Marg and Hector collected Lord Clive and Lady Maggie at their apartment in Psiri then headed up the green metro line from Monastiraki in the direction of Kifissia to Kato Patissia. We arrived at Radhuni (‘Acharnon 291, Athina 104 46) at 13.30, possibly the first customers of the day.
The ladies assembled a table for four at the far wall whilst the Hector photographed the Curry on display. Having seen it yesterday, I knew there was a potentially decent Karahi Gosht to be had here. The Aloo Gobi had to be fresh, yesterday’s equivalent had Potato, Cauliflower and Peas if I remember correctly.
There was no menu, my fellow diners had to go up to the counter and study the photos and Dishes, Clive and Maggie would also have the Karahi, Marg the Keema. No menu, no prices. It was a given that Bread would accompany, Naan was not available, a pity, the photo on the board looked appealing. I asked for a portion of Rice also.
Four half litre bottles of Still Water were brought to the table, that is how it is. The reheat did not take long, actually it would have been better if they had taken longer, none of the food presented was – hot.
Today, my instinct took me towards Rice, maybe just for a change. Two platefuls came despite clearly asking for one, Maggie would eventually tackle some of the surplus. The Bread that came bore little resemblance to the Tandoori Roti on the board. Two platefuls of quartered Roti, they looked dry. I was told – soft but tough.
A Salad accompaniment is also the norm in Athena Curry Cafes, today Greek Salad, twice. Raita too, we turned down the second plate. The ladies took care of one Greek Salad, I left the second for Clive who is more than partial to a bit of Feta.
Karahi Gosht
Served on-the-bone, the Meat count reached double figures. The thin Masala was – Shorvaesque, but not needlessly abundant. When arranged on top of the Rice, the Masala was fully absorbed, Clive and Maggie would have a different eating experience without the Rice.
Aloo Gobi
An Oily residue sat beneath the Potato and Cauliflower which were shrouded in an appropriate Masala Mash. This Curry was primarily for diversity and for sharing. I arranged my spoonfuls on the other side of the plate on top of the Rice and started with the Aloo Gobi.
The Spice, Seasoning and Flavour were full on, the Cauliflower coming across prominently. The Texture was as it should be, soft, but far from pulp. This was most certainly a wise accompaniment, an excellent Aloo Gobi.
The Karahi Gosht was differently Spiced, the Seasoning not as prominent. The Mutton gave off powerful Flavours. Soft Meat, with the occasional dodgy piece. My discarded bone pile confirms there was plenty Meat. Across the table, great care had to be taken with the bones. Both Clive and Maggie had smaller, sometimes sharper bones.
There was a Cardamom blast yet no whole Spice found. The Masala-soaked Rice was thoroughly enjoyable, Curry and Rice, it’ll never catch on. In terms of the overall Flavour – right on the button – was my final note.
Clive, who had amassed quite a pile of bones:
Generous portion, I had bone and gristle, a couple of pieces without. The flavour was – yes – but not quality meat.
Maggie: small bones, flat and sharp. Everyone needs to be familiar with the Heimlich manoeuvre.
Keema
Or more correctly, Keema Mutter, there were certainly no bones here. The same Oily residue was collecting beneath the Mince which was decidedly moist, but not excessively so. This looked to be a decent Keema, Marg has had a few in her time:
Not hot in temperature, but spicy hot in taste. A good portion and with the added Aloo Gobi, made sure I had Mince & Tatties. Enjoyable, and the Greek Salad was a perfect touch.
Clive tore into the remaining Greek Salad, not a word was spoken. Don’t disturb Clive when he’s at his Feta.
The Bill
€32.00 (£27.57) Cash required, between us we found enough.
The Aftermath
There was a brief interaction on the presentation of the Calling Card.