Day 3 in Durham, it has become apparent that like Halifax, Curry is not served at Lunchtime. The plan this afternoon was to drive to the coast. Arriving in Seaham, County Durham, it rained for much of the afternoon; whatever charm this town has was lost. How could the day be rescued? By staying on for Curry-Heute!
Sagar Indian Restaurant (East Shore Village, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7XR, England) stood out in the Reviews from other sources, the locus was puzzling at first. Sagar lies in a modern shopping parade on the Coast Road at the northern end of Seaham, just in case there is any doubt. FYI, the wi-fi from the premises next door to them comes in very useful.
Two Diners were in situ when Marg and Hector entered just after the 17.00 opening time. Four more would arrive during our stay, including two Scots, yay!
Two Chaps were on duty, both were involved in our allocation of a table for two and the taking of the order. Advice had to be taken, both of us had spotted the Special Lamb Dish on the menu:
SAGAR – Exclusive Lamb (£14.95) – A special cut of spring lamb tikka cooked with minced meat in a method of a traditional manner as to preserve the flavour and authenticity of the dish. It is a dish full of flavour and pleasantly aromatic and of medium strength. With Rice & Side Vegetable.
The use of Tikka Lamb put us both off, though this turned out to be somewhat ironic as this Blog Entry shall reveal.
The Usual, The Mainstream, one always hopes for more, Duck for a change. Hector’s choice this evening was – Bhuna Masala Hansh (£10.50) – Tender slices of Duck breast cooked with garlic, onions, masala spices with coriander and fresh herbs.
Methi did not appear anywhere on the Sagar Menu. The waiter confirmed the presence of a Thick Masala, when challenged on the use of Capsicum, he admitted that finely cut pieces could have been incorporated into the making of the Masala along with the Onions. The Dreaded Large Chunks would not be forthcoming.
Marg was in the mood for Lamb Chops, she tends to order these as an alternative to Curry, proper. What to have with them was her next decision. The Waiter informed her that the Lamb Chops were served with a Mint Sauce and Salad. As neither Rice or Bread would really be necessary, this added to the dilemma that was developing. Lamb Chop Bhuna (£8.95) – Home style lamb chop on the bone marinated overnight with Chef ’s special spices then cooked in the tandoori oven with garlic, ginger, onions and coriander – is what Marg had in mind. To this, add one Chapatti (£0.95). This is the best priced Chapatti we have encountered in recent times. A Plain Paratha was a sensible £2.25, assuming that either should really be charged for. Instead, Vegetable Pilao (£3.25) was chosen by Hector, again, the withholding of any Capsicum was agreed.
A Large Bottle of Sparkling Water £3.95 completed the Order.
The First Couple were presented with a Substantial Starter which they must have devoured in great haste, before I knew it, their Mains had arrived. I was kept amused by the lights in the photo on the opposite wall periodically changing. My view of the Bright, Spacious premises was through the mirror which ran the full length of the wall. No Starters? Enquired the other Waiter as he removed the surplus cutlery.
We cannot eat a Starter then finish a Curry – Marg informed him.
When our Order arrived I immediately congratulated Marg on having selected the Better Curry. The Large Plate of Chops in a Superbly Thick, and in no way Excessive, Masala could have been served up anywhere in a Curry House in Glasgow/Bradford, here we were on the North-East Coast. Home style lamb chop – The Menu stated, Desi – by any other description. When bitten into, the Chops were still slightly – Pink inside, not Tandoori Chops as I know they should not have been. Four Chops were provided, these were not the Tiny affairs one encounters normally, Twice the size, and they had Girth. Marg said she would keep one for me. I have a Lovely Wife.
I like the sauce, this is lovely. The Mango was very much the Standout Flavour I was informed. I let her get on with it, time to tackle the Duck.
The Vegetable Pilao was approaching Microscopic. Too often I complain, especially in Europe that the Complimentary Rice would feed three, there was just enough for one person. Potatoes, Carrots and Green Beans were mixed through the Rice, if the Overall Portion was Small, then one can work out the Quantity of Included Vegetable.
The Bhuna Masala Hansh was worryingly – Red – not more Food Colouring? The Masala was suitably Thick, the Quantity made Rice the correct accompaniment. As the pieces of Duck were decanted, I counted Six, not many I thought. As I addressed the Duck I realised that two pieces at least would require halving. There was enough meat, just. Perhaps the statement above about not requiring a Starter was inappropriate, anyway, not approaching London Portions.
The Spice Level was not a challenge, I had not asked for – Spicy. The Seasoning seemed – under – to begin with, as I progressed so more and more Flavour emerged from the Melange, the level of Seasoning was commendable. The Spring Onion Topping gave the Masala a welcomed – Crunch. I appear to have been writing this with increasing regularity of late. Are Spring Onions replacing Ginger Strips? Cybies may be in season, cheaper… far easier to prepare.
The Duck was proving to be a major departure from my normal – Tender Lamb. The Flavour was wholesome, that there was Flavour/Spice made me speculate as to whether this was Duck Tikka. Look for skewer holes – suggested Marg when I had one piece left. Perhaps I spotted one.
My eyes were still feasting across the table. I had tried some of Marg’s Masala earlier, the same Gritty, earthy Texture that my Duck Dish possessed, though Marg’s was definitely – Sweeter. It was time for me to try the remaining Lamb Chop. One bite… No! Sorry, this does not work after what I have just eaten, too much of a Conflict of Flavour.
Of the Chops, Marg insisted she could find no sense of the claimed overnight marinade. What she was actually hoping for was Lamb Chops Curry as served at The International in Bradford where they pour a Masala over the Tandoori Chops, yes, that is cheating. Wouldn’t she therefore have been better order the Tandoori Chops served with the Mint Sauce and Salad? Still, I thought what she was given was Magnificent, despite the fact that the Two Masalas were not Complementary on The Hector Palate.
The Bill
£27.60. A Standard Price.
The Aftermath
I approached the Waiter with my Calling Card and showed him the Curry-Heute Website. Admitting that this was a hobby and not my job appeared to surprise, perhaps relieve.
What happens next? – he asked. A good question: people will either find this positive review and drive for miles to dine here, or they will not.
Dear Reader if you have not done so recently, go to Google and enter – UK Curry Blog.
Seaham’s Sagar Indian Restaurant is a welcomed addition to Curry-Heute, our visit was a memorable experience, look again at the Lamb Chops Bhuna.
The other Curry Sources in Seaham
Walking from the the Travelodge along Gilesegate and then Claypath, we passed The Capital and the Rajpooth Tandoori, Hector’s objective was the – intimate and family run – Shaheens just outside the Castle. It is closed on a Sunday I discovered, Tuesday Lunchtime may be my only opperchancity now.
We were shown to a table for two at the far end where the seating area narrows. Marg had all the view, counted fourteen fellow diners and estimated the place to be a third full.
The Menu had the Mainstream Array of Curry one expects with a section on Balti also, the latter were a Pound or so dearer for no apparent reason. We both reached the Fish Curry list, at £10.95 for each of our choices, better value. Again, I never understand why Fish Curry can be more expensive than Meat.
On spotting the Karai Ayre (£10.95) – Fillet of Ayre cooked in the karai with green chilli, fresh ginger, garlic, tomatoes, onion and capsicum – it had to be. How many Curry Houses attempt to serve a Fish Karahi? However, the Mainstream was anticipated, no Desi here.
The Karai Ayre was delightfully Pale, reminiscent of the Excellent Machi Masala served at Glasgow’s 
The Macher Molee was Red, very Red. Food Colouring to the fore, and violating one of the key elements of 
Ayre, or Ayer, is Catfish I have now established. There was a slight Sweetness from the Fish as Sources suggest one can expect. It is good to find – Fish – identified, and not just classified as – Masala Fish. The Kick from the Masala was Modest, when the Fresh Green Chillies were bitten into, Gosh! The Curry was lacking in Seasoning, which should not happen with Fish, Freshwater Catfish, is there any other kind? The Quantity of Ayre was Sufficient, again I have been to too many establishments which overcharge for Fish then skimp on the Portion. Despite the Onion Overdose, I had no regrets ordering this, until…
Kenny is on holiday, his long Summer Holiday, and so is free in the daytime pro tem. He proposed a Curry Rendezvous, I proposed a new venue.
I phoned on my way into town and discussed our options. The Handi Gosht is sold in two quantities: £10.99 for a Regular Portion, £16.99 for Large. This is a system I endorse whenever it is encountered.
Whoever was on the other end of the phone convinced me that a Large Portion would be enough for two to share. We are used to sharing a Kilo of Lamb on-the-bone, just how large – Large – would be… no weight was mentioned. The phone-call was otherwise very precise, the portion size, Lamb, on-the-bone, Spicier than Medium, 16.00.
I suggested we have Mixed Vegetable Curry (£6.50) to accompany. This should lead to – The Excess – we are used to. I particularly enjoyed the Mixed Vegetables I had on my 
The Portion of Spiced Onions was quite Modest.
The Large Handi Gosht had more than enough Tender Lamb to share. The Masala was the Thick Mash that only the Very Best of venues can serve. The Vegetable Oil was collecting around the edges of the Karahi, can’t wait to dip.
The Mixed Vegetable Curry was served on a Plate, not a Karahi as before, a clearly Different Masala. The two Chapattis were served in a basket, Normal Chapattis, – Floury – is how Marg now describes them.
The Mixed Vegetable Curry simply did not Compete or really Complement. Potatoes, Carrots, Aubergine, Courgette and possibly Turnip all featured. The Aubergine was a Mush which gave the entire Dish the sense of being Overcooked. Aniseed was a Flavour encountered momentarily. The Spice Level was equal to the Handi, the Seasoning decidedly less. The lack of Seasoning and the too Soft Vegetables tempered the impact. The Mixed Vegetable Curry was Excellent when 
Marg was reminded that she enjoyed the Bhuna Gosht (£11.95) 
The Bhuna Gosht is what impressed so much on 
At Ambal’s the Masala is Seriously Thick and Minimal, as Dry a Curry as The Hector would hope for. Both Marg and Sandy considered their Bhuna Gosht to be – Too Dry. Unbelievable, we all have our preferences, for me – this is as good as it gets.
The Chicken Tikka Masala did not resemble the Tomato Soup Monstrosity that is served in the majority of establishments. This had a Proper Masala. Criss-crossed with what looked like Cream, this was a Worthy Curry. Tracey was impressed by – the Meaty Sauce. Less mass produced – was her second contribution. One wonders if people are disappointed when they are not presented with Cream of Tomato Soup? Other Restaurants should take note, Ambal’s have set a new Standard in Chicken Tikka Masala.
The others were given a Dinner Plate before their Mains, Hector was given a spoon! Surely I was not about to receive – Soup? The Karaikudi Yera Thokku was presented in a Large Soup Plate, fortunately the Masala was suitably Thick. Three Prawns for £15.95? I dug out a fourth, much better. Aye right. This was not what I had seen on my 
The Peas Pilao was spooned on top of my Masala, time to eat. Hang on, something was missing. After a few minutes it was apparent that the Hara Payaz Aloo was not coming. A Waiter was informed, he returned and admitted they had – messed up. It would come.
The Hara Payaz Aloo was finally presented. This was shared with Sandy who by now needed something to complement his Dry Curry. My reason for ordering, this Vegetable Curry is also served in a Thick and Minimal Masala. The Seasoning was a bit below the hoped for level, the embedded Spring Onion plus the Onion Topping provided – The Crunch. Adding Diversity to the Dining Experience, this is a very good Accompaniment.
Mein Host informed us that Dessert would be provided. Gulab Jamun arrived in an instant. Was this as an apology for the late arrival of the Hara Payaz Aloo, or because they had finally recognised that the visit would be reviewed on the 
The Menu was in three parts, a Lunch Menu, the Main, and a Pre-Theatre (£9.95). Lunch ended at 14.00, it was now Pre-Theatre time. Normally I do not consider these – Offers – in fear that the Portion Size suffers. Achari Balti only appeared in the Pre-Theatre Menu. In the past two days I have had Karahi Gosht and Keema Mutter Aloo, both at the 
The Lahore Fish Pakora had me won instantly. Four Large Pieces, twice what one would receive in the West End. Encased in a Fresh Coriander-rich Spicy Batter, this was as Light as only Fish Pakora could be. The Seasoning was Perfect. The Spicy Dip was accompanied by a Soupçon of Salad containing Cucumber, Radish, Carrot, Tomato, Lemon, Capsicum, Onion and Lettuce. This was a very well presented Starter, thoroughly enjoyable.
The Masala was suitably Thick, more than I would normally desire, hence the Rice to soak it up. The Pickle Flavour was not in-the-face, but was there. The Spice and Seasoning were were within acceptable parameters, here comes the – But. It was obvious that the Lamb and Masala were strangers until a few minutes previously, there was no sense of Spice or Flavour having been infused into the Meat. This was Lamb with a Sauce rather than the hoped for experience. This is what I call a Mainstream Curry.
It is Day two of the
In the time it took to make the Chapatti, the Meal was ready and brought over. It was strange to be eating from a Bowl instead of my normal Karahi. The Large pieces of Potato and the Liberal Fresh Coriander stood out, here we go. Mince, Potatoes and Peas, it’ll never catch on. There was the most Minimal Oil present, and no Masala, as Dry as Curry can be, however, there was still an underlying Moistness, Perfect.
The Bill
The 
Hector’s Lamb Karahi was presented soon afterwards. The Heat was evident, the Hot Oil sizzled. As I have written many times, I am bewildered as to why the mouth can tolerate temperatures that the fingers cannot. Hot Food is where it’s at: Hot Food cools to levels of tolerance, Cool Food tends rapidly towards the inedible.
Today’s Lamb Karahi appeared to have more Masala, and a Thinner one too. The Lamb on-the-bone was piled high, piece by piece was savoured. As the top layer was removed, so the Masala resembled the Norm, Thicker, Herb-rich. The complexity of the Oil-Masala-Herb Mash is what sets this interpretation of Lamb Karahi apart from the rest. The Fresh Green Chilli Topping added extra bite. This is Pleasure.
The single Chapatti was not quite finished proving that one substantial Chapatti is enough. The karahi was wiped clean, should I come back here for my break tomorrow?
Marg declared it was time we took Mother out for Curry, again. My suggestions were vetoed, Marg wished – Ambience – so Curry Cafes were dismissed, it had to be a Mainstream Restaurant. The Alishan ticks all the boxes, the fish tanks at the entrance are what makes this a memorable venue for Marg, for Hector it is the Pholan Devi.
That was lovely – was the verdict. The Tenderness of the Lamb was remarked upon, the temperature of the plate was not. Many a Curry outing has got off to a poor start when cold plates were presented. Mother was wondering who she could bring here, looks as though she’ll be back.
The Lamb Karahi was Boneless, I have not found on-the-bone to be an option at The Alishan. For once I was not able to sample this, Marg ate the lot which is quite unusual for her. The Naan did not appear to be as ridiculously large as memory serves. 
Since the Pholan Devi was first encountered, there is no denying that Hector takes much more to impress. I have never not enjoyed a Curry served at The Alishan, however, to achieve – The Wow – takes something special. Marg’s reheated leftover Lamb Balti did manage this the morning after our 
Ali placed a platter of Saag/Palak beside the Pholan Devi. This is not what I had asked for, I had not made it clear. I now know I have to ask for uncooked Dry Methi. Essentially I had a Curry with a Side of Herbs. The Toppings of Spring Onion and Fresh Coriander on the Pholan Devi were quite Modest therefore in comparison.
The Palak was offered to my Co-diners. Mother could not take to it, her first encounter. Marg had a Soupçon. By adding the Palak on to my own plate, bit by bit, I was in effect giving myself even more Masala without Meat. Cue the Naan. Without the Garlic and Coriander Naan my meal would have suffered, this provided a suitable base on which to mop up the Masala and Palak. In terms of Flavour, the Palak was not particularly potent. Is eating Dry Methi straight from the box a healthy option? It works very well as a Topping.
Both Ladies had Ice Cream. Alishan also offer the bought in Toy Desserts, for lack of a better description, 
In The Tropics, the variance between daylight hours and darkness is not significant. In the high temperate latitudes the sun sets for only a few hours in June. There are also extended periods of twilight which are unknown in The Tropics. In short, this is not a good time of year to have Ramadan.
Those in front of us were distracted by Salads, Dips and Dates, yes Dates. Hector was not falling for this, hang on, the Spiced Onions, too tempting. Heading straight for the Mains was considered, however, these were still covered. Kassif and Mr. Baig were maintaining the now established tradition of serving The Best Bits.
One piece of Vegetable Pakora, and some elongated Fish Pakora found their way on to my plate. Shami Kebab? – asked Mr. Baig. Two please. A Chicken Wing and some Chicken Sikh Kebap filled the plate.
Approaching Our Chap, we could see that still there was nowhere to sit, I pointed up to the Balcony. He nodded, up we went. Eight other Diners were tucking in, we still found a table to ourselves.
The Chicken Wing was the poorest part of my selection, just Chicken. The Shami Kebap was the standout, the Seasoning hit home. Marg too was taken by this. The Fish Pakora was Tasty too, completely different from any other encountered to date, a Lighter Batter, and appropriately Spiced.
It should come as no surprise that Marg’s appetite was sated after her Mountain of Starters. One should really consider coming to the Ramadan Buffet for Starters one night and Mains on another. Hector has employed this strategy previously.
The Lamb was Tender in both, I lost track of which was which in the Soupy Mass on my plate. The Saag added to the Liquid content. Rice would have made the plate look more like Curry, however I planned to go for more. What’s this? Green Capsicum, on my plate, from where?
The Bill
Her brother, Kassif, was still smiling. I had to ask what his window of eating was at this time.
Eight short lines permitted access to the site. Every bag was searched, except Jonathan’s. I was happy when I had to produce the solid object in mine, my big backup phone battery.
Scott Gorham carries the name, yet he is not an original member. Gary Moore was there once too.
With a Jug of Becks, he looked throughout Manfred Mann set to his rear left, was he The Show? He thought so. Chatter, chatter, chatter, why bother coming? Oh, he’s paying attention now, gyrations, talk about invading one’s space? I was not a Happy Hector.
A space opened up six to my right when a Chap puked over all around him. Welcome to Germany!
Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
The set list from last night was already known to us, thirteen songs, a couple I would not have chosen, but The Hits have to be played, especially in an event such as this.
Highway Star began with minimal Guitar, vocals leading. We all know the magnificent fretboard sounds at the start of Made in Japan, you either repeat this exactly or do something totally different. I walked out of a Deep Purple Gig once when Tommy Bolin made a total hash of this song.
Accompanying The World’s Greatest Guitarist this evening were: Vocals – Ronnie Romero (Lords of Black), Keyboards – Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), Bass – Bob Nouveau (ex-Blackmore’s Night), Drums – David Keith (Blackmore’s Night), Backing Vocals – Candice Night (Blackmore’s Night) and presumably the other Lady from Blackmore’s Night.
The setlist: Highway Star (Deep Purple), Spotlight Kid (Rainbow), Mistreated (Deep Purple), Sixteenth Century Greensleeves (Rainbow), Since You’ve been gone (Rainbow) . Man on the Silver Mountain (Rainbow), Difficult to Cure (Deep Purple), Catch the Rainbow (Rainbow), Perfect Strangers (Deep purple), Stargazer (Rainbow), Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll (Rainbow), Child in Time (Deep Purple), Black Night (Deep Purple), Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple), one song more than last night at the Loreley. It was dry tonight, apparently the crowd was soaked last night. We were prepared.
Taking the stage in twilight, the 21st Century Rainbow lighting effects impressed immediately and only became better as darkness fell. The sound was perfect, the Hammond (?) organ and Fender Strat recreating the familiar grinding sounds that Deep Purple in particular, were noted for.
One has to wonder if Jens Johansson had to work all this out for himself, or are all of the keyboard settings noted? The heaviest organ sound was during his keyboard solo, it was interesting when the camera closed into reveal it was the synthesiser which was creating this magnificent sound.
Ronnie Romero looked the part. Hector had wondered about the lyrics, which version of the Rainbow songs would be sung. Ronnie James Dio added improvised vocals to the extended endings, thankfully this Ronnie was up for it.
An hour into the set and Hector had a problem. Having stood in the Hector at a Rock Gig stance for approaching three hours, the legs had seized. When I wiggled my toes my head started to go. If The Hector did not get out of here, he would be carried out. Those around me looked mystified as I made my way to the tower. Behind the tower I realised I needed to go for a walk and get the circulation going. Those who I was notionally with this evening spotted the yellow polo shirt, I knew where to return to.
Difficult to Cure had ironically just got underway, Coke, the great cure-all, not available. Bier, not required. Eis Cafe, this should have caffeine and sugar. Returning to Les Autres, Jim was horrified when I suggested I would have – to dance – for the rest of the Gig. By this it was keep the legs, feet and toes all moving. It was touch and go. Jonathan knew he would be suffering when it was time to walk back to the station. This was a good time for a timeout, the drum solo.
Stargazer was played earlier than anticipated, a much slowed down version. Child in Time too felt slowed down. Ritchie loves to play quietly, at volume, mesmerising. Smoke on the Water was the inevitable encore, again starting without – the riff. Fireworks accompanied the chorus, then the first drops of rain, just a few.
The walk back for the delayed train featured audio snippets of the Gig, how many people had recorded minute segments or more? The DVD should be out hopefully before the year is over. 12,000 people, where had they gone? Those waiting for the 23.35 all squeezed on at midnight.