‘Tis The Wolf Strassenfest Wochenende
The Curry House in Zell has been visited but never experienced. I phoned last week, Dead Number. Where else, Trier? A possibility. Cochem – closed. Wittlich – closed. Too far to go down to Koblenz and back, however with better planning, I could have met up with the rest of The Chaps en route to Traben-Trarbach. Walk over the hill to Bernkastel? Aye right. It could pour at any time. The Bus Timetable was consulted, Coffee in Cafe Wichtig, the venue formerly known as Altstadt Cafe, aka Frank’s. €7.00 by Bus? It’s €14.00 by Boot. Hector arrived in Bernkastel at 13.00, there was exactly an hour until the boat leaves.
What time does Das Boot leave?
On my first visit to the Taj Mahal (Hebegasse 1, 54470, Bernkastel-Kues, Deutschland) I concluded the food was so bland there would never be a reason to return, less I sample the Palak Gosht. The Karahi had disappointed that much. Today I also considered the Bhuna Gosht. Advice sought.
In English, the first time I have written this word since it was decided that we could not abandon them to their lonesome fate without the Scots and Our Resources to keep them afloat, I asked for Curry with Minimal Sauce. I’m learning the German way. I was steered towards the Palak Gosht. Fate. We have to accept – it was written.
At €12.00 including Rice and Naan, this would not be the Worst Curry Experience of all time. Last night’s effort at Shadhona (Bishops Stortford) was certainly placed in The Bottom Three. A Sprudel to accompany. This is Deutschland, Curry before Bier.
A new chap brought the traditional Deutsche Poppadom with embedded Cumin Seeds, always a treat. Three Dips accompanied, he took me through them. The Lime Pickle, from the Lime Pickle Jar was intense. The Poppadom was fragile to say the least. The palate was rejuvenated.
Palak Gosht
Palak Gosht in Germany usually has a Cream content, this was OTT. I have never seen such a creamy Palak Gosht. The Spinach was strewn through, not the dark, Herb-rich style we have become used to in the UK. We are still the UK. The Kick was Modest, Hector Braveheart. Where was the Seasoning? What is it with Salt these days? Either too much or too little. Don’t the Chefs taste their own creations?
The Lamb was plentiful and reasonably tender. Once again there was the feeling that Lamb and Masala were strangers until ten minutes ago.
A good-sized shiny Naan arrived last. This was most appealing, a couple of Wee Burnt Bits and a hint of Butter spread across the top, Garlic Butter? There was now an excess of food for this time of day. €12.00? Great value, even if the Curry is not setting the heather on fire. At least it resembled Curry.
Expectations were not high, the Flavour lacked Intensity. A proper Onion-based Masala would be a welcomed addition to what is typically served. This is what passes for Curry in Deutschland unless one visits the Indian Mango. München next month!
The Bill
€12.50. This made the cost of the Sparkling Water most agreeable.
The Aftermath
Hector had a Boot to catch, no time to hang around. Calling Card #2 was left.
Now for Wolf!
Usually it is Marg who draws the short straw and ends up with a plate of Onions. Why do Chefs resort to Onion Overdose when the 
There was a distinct aroma from the Vegetable Rice. This was sampled first. Star Anise – Aniseed to you and me, fragrant, fine. There’s Hope in the Heart.
An Aloo Paratha for Hector, Chapatti for Marg and a Garlic and Cheese Naan for Snax.
The Two Portions of Lamb Karahi arrived first, so much for my plans. We waited for the Methi Gosht which was along momentarily. Snax and Hector both love their Methi. This Dish was Thick with Herbs.
Needs more seasoning – was Snax’s immediate comment in the direction of the Young Waiter. More Seasoning? How many times has this expression appeared in Curry-Heute. Snax should visit 
The Lamb in both Dishes was Suitably Tender, – Succulent – is Snax’s preferred nomenclature. A pity that Lamb on-the-bone was not on offer. The Masala was Suitably Minimal and the Chef had not taken the easy route of – Capsicum withheld = Onion Overdose. This was Impressive Curry.
The longer we found ourselves in each others company, the more Venues we found we had in common, not just in Glasgow but Bradford (
Snax was up at the Counter enquiring if they would deliver to his neck of the woods. This suggests the Curry was found to be Favourable. Hector’s experience of Capital Curry is Minimal. 
It was late. Hector had The Munchies. A Text was sent to Marg on the return journey from a soon to be Foreign Land, either collect me at Glasgow Central or at 
Ayax brought the Karahi Gosht and immediately apologised. He would make it up next time. Indeed, the Portion size looked – Fine – however there was more Bone than Lamb. Not since the 
The Single Chapatti was used to Dip the Oily Masala from the Base of the Karahi. Here lies the most Intense Flavours. The Bones were sucked clean, a Big Pile grew. Fresh Green Chillies packed the Punch. Fun.
I chose my own table for two amongst The Many. A large venue, however, this table was in – Mr. Axelrod’s Angel – mode in terms of proximity to the others. To be here at peak times must be horrendous. Hector was The Lone Diner. Was there a Chef in the building?
At the start of The Menu was a list suggesting Spice. Is this not all Curry? I cut to the chase – Lamb Dishes.
aditional punjabi hot dish with diced lamb marinated in yoghurt, red chillies and spices, cooked on a very slow heat. The dilemma as always is to accept what comes or order – Off-Menu? The Hector Aggressive Order usually comes when there is nothing on The Menu. My second Newcastle Curry – The Menu. Lal Goshat (£9,95) it was, with a Tandoori Roti. At £1.80, One should suffice. 
The Meat count initially felt minimal, For a Tenner? Time would reveal seven Decent sized pieces of Tender Lamb. Do Chefs really grab a serving and dismiss the excess towards seven? The Lamb proved Tender and adequate.
The Roti was impressively Large. One was a good call. Actually, this decision was based more on the 
Yes, there was Disappointment. Then there was the admission – Hector should have chosen better, Lamb on-the-bone perhaps. The Roti was used to mop up the Masala, the spoon to consume the Lamb.
The Friday Evening Curry-Heute Ritual in the company of Dr. Stan has been restored. With Kenny and Mags on board, Four would Feast at 
A Pile of Poppadoms, Two Dips, a Salad and Spiced Onion were delivered without comment. As these were devoured Dr. Stan asked – Is that it? Can we go now? Our Chap emerged from the Kitchen with a Platter of Spiced Haddock and another Salad. Usually the Fish is presented when the Order is – To be Fed. This was a surprise inclusion. Three Pieces, but they were Whale sized, and all this before the Karahi.
The Haddock was Subtly Spiced, Fresh and cooked in foil to Perfection. The Dips and the New Salad came into their own, a Wonderful Combination.
Our Chap presented the Highest Mountain of Goshat Karahi ever set before the Hector. Two Plates of the Excellent 
You are not expecting serious conversation at the moment? I asked. We were up to our elbows in Curry.
The Four went their separate ways. Dr. Stan would join Hector later at the Camperdown for the unveiling of this season’s NZPA. The Prognosis is Excellent. Oh, Yes!
Curry was advertised on the exterior signage, posters on the interior walls advertised various Chicken Dishes and Kebabs. The illuminated boards behind The counter showed the array of burgers, Kebabs and Pizza. Where would we be without Pizza? No Curry?
The Masala accompanying the Kofta was Thin, Shorba. Once again the Kick was there, and The Seasoning was Superb. The Masala was genuinely full of Flavour. Splitting the Koftas in half to prolong the pleasure, they looked Pale. Not Vegetable Koftas, surely? I had to ask. Shahed thought they were Chicken and called to the rear to verify this. Hector was eating Chicken Kofta, and enjoying it! I feel a Lamb Overdose is now required, watch this space.
Mein Host took the Cash. He offered me a Takeaway Menu, the Curry List at last! I note that Desi Breakfast is available on Saturdays and Sundays. I congratulated Mein Host on the Quality of Curry served and on his seven years in business. He told me there are some thirty Takeaways within a mile radius of these premises.
The monthly visit to 
A New Young Chap brought the Modest Salad and a Jug of Water.
The Vote for Scottish Independence is looming. All the Staff at 
It is two months shy of two years since the last visit to The Shenaz (17 Granville Street, Glasgow, G3 7EE). I bet the next two years pass more slowly.
Parathas would accompany. For a moment I considered the Keema Paratha but spotted the Garlic, never had this. Kenny followed the lead, Dr. Stan stayed Plain. Dr. Stan suggested a share of Rice. The Special Rice contained …. which Kenny announced he detests. What Curry Blog has he been reading? Hector had to announce the order to the Waiter who I recognised from last time. The Staff were plentiful, no problems with Service here.
No Poppadoms or Dips came. Of course we hadn’t ordered them, what difference would that make? The Shenaz Custom of serving Onion, Tomato, Coconut and Pineapple with the Mains continues.
Some of the Meat was so Soft it had evidently been in the Curry Pot for some time, fortunately there was some that did require a chew. Studying the Columnar Structure of the Beef, here is evidence that only Beef has this. How many times have I questioned the veracity of Lamb?
She brings the rain, it feels like spring
This evening’s Curry at the 
though the Photographic Integrity was maintained. The Curry Camera was restored two days ago, alas, it has acquired a new problem (in transit?) and will have to be sent back to the camera hospital. Photographs are possible, just…
The Mint Coriander Masala was described by Jamie: – It was Hot, I could taste the Mint, it wasn’t overpowering, an Excellent Curry. Having tasted everything else on the table, it was as good.
