Day #59 finds Marg and Hector in Chicago, Illinois. As if there was another Chicago of note. The Windy City – a fine place therefore to indulge in the consuming of Hector’s favourite cuisine. Research showed a cluster of Curry Houses to the north of the city along Devon Avenue. As the bus took us along this axis from Loyola – Red Line – station, even the Hector was unprepared for what is in effect – Chicago’s Curry Mile. Two venues had been picked out, both Pakistani, the first was closed as we alighted from Bus 155 at 13.00. Friday prayers, the Hector wasn’t thinking.
In the spirit of Rua do Benformoso (Lisboa, Portugal), there had to be a suitable venue that was open regardless. Sabri Nihari Restaurant (2502 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659 United States of America) was the fallback. A capacious restaurant with ambience, this was a cut above the many venues Hector usually – invites – Marg to. Pukka.
*
We were greeted by a young chap and accompanied to the second room further inside. Three other tables were occupied, the clientele appropriate to the food being served.
A jug of chilled water, a Salad and two Dips were brought to the table. Tamarind and Raita, the latter had a wee kick, lovely. The Modest Salad was just like home.
Wonderful as the South Indian Cuisine is at Chili’s (Seattle WA) was, it is two weeks since the Hector had a good dose of Punjabi cooking.
Nearly three weeks in the USA, and the typical menu is getting us down. People do seem to eat nothing but Burgers and Pizza. Brains, Haleem, even Hector would prefer a Burger.
Here at Sabri Nihari, the Karahi Gosht ($21.99) awaited. The type of – Meat – was not declared, and on-the-bone was deduced by trawling through available photos online.
Marg did not fancy Curry-Heute. Vegetable Samosa ($7.49) for four pieces, was maybe too much. Grilled Fish ($16.99) would be her – light lunch.
The even younger chap who took the Order was keen to ensure we had Bread. A Naan ($2.00) completed the Order.
As fellow diners departed, so I was able to capture the extensive layout of Sabri Nihari. This is some place, reminiscent of Tooting. I’ll just drop that name and let the local reader ponder.
Grilled Fish
Marg had envisaged a Starter-sized portion, this took her aback. Four large pieces of white Fish were smothered in Spiced Onion, then there was the three rings of green. The latter were taken to be Capsicum and set aside. If they were Chillies, Marg was not for finding out. A lesser portion and I suspect Marg could have been left wanting more.
A wonderful burst of flavour with the first bite. Spicy and light, covered in onions, made this a very pleasant dish.
Had the Hector not been busy across the table, there would have been a Soupçon, alas, one missed out here.
The Naan was served whole, almost. The score across the centre had not not quite halved it. An elongated teardrop, this was the sought after Tandoori Naan. Risen, particularly on one side, the big burnt blisters confirmed the efficacy.
This was a decent Naan.
*
Karahi Gosht
The weight of Curry was not declared. This looked, and felt to be way more than the half kilo. There was easily enough for two here, and Marg was not going to be helping out.
The topping was but a threat of Coriander, the sliced Bullet Chilli was there, if required. The mass of Meat sat in comparatively thin Masala, it did look to be a bit – Soupy – to start. As progress was made, this initial observation was revised.
The first dip of Naan into the Masala revealed the big Punjabi Flavours, this was wonderful. The depth of Flavour here impressed, the Seasoning was perfection. As the Spice slowly built on the palate so the complexity of this Karahi revealed itself. There was a lot going on here. The taste of home with a Peppery edge, glorious.
The Meat, it could have been Lamb or Goat, was suitably Tender, with the occasional chewy bit encountered. That takes me towards – Goat. Some of the bones were ribs, others I didn’t recognise. My discard pile was growing and I was still not even halfway. There were no Whole Spices, and the telltale Tomato Seeds were not visible. There was much about this Curry I did not know other than the Flavours were spot on.
At the halfway point it was time to take stock. No way was I going to finish this, taking the remainder home was not an option. Marg thought we could give the leftovers to someone needy, but there are far fewer people on the streets of Chicago compared to Seattle and San Francisco. The Hector would eat on, give it his best shot.
At this point, the first Sucky Bone was revealed. I stirred the remaining Masala, this Karahi had transformed itself. There was now a much thicker Masala, pulped Meat adding to the viscosity. There was a further eruption of Flavour on the palate, yet the Seasoning had dipped slightly. The Naan must have carried the load at the start. It was time to abandon the Bread.
All the pieces of Meat were consumed, this left a mass of Masala on the base of the karahi. There comes the point when one knows it’s time to stop. I was possibly leaving the best part of the meal. With Rice, this Masala would have been wonderful, but who has Rice with Karahi Gosht?
Across the table, Marg required amusement. This was achieved in the form of a portion of Coconut Ice-Cream ($6.99). Marg was having Dessert whilst the Hector was still wading through the Karahi Gosht, such etiquette, not.
The Bill
$53.23 plus 18% became $61.86 (£48.80)
The Aftermath
I was determined that the Calling Card was not going to the young chaps who had served. I was pointed in the direction of the manager. I outlined Curry-Heute, he assured me he would pass the Calling Card on to the owner. A pity we had not engaged prior to this.
We walked east retracing the bus route along Devon Avenue. These are the places we passed.
2024 Menu
Tap water was dispensed midway down the room on the right. We were told we had to take – Table 2, on the far wall. Why this was crucial was as yet unknown. 
The Dosa had been cut into slices, the presentation was not actually bad. A Sambar, Chilli Sauce and a Raita were included. As with her last Dosa at 
The interior of the Dosa was a suitably thick and dry Curry. Today, just Mince, no Aloo had sneaked in. There was a lot of eating here, decent value. 
A fairly dry, tasty mince, but no big flavour. 
The Naan was served in bits. I didn’t ask for it otherwise. Thin, a bit peely-wally despite some semblance of burnt spots, hardly risen. OK, nothing special. 
The Masala was a rich red colour, too red for Tomatoes alone. With no sign of seeds, from where was the –
On arranging the Meat over the Rice I had counted to double figures, again no issue with quantity v cost here. All the Goat cuts were on-the-bone, large pieces, Sucky Bones too. As is the norm, I am still learning here, sinew remained, par for the course with Goat.
As is the ritual when having Bread and Rice, I had retained some Masala in the serving bowl for dipping. Not a pleasure today. Out of nowhere came a blast of another Flavour – Coriander! I never saw it but it was an oasis in this Nevada Desert Curry. 
I fetched more water, it was warm. Really, it’s 35
Four nights in 
After Wednesday’s outstanding 
Being Marg’s first visit to 
We were here – to dine – and so the food Order was relayed. Chettinadu Lamb ($20.99) for Hector, and Lamb Dosa ($17.99) for Marg. The iced water provided would suffice, and as I explained to Anila, this would be left mostly untouched until after my Curry. It’s madness drinking water with Spicy food, or anything else for that matter. Children resort to milk. 
At 
What evoked the sight of a red shark fin protruding above the rim of the karahi, was actually a dried, red, smoked Chilli. This is always Hector’s marker, a decent Chettinad must surely follow. Unearthing a further two whole Chillies, wonderful. Of course, only a fool would eat them. These impart Flavour, and Flavour is what Curry is all about, not causing discomfort. Anila had remarked at the point of ordering – You like your food spicy.
The Masala was approaching a Shorva, a distinctly different style of cooking to the Punjabi Karahi which prevails in 
With pleasure coming from all directions, the receptors were in overdrive, One simply does not wish a meal like this to end, especially when one knows that a lottery win aside, the chances of a return to 
Marg’s Curry preference is always a single Chapatti to accompany. By ordering a Dosa she had deliberately omitted the Rice and the mass of Bread. Here was a paper-thin Rice-based Bread containing both Lamb and Potato, or Aloo Gosht!
A large, crisp, rice-bread encased my Lamb Curry. An ideal meal with plenty tender meat and potato. In terms of flavour it was a great Curry. I didn’t add the sauces, I felt I didn’t need to, it was moist enough. 
Anila has been approached to appear on TV shows. I mentioned what happened to our own humble British lady of Indo-Pak origin who entered a televised baking competition, and is now a major celebrity. Nadia – Anila is well aware of this lady’s fame and fortune, and prefers not to go down that route. Family is all. 
Despite our protests, there was an inevitable conclusion to our meal.
The Deli, we were taken a few metres up the street to Chili’s Deli & Mart. On the right hand side at the entrance lies an array of kettles, Takeaway is on offer. Along the left wall was every Spice in the book. I noticed the boxes of mixed Spice and expressed my belief that too many Euro-Curry Houses simply chuck in a box and get away with it. Adjacent to these were the Whole Spices and Herbs.
Day #50 of Marg and Hector’s – Round The World in 80 Days. Nothing in life is certain, however, Hector always knew that if a return to 
It was 18.10, this sunny evening, when Marg and Hector arrived at the premises. Curryspondent Tracey had informed me that, since 2018, 
The waiter led us to table one adjacent to the Lunchtime Buffet set up. The lady bringing out the food was not the one I was introduced to on 
Main courses are served with Rice and the choice of two Paratha or Chapatti. 
Quiet when we arrived, the place was rapidly filling. With the student, and lecturer population in this neighbourhood, the intelligentsia are going to quickly recognise quality Curry, decently priced. Then there’s the Buffet, I have already resolved to return Friday lunchtime. Buffet, not Hector’s norm, but it will be a new experience here, and an opperchancity for Curry-Heute to be more comprehensive.
Behold the feast!
Hector’s Chettinad yardstick – is there a whole, red, Dried Smoked Chilli? 
Level 4, spot on! The Smoky Blast was just as anticipated, wonderful. Spice, Seasoning, Smokiness, classic South Indian Fayre. The appearance of the Masala took me back to the early days, for Hector this is the 1960s. A Masala can look so good, it just has to be so. Not Soupy, not Oily, but still managing to be – rich. There was a sense of Tomato in there.
The Parotta was dipped oft in the Masala, deliberately held back for this purpose. Then there was the Masala soaked Rice. This was a three ring circus, so much happening. There’s more.
Under the lights, this had the same rich – redness – as the Chettinad, misleading. This Masala had a much browner hue. Strips of onion had been cooked in, towards pulp. A bit too close to Hector’s last, and
A slight sweetness – was an early remark by Marg.
I had been watching for any sign of the Hostess from 2018. From the kitchen a familiar face appeared, briefly. Calling Card in hand, I asked the waiter if I could speak to her.
Hector’s choice for a 
Five Rivers Indian Cuisine (2245 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122 United States of America) is way to the west of Downtown, so dragging Marg that far out did not immediately appear likely. Cue a conversation with an Indian chap at The Crafty Fox, and The Golden Gate Park and Botanic Gardens were added to Marg’s wanna’ go list. Five Rivers lies a couple of blocks to the south of these.
Tram N takes one to the door, prior to this there was the matter of ticking off a certain red bridge. Eventually, and certainly hungry, it was 16.30 on a Sunday afternoon, the perfect time for Curry.
A young chap appeared, menus were provided, one for Curry, the other for Mr. Singh’s Pizza. We have succumbed to Pizza twice on this trip, as yet no Burgers. 
He did not appear to know what –
I may have got through.
The Naan was pathetic. Quartered, even whole it would have looked feeble. Thin, not risen, and only beginning to show the required blisters.
This was not what was hoped for. A Dry Karahi with a Thick, Minimal Masala is what the Hector was expecting, not Shorva. Then there was the Onions, lots of them, too many. A Karahi with lots of Onions, heaven forbid what they would have served if let loose on the 
It’s just as well there was Rice, using the Naan to eat this alone would have made a right mess. Ten big pieces of Meat were arranged on the Basmati, a decent portion. The moment of truth.
From whose – Book of Curry – was this a Rogan Josh? There are two interpretations, the cursed modern – Creamy, or the Tomato-rich the Hector grew up with. What was this?
Plenty pieces of lamb of varying sizes. I had to cut up a few. A rich tomato-based sauce. (how did Marg come to this conclusion?) 
The Bill
Shalimar Restaurant (532 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102 United States of America) was ignored back in 2018 in favour of 
Day 46 of this trip and once again the rain has followed us, always eastwards, something to do with which way planet go. 
Marg, sporting the cardigan which subliminally is worn when going out for Curry, was having her norm: Aloo Keema ($12.95). We would share a Naan-A-Akbar ($2.00). The composer of the menu can call it – great – we shall decide. 
Served on-the-bone, as true Karahi Gosht should be, there were six massive pieces. Let’s get the only criticism out of the way – the food could, should, have been served warmer. 
The first dip of Naan into the Masala revealed a – killer Flavour. The Spice was there and would build some more. Again, sensibly pitched as was the Seasoning. This Masala was the real deal. 
A dry Keema, in terms of no needless Masala. Given the quality of the Karahi, it was no surprise when a genuine Aloo Keema was presented. This had one significant difference, Marg assured me there was Keema, and pieces of Chicken also. This I hadn’t noticed whilst eating, far too busy, but this may explain the lighter colour. The presence of whole Spice marks a meal, Marg pulled out a Black Cardamom. Her verdict:
The dish had very little potato but was full of mince and very small pieces of chicken. It was full of flavour and a joy to eat. It had the right tantalising blasts and was not too spicy. It was just great. 
In the spirit of why does a birthday have to last one day only, another Curry felt justified. There was a Curry House minutes from our hotel in Ala Moana, a lunchtime visit was agreed upon. Somewhat peculiarly, Bombay Palace Restaurant (1778 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI, 96815 United States of America) finish their two hour, midday session at 13.30. 
Hector rarely eats Curry before this time, but with sleep patterns still awry, one could be squeezed in. There was a determination to visit Bombay Palace, research had narrowed down the array of Curry Houses in Honolulu to here and yesterday’s 
Marg was not having Curry, House Salad ($7.95) and Chai ($5.95) would suffice. For Hector, the 
It’s a while since I had to pay for Basmati, here a two Dollar charge, fair enough. Perhaps it was this that put me off ordering a Naan ($3.95), or more likely the time of day. 
With full view of the otherwise empty restaurant, there was no need to move from my seat to capture the setting. The open kitchen was partially obscured, one chap appeared to be doing all. 
House Salad
The Masala clearly had a good dollop of Dairy in there. Thankfully, this was not what the Hector would consider to be a Creamy Curry. 
The Spice Level impressed from the start, – Hot – had been asked for, this was well judged, enough, no need to go too far. The Seasoning was within acceptable parameters, maybe more would not have suited this Masala. One Flavour was making me think Euro-Curry, then things became more complex. A few Cumin Seeds had been mixed through the Rice, I waited for these to kick in, nope, but there something going here. Earthy but aromatic – was noted next. How does all this come together?
So, a slightly more Creamy Curry than I would prefer, but by just a tad. An Earthy Flavour with the likely addition of my favourite Herb, this was proving to be a worthy Curry. 
The Bill
A whole week without Curry! Time to make up for it. Today is a day to celebrate, it’s Hector’s birthday. Traditionally, Marg takes Hector out for a big meal, Curry of course. Today was somewhat different. 
The early rise for the trip to Pearl Harbor, Marg’s birthday present to Hector, meant there was a siesta thereafter. It was late afternoon when we set off for Waikiki, a half hour walk from Ala Moana. We located Desi’s Indian Curry in a backstreet eatery, Kiosk 2 in the Royal Hawaiian Dining Plaza. It’s just as well this was not Marg’s birthday treat. 
Hector was still taking photos of the menu and surroundings as Marg approached the window in Kiosk 2. She ordered: Butter Chicken (£18.00) (medium), the national beverage ($2.00), and Chai ($4.00). Rice is included with Mains. 
The Hector presented and added: Goa Fish Curry ($18.00) a Naan ($3.00) and another can of cola. 
The Bill
The Rice was exactly the right amount. No wastage. 
At first glance, I assumed Marg’s Curry was mine. Nope, the Hector had ordered the yellow one. This was as Soupy as Curry can be, remote from the favoured Desi Karahi. The Yellow Sauce, fortunately I was saved from the curse of the Big Onions. The sense of humour was being tested. 
Tilapia, at least I knew this was a worthy Fish, and there was plenty of it. Well cooked, the integrity was maintained then easily cut with the plastic spoon. Flecks of red were strewn through the Masala, Chilli of some description. Consequently, there was a good – kick – but the Curry lacked Seasoning. There was no hiding the Coconut, but this was far from a – Sweet Korma. I was about to accept this Curry for what it was, then I realised the means for bringing out all the Flavours.
The Buttery Naan had the Seasoning, by dipping this in the Masala, there was a dramatic resonance on the pleasure sensors. A Curry of two halves, once the excess Masala had been taken care of, so there was something resembling a – Dry Fish Curry, way better. I cut the Tilapia into flaky pieces, apart from the colour, this was approaching the Fish Curry the Hector seeks. Now there was nothing not to like. A decent Fish Curry. 
Marg is the expert here, Hector abhors this creation. Orange, Soupy, this is what those who like this style of Curry enjoy. Four big pieces of 
Marg’s words for the day:
We stacked the empty plates/bowls and returned them to Kiosk 2. Time for introductions. Ash received the Calling Card, hopeful
As guests of Mark and Jude, it was they who nominated Two Fat Indians (58 Princes Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016 New Zealand). Jude booked a table for 18.30. Marg and Hector had noted the other branch of Two Fat Indians in 
This left Marg to have Lamb Railway Wala (NZ$21.90) which features Potatoes. Aloo Gosht! Mark would have the same. 
Jude was not a vegetarian when 
The seating area at the window remained unoccupied during our stay. Was this an overflow, or a waiting area for Takeaway customers? Thereafter, the décor of Two Fat Indians is informal, yet an ambience has been created that would suit – the ladies. 
The Naan was thin, cut into bits, not ideal. Still, it was the right type of Naan with a hint of blisters. Served whole, with more girth, would have made it a whole lot better. 
Shavings, possibly Potato, topped a pale Masala with pieces of Lamb protruding. Soupy Masala has not been a feature of New Zealand Curry, this maintained the standard. Thick and minimal again describes the Masala, enough to match the quantity of Rice.
The Seasoning was right there, the Spice Level built as I ate. A good start. The Flavours came across well, though if there was Methi in there it was not prominent. In terms of overall Flavour this was a new experience, powerfully-mellow, rich, pleasant indeed. 
The – medium-plus – had extra leaves on top and possibly Coconut. Nobody tells me anything. The Masala looked to be a slightly more orange version of mine. Again, Thick, sufficient, a worthy Masala. 
Marg and Mark spake thus, respectively:
With the same Topping as the La-Jawb, hard to tell them apart. How could this be so? Jhalfrezi traditionally features an array of Vegetables, and is likely to include that which for once I shall not name, but 
I thought it was tasty, edible, not the best I’ve had. Not the complexity of flavours to take it to the next level. I definitely enjoyed it. 
Four content diners, this was the venue chosen by our hosts. Given the time constraints, I shall never discover what the rest of Curry in Dunedin is like.
It was Singh, Mein Host, who dealt with the payment. The Calling Card was issued, a bit of puzzlement was the expression on the face of the recipient. I suppose it’s not every day a Curry Blogger descends upon 
Dosa Kitchen (Riverside Markey 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011 New Zealand) was spotted a couple of days ago when Marg and Hector strolled through the Riverside Market. 
The food on display featured one Lamb Curry, yet three were on offer. NZ$24.00 a pop, including Rice. Whilst the Lamb Rogan Josh or Bhuna Gosht would have sufficed, the chance of a Lamb Kadhai was not to be passed over. 
A group of ladies manned the stand, I asked if the Karahi Gosht could be served 
We returned today at 13.00, no ladies, all chaps. I started again. The initial reply was – no. Hector stood his ground and got in a – why are you even putting 
The Bill
The Rice portion was huge, I took about half. Wooden utensils! Being certain there would be no rain this afternoon, Hector was out without the usual day bag, the emergency plastic cutlery was back in our hotel at Cathedral Junction. Marg had gone back to fetch a paper plate else there was no way of eating the Curry with the Rice.
For once, the Naan being served in bits did me a favour. A proper Tandoori Naan, lightly fired with blisters having formed. This is the type of Naan the Hector seeks.
Pyramids, a pair, the pastry looked different from the norm, more flaky. Given Marg’s description, I conclude these were Vegetable Samosas. The accompanying Tamarind Dip was totie. 
Coriander and Syboes topped the mass of Curry. Strips of Onion were visible, protruding from the Masala, hopefully – just Onion. Normally I decant, today I – piled – as much Meat as the plate could hold. There was a lot of Lamb here.
The Spice Level was as required, this Curry had a decent – kick. The Seasoning was favourable, The Flavours washed through the mouth, a good start.
I gave Marg the thumbs up, the Masala was giving quite a complex array of Flavours. The New Zealand Lamb was as Tender as I have come to expect in this land. No 
Balancing the Curry on the tray, which itself was balanced on the bar-ledge, meant it was a matter of time before I would be wearing the lot. A table a few metres away became free, much better. 
There was the makings of a very good Curry here.
Now we know.