Marg and Hector find themselves Katowice where Pendragon, supported by Gary Chandler (Jadis), are playing this very evening. Last night Hector ate very traditionally at Krystalowa – Black Pudding Dumplings followed by Glombki. I realise I have been eating, and occasionally making, Glombki for Fifty Years, as long as I have been eating Curry.
Hurry Curry (Stanislawa 1, Katowice, 40-014, Polska) is near the University and so is a popular Venue for Students. This is moments from the main square – Rynek which is undergoing a much needed transformation.
Hurry Curry is rated highly as a Restaurant overall in Katowice and so despite it not being an Indian Restaurant per se, Hector thought he had better do his duty. The Menu was all over the place, South Indian, Malayan, Sri Lankan. The Prices were certainly – Right.
With Café Décor, not a place to dine, but for lunch, perfect. Lamb was missing from the Menu, but I had plans for later. Having read about the Cashew Nut Curry it had to be tried. That it primarily featured Chicken was a surprise – Chicken Curry with Cashew Nuts? Boiled Rice was included in the Modest Price, about Three Quid.
Marg could not face Curry Twice in One Day, there must be something wring with her, surely by now… The term – Butter Chicken – she could not resist, however I believe this referred more to the Wrap than the content. When the Waitress took the order she asked Marg if she required a Tandoori Wrap or Butter Wrap, I think.
A Change – was how Marg describe this Snack. Plenty Vegetables, not much Sauce, was expecting a Thicker Sauce, but Tangy. This Marg washed down with a Glass of Mango Lassi which was – not as Sweet as was expected, however, the Texture was good.
Take a long look at the photos below. When have you ever seen Hector order a Curry with a Thin Yellow Sauce? As Indian as The Lone Ranger is what I posted on a well known media site, and here too apparently. The full extent of – Chicken Curry – also hit home. The Cashew Nuts were no more than a Topping. With Peas and Green Beans, the Interesting Vegetable factor was taken care off. Chicken, Nuts and Vegetables, I’m becoming positive.
The Chicken numbered Six good-sized pieces, more than enough when placed on the Pyramid of Boiled Rice. Sadly the Rice was Poor, Stodgy, the Wrong Rice or not rinsed properly.
The Texture of the Chicken was way better than that normally consumed at home, the possibility of Halal came into my thoughts, it’s a while since I entertained with Chicken and so the memory has faded. Let’s call this a Thai Curry and say there was no reason not to like. Hector enjoyed his Chicken Curry, with Cashew Nuts.
The Bill
Zl41.50, £7.81. A Very Favourable Price. The Calling Card was offered to the Young Polish Waitress. I wonder who was in charge of this entire operation. I had to be elsewhere, others were reportedly having Breakfast.
The Aftermath
En route to the Kinoteatr Rialto across the railway line, Marg spotted Clive Nolan (Pendragon/Arena) wheeling his bag into the hotel. Clive is her Favourite Musician. I was too busy taking a photo of what I believed to be the old station building. Trains, how distracting.
The Rialto was the Venue for this evening. As I entered I spotted Gary Chandler (Jadis) chatting in the Foyer. I entered the Stalls and saw Nick Barrett off to the right. He was changing his guitar strings. Somebody told me he does this everyday on tour. The greeting was brief, the man was busy. The Set List was not going to be revealed. Nick suggested that every song should have a number and people could call out a number as in an Asian Meal.
Gary had finished his conversation, time to introduce him to Marg. I haven’t seen you since Rotherham in the late 1990s – he said to me. I lie, I said this to him. Playing Jadis material without a Band? He told me that he would play half an acoustic set then use MP3 tracks as backing for the electric. With Russelsheim the next date on the tour, he also said they were on a tight schedule this evening.
Gary enquired about The Ferry in Glasgow, where the penultimate Gig of The Tour will be held in three weeks time. I described the modest Venue.
We’ll see you tonight, but you’ll see us in Glasgow.
The Waiter sang the praises of the food on offer and stated that he ate here every day. I commented on the splendour of the décor and mentioned I thought in the past I had seen people dining at street level. This area is being converted into a hotel currently. On later examination I was even more puzzled. Marg by this time had managed to have Curry-Heute brought into the conversation. The Calling Card was handed over, no pressure then.
A Metal Bowl containing an Impressive Portion of Curry was accompanied by a Generous Portion of Rice. In the subdued light the colour could not be judged, however, the Photo does this Curry Justice. This was not Soup either. The Masala was Thick and Onion Rich, there was Potential.
It was evident the Lamb had just met the Masala moments before presentation. The Lamb gave no Spice and did not add to the Curry Experience. Ever so Slightly Chewy, this is preferred to Lamb Pulp. The Masala and the Jeera Rice had done enough to forgive the Lamb.
A Chap appeared to take the order, Starters had been dismissed. Graeme was after Fish, Tandoori Trout, on-the-bone with a Peshwari Naan to accompany was his choice. Mar ordered a Chicken Biryani. Marg, who is ordering well of late, opted for Lamb Chops. Now for Hector.
The Lamb Shank was served in a Thick Masala which was decidedly Onion Rich. This was very Pleasant, but lacked the Wow Factor.
Unusually, Hector has only reported from Eretz Glasgow once in recent weeks. Today, work takes Hector to The Far East once again, a chance to meet up with Neil who first made me aware of the formerly – Impressive – but now deservedly described as – Outstanding – 
Neil is a regular at 
The Pakora arrived, Vegetable, Chicken and Mushroom. Again it was apparent that this had been half-cooked previously and now just finished off, not ideal. The Mushroom Pakora was the Dodgy part last time, tonight it was Fine. The Vegetable Pakora was the Highlight, better than the Chicken in Batter. Why was I eating Lumps of Meat? Lunch would have its revenge.
view of the first visit, Mein Host defended the half cooked Pakora. If they didn’t do it that way, what they served would be too solid to eat, and – too Dark and Crispy. He went on to identify the Young Chap who served me last time as the Son of the Chef, his own Nephew. The Mother was seen popping in and out of the Kitchen, answering the phone as necessary. Note, no Deliveries on a Tuesday.
Neil’s Plate of Keema was delightfully Dry, the Portion Significant. The Karahi was something else. Served Bradford-Dry, even the Lamb Pieces approached Bradford-Small. The Lamb was Tender, with enough Resistance. The Masala was Thick, Very Thick, and Minimal. The Methi was there, the Oil residue was not excessive. This looked exactly how Hector wants his Curry.
The Paratha was Chunky, Substantial. There is a slow realisation that Perfect Flakiness cannot be achieved in a Stuffed Paratha. The test was the Mince, this Paratha passed, and some. This was as good as The Best of Keema Parathas. The Individual Grains of Mince were most visible when the Paratha was town apart. Why did Hector have Lunch?
Meanwhile Neil was having what was for him, a regular order. He found last week’s Keema to be Spicier but put this down to the aftermath of the couple of pieces of Pakora he had sampled.
Assuming Chef was busy I asked for a Photo with Mein Host and The Mother. Chef/Proprietor appeared, they were happy to pose. Chef asked – I hope you found the food OK.
Neil has not been to Bradford. I feel a Trip may be upon him very soon, then he will discover what the fuss is about.
Peter was a Teenager last time our paths crossed, he had flown up to join Father. By the time we decided Food was imminent, Mags decided to join us. Neil was not up for it. Hopefully we shall dine together on Tuesday. A Table was booked just in case 
Mr Baig stopped to acknowledge as he passed – photo opperchancity. I later caught him filling Plastic Takeaway Containers, he was off home with some of his Excellent Wares. The entire Baig Family were at our table at some point. Did I get a plea in to restore the much-missed Lal Lahori?
How long have you been here?
The Enjoyment was enhanced by a Flavour from the Thin Paratha. There was something coming through which added to the Curry. The Paratha could only have had Slivers of Vegetable Smeared inside it. This as mentioned was Thin, too Soft and had little hint of Flakiness. I’ve had much worse and I did like the Flavour.
The Takeover of the empty WokWay premises was related and the aim to have a Contemporary Design. The Wall Coverings are unusual. Note, this Venue is Small.
Rizwan was in his usual place behind the counter, introductions were given, hands shaken. I was in the mood for Fish but Rizwan said the Fish was frozen somehow that was off-putting. The Specials Board had Keema Potatoes, that was too tempting. I also negotiated a Half Portion of the Mixed Vegetables and a Single Chapatti (60p). Marg would spectate.
The Keema Potatoes was Curry, just. This was Mince and Potatoes with a Small Kick. Marg had to be given a sample, her favourite Dish. She wasn’t tempted to order a portion but did come back for more. This was a very tasty plate of Mince and Tatties.
The Vegetable Curry was a generous half portion. With Potatoes, Peas, Cauliflower, Diced Carrot and a Single Green Bean, this was served in a Shorba-style Masala. This had very Earthy Flavour and stood out from the Keema Potatoes. A Great Combination.
With Marg present, a perfect opperchancity to have a photo taken with Rizwan.
Our Booking was originally for 20.00. however I saw fit to bring this forward, it could have been a very long day otherwise.
The Welcome Salad was brought, I immediately asked for Sparkling Water to prevent the For Sale Still Water being brought. Poppadoms and Dips – Compliments of the House – were much appreciated.
The Chapattis were Large and Chunky, Proper Chapattis and Perfect Vessels for the Curry.
Mango Kulfi (£1.50), as purchased in KRK, served on-the-stick in the wrapper, no fuss. Great.
Two minutes. 
We settled down for the long wait. Having declined the Starters I felt we would be some way down the list of Dishes being prepared in the open kitchen which lay in front of me. I was surprised when the food came well within a decent time period. The Karahi Gosht was clearly going to arrive last and so Judith insisted I sample her All-Sorts. Gosh! The Bradford Curry Taste was right in my face. This was excellent. Marg invited me to sample her Fish Karahi. Gosh! 
The Calling Card was given to the young waiter who took the cash. The Calling Card was passed up the chain of command. Our appreciation was expressed.
