When Hector arrived in Crawley this morning, he found Lord Clive studying possible places at which to pass the time on Wednesday when we’ll be mob handed, and before the outrageously wonderful UnBarred Brewery opens at 16.00. Curry Leaf Cafe – Brighton Lanes (60 Ship St., Brighton BN1 1AE England) popped up on his search, Craft Bier and Curry at the same venue? This had to be explored.
With Jonathan also in Crawley this week, the three of us headed down to the coast. Curry Leaf Cafe was due to close for a two hour break at 15.00, we entered at 14.30, hopefully at least a Starter might be offered. Three pints of Burning Sky’s Session IPA, Arise, at a modest 4.4%, were ordered whilst we studied the Lunch Menu. Does this mean there’s a Main Menu?
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Goan Pork Ribs (£6.95) appeared to fit the bill. We were after a snack, not a main meal. The waitress, who struggled with two Scottish dialects, advised that the portion was small. This puzzled, Pork is the cheapest of Meat. We were invited to consider the Thali Platters.
Thali is something I tend to dismiss, usually I am after my – dinner. This afternoon, a glorified – snack – would suit us perfectly. Keeping things light, I chose the Aloo Gobi Masala (£11.95) whilst Clive and Jonathan both went for Lamb Rogan Josh (£13.95).
I had time to take in the surroundings, one wonders as to the make up of the clientele. How many come for drinks, how many for food? That only two of the four named Craft Beers on the menu were available today may have frustrated some.
When the waitress brought the first of the metal Thali trays, she announced that Chef had made an error, she was temporarily a Lamb short. There was a portion of Chicken Makhani however, and so she placed this on the table for us to share. Nice touch.
Thali – Aloo Gobi Masala
Where do you start?
Some bits were hot, others not, so having identified what was what, eat the warm stuff first.
There were three pieces of Vegetable Pakora and plenty of Dips to choose from. The Pakora seemed twice fried but was very tasty. I then dipped a piece of Poppadom into the Dip which was not listed on the Menu – a puréed Lime Pickle. This was astonishing. I looked over to Jonathan to establish if he had got there yet, oh yes. If the Aloo Gobi was bland, this would certainly liven it up. Having now reached the Naan, I tried some of the Panchratna Dal. I was glad to find it warm with an Earthy Flavour. This was another plus.
Eating directly from the tray still felt a bit strange yet I’ll happily eat from a karahi. The so-called Biriyani Rice was there, a decent portion for what I was still approaching as a – snack. The Aloo Jeera also had Peas and given the main part of my Thali was the Potato-Cauliflower, I decided that combining these might be the way forward. Decisions.
The Aloo Gobi was topped with what I took to be fresh Curry Leaves. Green Beans were also a listed ingredient, so quite a Vegetable Curry. With plenty of solids packed into what was a Tapas metal bowl, the blended Masala would not be excessive.
The Spice was at a decent level, the Seasoning was – low – however, being my first Curry since the – assalt – (sic) at Karahi Palace two days ago, nothing was going to register. The Texture of the three vegetables was spot on, the Cauliflower in particular, retained a bit of crunch, it’s too easy to serve pulp here. The encounter with a Clove was another positive, even more Flavour. With the extra Potato and some of the Daal, the reality was dawning, my meal was far from being a snack.
Jonathan had started on the Chicken Makhani, again positive sounds from across the table. I took a piece of the Chicken and minimal Creamy Masala, Sweeter, as expected. The Texture of the Chicken was excellent, Marg, who loves Creamy Curry, would have appreciated this.
Thali – Lamb Rogan Josh
At least six pieces of Meat are visible in the photo, in the end, Jonathan counted nine, so this was far from being – Tapas. The blended Masala again looked to be a worthy accompaniment. Both chaps thoroughly enjoyed their selection. It looks as though I’ll have to try the Rogan Josh next time.
The diversity, of Textures and Flavours, plus the – shock – of the Lime Pickle, this was simply an outstanding array of Dishes, Dips and Bread. Well done, Clive, for discovering this place.
The Bill
£58.25 A disgraceful £19.50 spent on Bier, and we came for a – snack.
The Aftermath
Needless to say, it was well after the 15.00 closing time when we departed. That we were not rushed was appreciated. The Calling Card was given, was its purpose understood?
I note there is another branch in Brighton at Kemptown, note, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
