Back to Brighton, UnBarred may be Hector’s favourite Bier venue in all of the UK presently, so the opperchancity to return to the south coast was grabbed with much enthusiasm. Lunch afore was required, and where better than Curry Leaf Cafe – Brighton Lanes (60 Ship St., Brighton BN1 1AE England) whose Thali impressed back in July.
The Lunchtime Menu was once again provided. Uncannily, Marg opted for Pepper Pork Ribs (£6.95) the Dish which was considered last time, but dismissed when told it was very much a Starter. This would suit Marg. Unknown to Hector, she also managed to sneak in an order of Mini Poppadums & Dips (£3.95). No matter what would appear, The Curry-Heute Campaign shall always consider this to be a waste of money.
Lord Clive of Crawley and Hector were here for the Thali Platters. Having not been in the mood for Meat in July, I had the the Aloo Gobi Masala (£11.75) which was not on the Menu today, nor was the Lamb Rogan Josh (£13.95) had by my fellow diners. That the Menu changes is hereby established. Today Hector was having Lamb – Rajasthani Lamb Laal Maas (£13.50) whilst Clive chose Goan Chicken Xacuti (£12.95).
Knowing the quality of Bier awaiting later, only a 750ml bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.00) was added to the Order, a bottle of tap water was secured also.
The Poppadoms, sorry, Mini Poppadums, were accompanied by three Dips, or – Chutneys – as the Menu suggested – Tamarind, Mango and Chilli.
That mango was excellent – was Marg’s conclusion as she nibbled on her crisps.
The wait for the main event was not long. In terms of value for money, it is clear that the chaps had fared appreciably better.
Thali – Rajasthani Lamb Laal Maas
Two Onion Bhaji sat in the middle of the tray almost obscured by the pieces of Poppadom. Marg already had her eyes on the Bhaji. Two Dips and two Sauces would have to be investigated. A strategy would be required to maximise the enjoyment of the pot of Potato and Peas – Aloo Mutter. A light and fluffy Naan sat on the side of the tray, for once being quartered was sensible else too much space would have been occupied. With the accompanying Rice, this was more Bread than Hector could ever manage, Marg would assist here also.
Having become an expert in how to tackle the mass of food on my tray, the Rice was flattened and the contents of the Curry Pot poured over. The Shorva was quickly absorbed by the Rice. I arranged the Aloo Mutter on the side of this mass, and then one’s genius was called into action. One of the Dips, Lime Pickle was sat on the edge of the Curry. I had now created multiple options: Meat with Rice and Shorva, a Diversity of Vegetables, and the possibility of Achari. Furthermore, one of the larger pots was a runny Daal with Tomato, this would later moisten the parts of the Rice the Shorva had not reached. What an array, stunning in presentation, and so many permutations.
The remaining, single Bhaji was my starting point. There is no such thing as – Onion Bhaji – Marg and Hector were told in Jaipur. Clearly though there is now, but Bhaji will always be inferior to Pakora. The ratio of Vegetable to Batter in Pakora sits better on Hector’s palate, Bhajis always seem too basic, Batter and stringy Onion, never as satisfying. Was this why I was not upset about one going – table right – or was it because I appreciated just how much food I had to get through?
I counted eight pieces of Meat, their Texture varied through soft to tender. The Spice Level impressed, quite a – kick. In time the Seasoning came through from the Rice-Shorva mix. The Potatoes were suitably soft and added another source of Flavour. Then it was time for the climax courtesy of the Lime Pickle. Having dipped the Naan in each of the Dips/Sauces, the Pickle astonished. An Achari was therefore created for the next part of the sequence, what a blast of Flavour! Excellent.
As a Dip, the Daal was not impressive, once poured over the remaining Rice and the surplus moisture drained away, the Lentils were revealed. The Meat long gone, the end game was Daal-Rice, a suitably veggie conclusion to the feast.
I had two pieces of Naan and a pot of Sauce remaining. I hadn’t worked out what this final pot was about. Did I miss out on something here?
Thali – Goan Chicken Xacuti
The greenness of the Masala was the distinguishing feature of the Curry. With Tamarind, Cinnamon and Star Anise, I can only presume that this was tasty. With no – assistance – Clive did well to eat as much as he did:
According to the menu, it had every spice under the sun in it. The sauce was excellent, the chicken was – chicken. The Lime Pickle was good.
*
Pepper Pork Ribs
A Starter indeed, but once seen, a temptation for the future. But I couldn’t then consider a Thali to follow. Marg of course had this plus that which she had purloined from the ever so generous Hector.
Succulent and sweet, tasting Pork Ribs, a lovely change for me. The Naan (stolen) helped mop up the honey sauce on the side. Oh, and the Onion Bhaji (stolen) was crispy, tasty.
Do people actually finish this? – I said to the waitress as she cleared the Thali trays.
Sometimes, and I’m impressed – was the response.
So no embarrassment then.
The Bill
£40.35 OK, a bit indulgent for a lunchtime, but bunkers were required for what followed.
The Aftermath
I don’t usually give a second Calling Card, however, if Hector is going to make himself recognised on his sporadic visits to Brighton, then this felt like the correct strategy.
