The Prologue
We have visited Ostia Antica, just the twelve of us. The Men from Bradford have gone home without a Roman Curry, so has Neil. Mark and Karen arrived last night, we were briefly a Company of Fifteen.
With The Ladies in pursute of Fizzy Wine, seven marched from the Forum to the park known as Vittorio Emanuel, this is Curry Land in Roma. Hector was here two days ago, Himalaya’s Kashmir (Via Principe Amedeo, 325-327, 00185 Roma , Italia) was the venue. I said I would be back, this time mob handed.
The Mob was: Mark and Karen (Swansea), Dr. Stan (Kettering), Lord Clive of Crawley, Sir Howard (Helensburgh), Craig (The Land of Green Devil) and Hector – In Transit.
The Fish Curry (€12.50) served on Saturday was given a great review, not that the above have bothered reading this tome. This was – Word of Mouth.
Dr. Stan, Clive and Howard accepted Hector’s Rant – The Fish Curry here is Outstanding. John S. even added a comment to this Humble Blog whist we were in situ to confirm the veracity of the Curry. Good timing, John. Do a runner? I have retired.
Craig took the safe option – Tandoori Chicken (€11.00) with Rice. Not a combination I understood. For Mark it was straightforward Chicken Curry (€11.00) with a Roti. Karen ordered Palak Mutton (€12.00) with Rice. The Chaps having the Fish Curry ordered Naans to accompany, Howard taking the Keema Naan option. Mince with Fish? The Breads all appeared to be €1.50.
The Biryani on Saturday was missing the Cauliflower to give the full Vegetable Experience today it was Mutton Gobi (€12.00) for the Hector with Vegetable Rice/ Biryani (€7.50).
I was once again careful enough to ask Mein Host for Thick Sauce with the Mutton Gobi. He returned moments later to confirm – Thick Sauce – with the Fish Curry. All were in agreement, we know how Curry should be.
Hector’s Mutton Gobi and Biryani were brought first. Once again it was a case of – knowing – immediately how good this was going to be. Whatever the instructions given to The Chef, this was Classic Curry, enough Masala to be – Curry – no more. Craig did not fare too well with the Tandoori Chicken, no Sauce at all. I feared this could be the case, he ate on regardless, knife and fork in hand.
The Chicken Curry revealed what could have come Hector’s way, the Masala was much Thinner, less impressive. The Mutton Palak was – Wet – but not runny, never the most appealing Dish to look at. The Naans/Roti were all plate sized, sufficient. The Fish Curry was as served on Saturday, let The Chaps commence, but only after the Photos.
Mutton Gobi on Vegetable Biryani
Not only did I have Cauliflower today, some Potato had been included too, complementing the Green Beans, Peas and Carrots. I had the full array of Vegetables plus Meat to complete the Total Indulgence. There was a decent Quantity of Lamb, the ratio to Cauliflower acceptable. One supposes that without the Cauliflower there would have been even more Meat. The Lamb was Tender to Slightly Chewy, there was even the sense of Spice from within. Having agreed on – Spicy – there was no disappointment here. The Seasoning my have been a touch below my ideal, however no complaints from Hector, this was once again a Very Impressive Curry. That I was last to finish eating was down to the Quantity of Food before me. In the end I had to leave some of the Rice, just some.
Fish Curry
Clive was not saying much. Excellent – was an early utterance, then he simply demolished his Fish Curry. Had licking the bowl been permissible, actually, there was nothing to lick.
Dr. Stan sitting at the far end of the table was quite verbose – I enjoyed it. Howard was not having a good time. His Fish had all the Bones. It’s OK, not Indian Mango – was an early comment. His Keema Naan was Donner-like inside, Flat Pink Meat, rather than Grains of Mince which we both prefer.
A disappointing Curry, said Howard, – bones. He then made the statement that surprised us all – That was the worst Curry I have had with you. I don’t think he liked it.
Mutton Palak
Karen made short work of her Mutton Palak. The right size of portion – was her observation.
Chicken Curry
Mark knew he was expected to supply a quote: That was very good, mainstream but tasty.
Tandoori Chcicken
Craig finally abandoned the cutlery and ate his Chicken properly. He even managed to appropriate some of Karen’s Surplus Masala. At home, one would expect at least a Raita with Tandoori Chicken, here nothing. However, Craig could have asked.
Five of seven therefore were well pleased with what was served.
*
The Bill
€115.00. (£89.85) Not a bad price at all.
The Aftermath
Mein Host was congratulated on the fayre. He asked me to make comments on a well known Medium. Perhaps, I shall, however more is written here.
Two more Curry Houses between the Forum and Vittorio Emanuel.
Vegetable Biryani – he replied. As this is how Marg and Hector enjoyed the Curry in 
The Masala Fish was Pink, I have no idea what it was, however, it had Substance, the Quantity would prove to be Perfect. The Masala had an Earthy Flavour, Complex, the Blend of Herbs and Spices giving the Full Curry Experience. Curry Leaves revealed themselves, the Spice Level was Fierce at times. The Seasoning was tempered by a slight Sweetness from the Fish. The Ginger Strips provided the usual – Crunch. This is the Best Curry I have had in 
Mein Host did not approach until I was nearly finished. This is Excellent Curry – I told him, thumbs up.
The Lone Diner was shown to a table mid room at 13.10. By 13.20 a Chap in a Turban took a table opposite, he ordered Chicken Tikka. Minutes later a Group of Twenty Indians were marched though to the back where a Buffet awaited. I wish I had been able to have a gander. Two Americans were the final guests of my visit one ordered Chicken Tikka Masala, Glasgow’s great Curry Gift to The World.
Despite having consumed a considerable quantity of Lamb 
liquid intake. At least Sparkling Water is cheap in Roma.
The Jeera Rice was big enough for two to share. Why does so much Rice get wasted? Who could have eaten all this Rice, and with what?
The Rome Trip has started, Howard and Hector are having 
The place was empty this Wednesday evening @19.00, so any table was ours. The Modest Menu was provided, every page was photographed subsequently. The range of Dishes was realistic, no endless Tweaks. The Lamb Chop Bhuna (£9.95) put Hector firmly in the mood for Meat, no Vegetable Curry tonight. The price was also attractive, virtually half the price for the same Dish at 
Sparkling Water for Hector, Still Water for Howard. When the Large Bottles arrived I immediately asked the cost. Twenty years ago Michael was stung for a Large Bottle of Perrier just off Tottenham Court Rd, £7.00 back then was a fortune. £3.95 was within acceptable parameters for the size given, well maybe for the Sparkling. Who buys Still Water, ah, we are in the South of England, Tap Water is terrible.
With the Chettinad served spread across the plate, the Vegetable Pulao could only be dumped on top. So much for etiquette. Sweetcorn, Green Beans, Onion, Peas, Carrot Slivers?, Broccoli and Cauliflower, this impressed. The Quantity of Rice, and yes there was Rice in the bowl, was Sensible. All was set, The Waiter watched the photographic ritual.
As Curry, the Dish was Sound in terms of what was on the plate, but why did they think it was a Chettinad? The Overall Flavour was not South Indian, what was served was Excellent, had this simply been put down in front of me with the instruction – Eat, I would be raving about it. So, an Excellent Curry, but without the Expected Flavour.
The Seasoning – was Howard’s first remark. The Seasoning was indeed at the preferred end of the Salt Spectrum. Howard, known for his generosity, plonked a Lamb Chop on my plate. The Thick Masala on the Chops was nothing like what I had been served despite the similarity in appearance. Tamarind – was Howard’s next offering. I didn’t think so. Neither of us were sure, and there was a Flavour we have not encountered, something new, always welcome.
The Keema Naan was Donner-like inside, had a Favourably Light Texture and was served at a manageable Plate Size. Howard managed most of it, any Larger would have been a waste.
Marg insisted we walk from her Mother’s domicile to Sister – Kath’s, meaning The Other Four Guests were already tucking in to Poppadoms and a Mixed Vegetable Dip. Yes, we were late, and Hector is never late for Curry.
The Vegetable Dip had a great Tang, different from the normal Spiced Onion and Raita. Being a Saturday Night, and a Party in effect, some Oakham Ales were brought from The West to the City which some describe as an Ale Desert.
This is one of Hector’s Favourite Sides. I have never attempted cooking this Dish. Given the current Fascination with Vegetables, who knows? Al Dente would describe the Cauliflower and Potatoes. The Herb content confirmed the Efficacy of the Dish. Some more please.
The Dish that Hector feared having to eat without alternatives during 
These were shop bought, however, I had to congratulate Graeme on serving Quaity Naan, Light and Fluffy.
The Aftermath
A Carlisle Beer Festival on a Friday, because I can
I was given my choice of tables, but chose the small table to the rear of the ground floor seating area which has become – My Spot. The Chef acknowledged me as a I sat down at the hatch in front of him. After a gap of a couple of years, this place is beginning to feel like – Home – again.
The Menu was brought, straight to the Vegetarian Section. Something serious has happened to The Hector since 
design of the glass. A weird moment.
The Karahi and Rice were placed before me. I have been enjoying the Vegetable Rice on these premises since the days of 
The Overall Flavour impressed, the Spice was there, the contents easily digestible. The Potato Pieces had to be halved as one would do a large piece of Meat. I was loving this. The Variety of Textures in the Vegetables gave complete Satisfaction.
The two Fellow Diners were served Ice Cream. As always, Hector declined Dessert.
The Menu was studied once again, this time I spotted a Lamb Chops Platter, £21.99 for fourteen pieces, as opposed to £6.99 for four. Still pricey in comparison to other venues. With Dinner in just over four hours, the thought of eating a Mass of Meat did not feel appropriate. Mix Vegetable Curry (£6.50), would this be the same Vegetable Curry as served as Standard, so I believe. 
The Waiter tried his best to increase the Chapatis to two, I assured him one would be enough. A can of Mango Rubicon (£1.10) would complete the Order. It was then I noticed an instruction on the front of the Menu. Next time.
As before, two Pots of Dips were provided, looking around the room, I saw these untouched at other tables. Perhaps they should go the whole way and supply a Poppadom.
Served in a Karahi, it looked like a Karahi, not the Slightly Creamy Dish that 
Carrots, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Green Beans plus the Ginger Strips were the Interesting Vegetables. The Kick was Intense, the Seasoning just on the Limit. There was a Subtle Sweetness, I would deduce emanating from the Carrots. Hector has theorised about the presence of Carrots in the Masala of my 
ressive Curry. The Single Chapati was sufficient.
As 14.30 approached I observed that some of our Fellow Diners were having an Extended Lunch. The Foaming Ale was still being ordered. Bar & Restaurant it says.
Altogether now – Potatoes, Cauliflower, Peas, and Green Beans – the Standard Four. There was enough Diversity and Texture, each adding their personality, I am becoming used to this. The Masala was impressively Thick and in no way excessive. The Seasoning was acceptable, a Medium Kick, what was there not to like? There was a wholesome, Earthy Flavour markedly different than any Meat Curry. The more I ate, the better it became. Ah, the Cauliflower had the same Foostie Taste discovered in 
The Mushroom Rice came in a sensible sized portion, the Mushrooms were Fresh thankfully. The Curry and Rice was filling, Meat was not missed. Hector will be eating more Vegetable Curry in the foreseeable.
When Hector orders this Dish there is always negotiation about what should accompany the Meat. When Potatoes can be agreed upon instead of the usual 
Having decanted all of the Mushroom Rice for photographic purposes, Marg lost out. One Chapati did not go far. There was more than enough Rice to share. This time Hector had the better experience. Next time I suppose it has to be Achari Lamb.
Eleanor, who represented Hector at the Curry Awards earlier this month, suggested a Curry for All before watching the beat combo – Slow Train – later at the Commodore. On the train down to Helensburgh, Hector met Curryspondent Kevin. One would be surprised if he does not appear in person before too long in these pages.
Visits to Helensburgh are no longer a daily occurrence and so neither are visits to the 
Marg and Eleanor have found a Dish they both love – Mint Coriander Masala (£9.00). As ever Marg would have a single Chapati, Eleanor the Boiled Rice. They would share a Vegetable Pakora, Marg holds their Pakora in the highest esteem. Such are the expectations of the visit.
The Vegetable Pakora was up to Standard/Expectation, the Mixed Combo is definitely shrinking. The Lamb Tikka Cutlets are the Highlight for me, they are smaller than previously, and more chewy. Still, very Tasty. A smaller portion means it is easier to tackle The Main Course, maybe they could knock a £ off, at least.
One could tell, whilst taking the photo, that this was going to be Something Special. Before me sat the Thickest, Minimal Masala I have seen in over a month. With the Dried Methi and Fresh Coriander on top there would be four distinct Sources of Flavour. The Pickle was Intense, the Level of Seasoning was – Brave. This might not suit some, however, IMHO, this is how this Dish has to be to extract all of the Flavour within – Tremendous.
There was plenty of Tender Lamb, the balance between Perfect Paratha and Meat had to be calculated. One can leave Paratha, one hates leaving Meat/Masala. I should order the Mixed Combo to arrive afterwards, not as a Starter. (
This is really good – stated Eleanor almost immediately. The Mint Coriander Masala in Lamb is tried and tested. Tonight’s Dish was possibly different from the previous savoured. Eleanor was sure she could taste a slight Pickle Element, I was invited to confirm, true. The Masala was also darker, the advantage of photographic records. Amazing Curry! – was her verdict. Every grain of Rice was finished, the plate licked, figuratively. And why did we receive a portion of Pilao Rice that was not ordered?
Jamie, eating the Chicken version of Hector’s Feast for the first time was most certainly impressed. Thanks for the recommendation – was his contribution. For Jamie it was the Naan which stole the show. How Big? Crazy. What’s more, having burned up the calories before he arrived, he was able to eat the lot. There is a place in 
The Bill