The fourth day in Chicago, another opperchancity to add to the worldwide coverage of Curry-Heute. The Red Line took us back up towards Devon Avenue, Little India as it is called locally, a Curry Mile to us Europeans.
Karahi Corner Restaurant & Catering House (2658 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL, 60659 United States of America) was intended to be the locus of Chicago Curry #1, however, they were closed during Friday’s prayer time. Otherwise, Karahi Corner is open all day, which suits the Hector’s preferred eating style of one big meal mid afternoon.
It was 14.20 when Marg and Hector alighted from Bus 155, right outside the door of Karahi Corner. A young waiter greeted and invited us to sit in one of the booths along the far wall, two were already occupied. The décor was approaching Curry Cafe, somewhat different from the comparative splendour of nearby Sabri Nihari two days ago.
On Friday, it would have been Mutton Karahi – Bone ($28.99) which the Hector would have ordered. Not being a Friday it was a good day to have Fish – Fish Karahi ($15.99). Where in Europe is a Fish Curry this much cheaper than Mutton? Fish Curry (£16.99) was in the – Curry – section of the menu. I should have asked the difference, again, when is Karahi cheaper than – Curry?
A Butter Naan ($1.99) would complete Hector’s Order, what of Marg?
Once more, Marg was not in the mood for Curry, a Salad is what she had in mind – Chicken Salad ($10.99) would suffice.
The attentive waiter had already brought a jug of chilled water and the most modest of Salads. The Carrots looked ancient.
Pointing to what had already been provided he informed Marg that this was all the Salad they had. He could offer Cucumber. Marg’s choice – Pakoras Veg ($8.99) came out of nowhere.
Without a proper service counter, the business end of the room appeared a bit ad hoc. I saw a flask – $2 Tea. Marg enquired and soon had a polystyrene cup of Chai, followed quickly by another. This confirms Marg’s enjoyment. Milky Tea in a polystyrene cup is not how the Hector drinks his Earl Grey.
Pakoras Veg
These could well be the most massive pieces of Pakora served to Marg, though Deli Darbar (Dumbarton, Scotland) still holds the record for sheer volume. Seven, Bhaji-like blobs, and on examining the interior, this mythical moniker best describes them.
Accompanied by a Tamarind and a Mint Dip, Marg tore in. Ketchup? Untouched. It was clear that the Pakora had been freshly made, no double frying here. Potato was noticeably missing, these were made from Onion and what Marg took to be slivers of Capsicum. Coriander had been sprinkled on top, so not part of the interior in either Leaf or Seed form.
Perhaps Chef could study the British Recipe for Pakora as passed on to Hector and posted – here.
Disappointed with no Salad, I thoroughly enjoyed the seven freshly cooked pieces of Pakora. Crispy, full of onion and peppers, with no heavy doughy texture. The fresh mint sauce complemented the Pakora, else it would have become a little plain.
The Buttered Naan was round and served in quarters. Why does Hector not insist on whole Bread? Risen, puffy and with burnt blisters, this was a decent Naan.
I would manage around half.
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Fish Karahi
If this was Karahi, then I have to further speculate as to what the – Curry – would have looked like. This was as – Soupy – a Karahi as I have encountered though the Masala was far from Shorva. I am having to think hard as to why this actually was – Karahi. The abundant Masala did appear to be Tomato-based. The quantity of White Fish certainly impressed, and given the price demands comparison with a UK Fish Curry portion. The infamous Aberdoom Fish Curry inevitably came to mind, tiddlers.
The first dipping of the Naan was invigorating. There was a Fishy Flavour, not to be taken for granted, the Spice would build, there was something – tangy – in there. The food was hot, even hotter than Karahi Palace (Glasgow, Scotland) and that is quite an achievement. After ten minutes or so, I was still finding the Fish to be super-hot as I attempted to accommodate it.
Chewing? Minimal, the Texture was perfect, no rubbery Fish here. The Fish retained its integrity until the Hector broke it down to resemble the more familiar Fish Karahi as served at the great Kashmir Restaurant (Bradford, England).
From a positive beginning, whilst avoiding a burnt upper palate, this meal did change dramatically around the halfway mark. The lack of Seasoning was taking its toll. This Karahi had settled, the lack of depth of Flavour, hence a not so powerful Flavour experience, was marked. Whole Spices and Herbs were not a feature of this Karahi. It ceased to be exciting. Pulling a piece of plastic wrapping out of the mix (oops!) was the last remarkable event.
Marg watched the eventual struggle. Even Fish can take a lot of chewing when one approaches the point of being stuffed. The Naan long abandoned, here was the Hector, left with a Tomato Soupy mass, the lack of potent Flavour was creating a sense of tedium. It was time to cease, diminishing returns.
This was the only opperchancity Hector will have to visit Karahi Corner. Would I have this again? Yes, but…
This – Karahi – needed Rice to soak up the excess Masala. Karahi should not have such an excess. There was Fishiness to start which soon subsided, why was this? The Seasoning would therefore have to be addressed. Whole Spices, come on, get them in there. And to break up the minimalism of Fish and Masala, an Interesting Vegetable needs to be added, else the diner should order a Sabzi Side.
Rice, a Vegetable Side, Biryani even, and this wondrous portion of Fish Karahi means that this would have to be shared.
I did see a huge Biryani being served to a subsequent customer, impressive.
Do try Karahi Corner, bring a friend and share!
The Bill
$34.61 (£27.33) The expected tip on top was $3.39. Oh the Butter Naan had suddenly become $2.50, you cannot get away with that in Europe. For the amount we ate, no complaints about the pricing whatsoever.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the young waiter, whom Marg says deserves a special mention for his attentiveness. Awesome – was his reaction on his introduction to Curry-Heute.
The return to Downtown Chicago was memorable and is/will be told.
2024 Menu
