There was an early rise, today we got to see some of what makes Australia famous. Ryan, Beverley and family picked us up at our hotel and drove us to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Cuddling a Koala was just part of the fun, getting up close with kangaroos was an unexpected pleasure. Next country please.
I offered Marg a choice of styles of food for lunch. After some dodgy noodles yesterday, Marg was happy for me to have Curry-Heute. Brisbane does not offer a huge choice of Curry Houses, mid afternoon in particular. Ginger and Garlic Indian Cuisine (1/168 Adelaide St, Brisbane City QLD 4000 Australia) was nearby and open at 14.00. Behold, a Curry Cafe, with the Dishes ready made and on display, comparable to the wonderful outlets in Manchester (England). Hopefully before we get home, the chaps will have suggested dates for the next Kabana visit.
Primarily a Takeaway, there were about eight stools positioned under the shelves running alone one wall and at the window. A chap who was tucking in advised that the lady would be back in five minutes. This gave the perfect opperchancity to photograph the meal combinations. 2 Large Curry + Rice + Butter Naan (A$17.00) appealed to the Hector.
Goat Curry has been appearing regularly of late, here it was again, and on-the-bone. Lamb Rogan Josh would have had me repeat Australia Curry #1, I decided a Vegetable Curry should be the other choice. The Bagan Da Bharat (Baingan Bharta, Eggplant) had dry Methi sitting on top. A quick bit of research confirmed there should be nothing horrible in this. Methi, man, missing it lots.
Meanwhile Marg was happy to have her Indian snack: Samosa Chat (A$13.00). A bottle of still water and can of fizzy orange completed the Order.
The Bill
A$36.95 (£18.95)
The lady spooned more Rice than a Hector would manage on to a paper plate, then added some very runny Goat Curry and the thicker Bagan Da Bharat. She then handed me something warm wrapped in foil, the Butter Naan. Marg fetched me a wooden spoon. Wood again. Beverley has supplied me with plastic utensils, but stupidly, these were left at the hotel. Wood no more. Bring back single use plastic, stop cutting down forests.
I unwrapped the Butter Naan. Beverley had stated earlier today that Australian Curry Houses do not serve proper Naan. This was so thin it resembled a wrap. What’s-more, it was almost transparent, and definitely not cooked properly. Pathetic, dangerous.
Bagan Da Bharat
The Aubergine in the Baingan Bharta had been cooked-in and was therefore part of the melange of Vegetables. Peas were obvious, was that pieces of Potato that I found sporadically? The dark, rich Mash of Vegetables was well-Seasoned, and despite being defined as – mild-medium – packed a decent – kick. Here was a satisfying, full on, Earthy Curry. This was excellent, and the Hector was well pleased with himself for choosing the Veggie option.
Goat Curry
The Shorva gave the impression that it was made from – mixed Spice – the packet stuff. I have no way of verifying this, but when I see such a watery Masala I deduce it is totally lacking in Onion and I have to wonder what the base of the sauce is.
The Meat was on-the-bone, always a plus. How much Meat was there? Nowhere near enough! This portion was either miserly or a con, the bone count does not disguise the lack of Meat. One piece was chewy, two more suitably Tender. That was it. If this was – large – I’d hate to see – small.
Here both the Spice Level and Seasoning were below that of the Vegetable companion. As I ate on, so the Eggplant-based creation and the Shorva mixed.
The appetite was sated, the Bagan Da Bharat carried the meal. But what about the Bread catastrophe?
Samosa Chat
The Samosas on display did look past their best, not the most inviting of pastry. The Dish that was presented was nothing like the photo on display. Where was the mound of food? Why was this so – wet? It’s about time food outlets were brought to account for this. Neither of us could identify what was sprinkled on top.
Marg’s verdict:
The Samosa was overdone. I liked the chickpea and found the sauce to be tangy and Curry-flavoured.
The Aftermath
I placed the uneaten – Bread – on the counter still in its foil.
The Calling Card was presented, the praise for the Bagan Da Bharat raised a smile. I then lifted up the Bread.
That’s not even cooked!
Oh.
As we had a coffee around the corner, Marg commented:
That was you, nearly angry.
That’s how people get ill after eating bad food.
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