Shalimar Restaurant (532 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102 United States of America) was ignored back in 2018 in favour of Chutney Indian Restaurant across the street. What a mistake to make.
Day 46 of this trip and once again the rain has followed us, always eastwards, something to do with which way planet go.
Despite putting our clocks forward by three hours yesterday, dining today at 12.25 was not an issue. Alaska Airlines had not fed us, and there will be much more about them in Bier-Traveller. There has been much discussion with Curryspondent Bill as to where Hector should use the two opperchancities in this second, and final visit to San Francisco. Shalimar offer Goat Karahi ($14.95), there’s always the hope that authentic Pakistani fayre is what will be served.
Two tables were occupied as we took refuge from the incessant rain. Seven diners, another two would arrive. Nobody was dressed for the weather except Marg and I. Don’t they have brollies here?
The menus were brought, not a great departure from a Mainstream Curry House. Having studied this and made our choices, nothing. We waited patiently. In time I stood up, a different chap behind the counter acknowledged and took the Order. One goes up to order, one goes up to pay at the end.
Marg, sporting the cardigan which subliminally is worn when going out for Curry, was having her norm: Aloo Keema ($12.95). We would share a Naan-A-Akbar ($2.00). The composer of the menu can call it – great – we shall decide.
Tea on the menu, Marg ordered one, which was soon, two. It was help yourself, we didn’t know at this point that the tea was complimentary. Marg did bring a pitcher of chilled water from the fridge.
And so for the wait, not just for the food, the rain was predicted to stop @14.00.
Basic, cheap and cheerful, may be how to describe Shalimar. One does not come here for romance, one is presumably here for the food.
The Naan was a good size, enough to share, and finish. Round, served whole, there were a few perforations towards the centre. Despite this the Bread had risen in parts, light and fluffy, an excellent Naan.
Goat Karahi
Served on-the-bone, as true Karahi Gosht should be, there were six massive pieces. Let’s get the only criticism out of the way – the food could, should, have been served warmer.
Just look at that Masala! One could tell immediately that this was the business. Flecks from Yoghurt were mixed through what had to be a Tomato-based Masala. Then there’s the Oil separating on the periphery, Hector was home.
The first dip of Naan into the Masala revealed a – killer Flavour. The Spice was there and would build some more. Again, sensibly pitched as was the Seasoning. This Masala was the real deal.
Given the size of the pieces of Goat Meat, it was a case of picking them and gnawing. OK, there was the occasional piece of sinew. Big bones and ribs, no messing about. Fun. Alternately, the Naan was used to convey the Masala, how happy was this Old Hector?
The Desi Flavours one expects in a Karahi Gosht were present, there was a blast of Clove. Sliced Bullet Chillies had been well cooked into the Masala. The occasional Coriander stem was discovered. Here was the complexity of Flavours I have missed. I have eaten more than my fair share of Asian food in the last month and a half, its simplicity has been foiled. Curry is where it’s at, especially when one gets served something as wonderful as this.
Then there was quite an aromatic aftertaste. Where had that come from?
Aloo Keema
A dry Keema, in terms of no needless Masala. Given the quality of the Karahi, it was no surprise when a genuine Aloo Keema was presented. This had one significant difference, Marg assured me there was Keema, and pieces of Chicken also. This I hadn’t noticed whilst eating, far too busy, but this may explain the lighter colour. The presence of whole Spice marks a meal, Marg pulled out a Black Cardamom. Her verdict:
The dish had very little potato but was full of mince and very small pieces of chicken. It was full of flavour and a joy to eat. It had the right tantalising blasts and was not too spicy. It was just great.
Has Marg been at the – Frosties – again?
*
The Bill
$32.44 (£25.93) More, when the tip was added. The American way.
The Aftermath
I introduced myself in the usual manner. Mein Host was Omar, once he had the Calling Card in hand, I think the penny dropped. Marg was checking the facilities when Omar sent his assistant to fetch a cup of Mango Lassi from the fridge. Reward in advance for what was going to be a positive review. This was easily the best Curry the Hector has had in San Francisco.
The rain had abated on schedule, time to play on the tram-streetcar-cable-car.
2024 Menu
