either.
Chicken Karahi
It smells wonderful – was Marg’s immediate comment.
She spotted – Red Bits -, Tomatoes.
No Capsicum, I congratulate the Chef.
This is lovely – followed on, eventually:
My mouth is burning.
There had been no discussion about Spice Level at the time of ordering.
Lamb Bhuna
The Aroma gave a hint of Smoked Red Chillies, always a welcomed experience.
The Masala was – Thick – as promised. The Reddish-Brown was markedly different from the Karahi which was pleasing, not the one Sauce Pot then? Decanting the Lamb from the Large Receptacle, I knew I would reach double figures. Anyone who had a Starter at Indian Tandoori Masala would not being doing their – Main Course – justice.
There was a – Kick – as Marg had observed. Cough, yes a – Kick – indeed. The Seasoning seemed fine at the start then waned, could have done with a little more. Two small pieces of Red Capsicum were set aside, enough already. There was a slight – Fruitiness – it was not from the Blended Masala, ah, the Caramelised Onions. There was no sign of Red Chillies, so the initial aroma remains a mystery. Yesterday I had Mutton and knew it, today I quite definitely had – Lamb. This Lamb was Seriously Tender, better than the Kleftico et al served to Hector over the last three weeks. The only criticism, back to Marg’s observation … the Lamb and the Masala felt like Strangers.
For Mainstream Curry, this was as good as anything served on the UK High Street. A fine bridge between the Astonishingly Wonderful Karahi served yesterday at Pak Taka Tak and what awaits back in Glasgow.
The Bill
€29.00. (£25.44). This is more like it. Some of our bills on Santorini and Mykonos were shocking, but then Bier and Posé Wine may have been partaken of.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the Waitress and the Website shown. There was acknowledgement rather than reaction. Here again is what happens when – Mein Host – is not on the premises.
And so to our final visit of the year to Beer Time…
Update 2019
Indian Tandoori Masala became Buddha, then it too disappeared.
