Don’t Blink! – It’s Quail at The Punjabi Charing Cross

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Hector

Ricky kept asking – Why Quail? Firstly, he is the man who likes to the strangest of Curry. Then there is the guarantee that Hari and Chef Gurmeet at Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DA) would lay to rest the memory of Ricky’s last Quail Encounter at the normally wonderful Sheesh Mahal, Bradford. At the Sheesh Mahal a Quail Curry was a Singularity, and served in Soup. Given how small this particular example of Bird is, The Man from Bradford was not fed.

Hector dropped in to see Hari on passing two nights previously to discuss the presentation of – Something Different. Goat and Venison we have done and they are now proudly displayed on the Board outside the Punjabi as regularly available. Goat was Hari’s idea, the Venison was Hector’s, what a team. Somehow Quail came to mind and we agreed that a portion would be Three Of, that should be an sufficiency, elegant or otherwise.

Once again we had a fine Summer Evening as Hector, [Stan.TC] and Mr. Holden made our rendezvous with Marg at the Restaurant. She was sitting at what has become our usual table, the Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips were untouched.

Hari was insistent that Marg try his Chicken on-the-bone as a step towards convincing me that I should try it, one day. Eight Chapattis were the Accompaniments, eight?

As the Main Event was pre-ordered, the wait was not a long one. Two other couples were our fellow Co-diners, I’m glad people are finding their way here. Punjabi Charing Cross must be the nearest Indian Restaurant to the Hilton et al at Anderston Cross.

Hari brought out the first two karahi himself, he looked proud. A couple of little Leg Bones pointed upwards, these Birds are tiny. Ricky was still mumbling – Why are we having Quail?

Very Fiddly

The presentation was perfect, the Poultry sitting in the out-of-this-world Masala that Hector and Hari have given the name – Gurmeet after its creator. This Masala is Dry, Thick, and full of Methi. We like Methi.

[Stan.TC] made almost continuous – Mmmms whilst he ate. Ricky shook his head, got stuck in, well as far as one can – Very Fiddly was the overwhelming conclusion. Very Tasty also kept being stated. For once Ricky felt he could have done with some more Masala, unheard of. Hector realised that the discolouration of the flesh suggested that the Meat had absorbed the flavour of the Masala in the same way that its Chicken counterpart does not. Ricky felt that the Quail was a standout because of the time taken in its preparation compared to the Chicken.  I retain the belief that Chicken could be prepared for weeks and make no difference.  Nando’s however is the exception, but there one has a Bottle of Peri Peri to hand throughout.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, Glasgow beats Bradford hands down.

Marg had the same Masala with her Chicken. She was defeated with a couple of bits of Chicken left. I had to try it. The sheer mass of Meat felt strange, the lack of taste from the interior was most evident. The Quail immediately proved its worth, fiddly or not, it is by far a better Bird to put in a Curry.

The Bill

£51.35. The Quail dish was slightly more expensive than a normal Lamb Dish, as expected. I had also asked that three be in each serving. Ricky had paid £4.00 plus for his singular Bradford Quail, so £13.50 was commensurate.

The Aftermath

As is written, the best part of dining out is the post Curry chat with Mein Host. Hari sat with us and we discussed the future. He is planning on purchasing a band-saw so that the butchery of the Venison will be simplified. At present the splinters mean one has to be very careful when eating this dish else the dentist may be required. This may solve the problem. Hari has been selling significant quantities of Venison and Goat.

It is agreed that [Stan.TC] and I will present at a lunchtime next week to sample the Sea Bass. What next?

Posted in [Punjabi Charing Cross] | Comments Off on Don’t Blink! – It’s Quail at The Punjabi Charing Cross

Cafe Salma – The Return of Hector, Holden and Hassan

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Hector

Charing Cross was looking at its very best in the Summer Evening Sunshine as The Man from Bradford, [Stan.TC] and Hector entered Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Charing X, Glasgow G3 7PQ).  When Mr. Holden is in town there is the challenge to provide him with a Worthy Curry, however, in the course of the meal it became obvious that we need not worry.  The places we frequent only sell the Best of Glasgow Curry and we can hold our own against Bradford.

Hassan’s Lady was sitting under the canopy at the front of the Restaurant, long time no see.  She and Hassan have been back to Morocco for the last month or so, I was promised that Hassan would enter the building later.

Kofta Palak (or Dessert if it is only [Stan.TC] and Hector) would be the normal choice for my Co-Diners this evening but they were both willing to accept my advice and choose the wonderful dish I first experienced just over a fortnight ago on my last visit here. The Kofta Bhuna is truly outstanding.  As was my intention, having re-discovered the true Salma Flavour in this Masala, I went for the Lamb Bhuna (Hot).

As Mr. Boyd was not present, Mr. Holden felt he could join [Stan.TC] and I in a share of the superb Vegetable Rice.  Four Chapattis and two Tandoori Roti were the principal accompaniments.  We would never eat all this.

The customary Complementary Poppadoms and Dips were provided, giving Mr. Holden the opportunity of reminding The World that in Bradford one does not pay for these or one’s Bread/Rice.  I suggested that maybe the Curry should be free too, I got the Holden-Look, then he agreed.

The Kofta Bhuna was the success I knew it would be. [Stan.TC] was struggling, Mr. Holden was waiting to pounce, eventually the moment was right.  He had hoped for Five Kofta Balls having had Four in his last Kofta in Bradford, it was admitted that the latter were smaller.

This is far too much food for [Stan.TC] – can we have the real Dr. Stan back please?

Hector had made the wrong choice

The Body of Hector was crying out for a Hot Curry,  a reaction to the decidedly Mild Curry Experiences in Europe in the past few weeks.  The heat was there, the magnificent Flavour was lost.  This was still a good Curry, but the anticipated Edge was gone.  I should have known better.

The Arrival

Hassan stopped in the doorway and took a humble bow.  His Restaurant was more than half full and this was a Thursday evening.  Our eyes made contact and over he came, Hector has long since graduated to the level of The Hassan Hug, as it should be.

Finally, we were joined by Marg who would transfer us to our next port of call.  She had declined the invitation to join us earlier, but she knows what is planned for tomorrow.

A Glasgow Curry Dignitary entered as we were finishing our meal.  I recognised the face but know not who he is.  Marg told me later that he had stopped and had clocked me too.

The Bill

£37.75.  A modest price in what remains one of Glasgow’s finest Curry outlets.

The Aftermath

Hassan related that Hari from the Punjabi Charing Cross had visited his premises recently.  For some reason the name of Hector was mentioned.  As neither had seen me for some time, they concluded that I must have been in Germany.  How true, but then there was the Czech Republic and Hungary too.

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Hector – The Curryspondant

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Hector

Hector has been interviewed – online – by those lovely people who hand out the Curry Awards, but sadly, never to Hector…

http://mypassionforfood.co.uk/the-life-of-a-curryspondant/

Posted in Odds and Sods | Comments Off on Hector – The Curryspondant

North by North-West to Nazma, Aberdeen

Posted on August 4, 2012 by Hector

One recognises excellent service when one witnesses it, the best example today was on the City-Link Gold Bus from Glasgow to Aberdeen this evening. Doris plied her Charges with firstly Ice-Cream, followed by Sandwiches, Coffee, more Sandwiches and finally Sweeties. Hector was refusing food so as to maintain the appetite for the promised Curry at the Nazma Tandoori (62 Bridge St., AB11 6JN, Aberdeen).

The first two examples of poor service today were at Berlin Schönefeld, yes Hector’s Heroic Homecoming has finally come to an end. The easyJet Check-in Lassie was more interested in chatting to her off duty colleague than serving the customers. Due to a foul up with the luggage conveyor we all had to stand and watch her flirt ad nauseum. At no time did she look in our direction to make any apology, or even explanation as to the problem. When Hector reached the front of the queue there was no eye contact during the entire process, her conversation went on uninterrupted. I could have been carrying anything, no security questions.

In what passes for a Departure Lounge at this soon to be demolished Airport I ordered an Ersatz Pizza in the Cafe. The heated Bread was put on a small cardboard tray, some of it overhang, it was placed on my hand, I dropped it immediately. I suppose one could sue when one is burned in a scenario where one is burned. I just wanted to get home. Howard and Mags muttered comments as they joined me, Robin gave up in disgust.

The Nazma was chosen this evening because not only is it close to Aberdeen’s Bus (and Train) Station, it is also a venue where I have enjoyed very good Curry over the past fourteen years of regular visits.

 You must know what’s coming…

Despite being quite empty, Marg and Hector were squeezed on to a table for two. The Lamb Bhuna and the Green Herb Curry appeared to be similar, the latter has tended to be my choice over the years, though the former mentioned Methi. I asked the Waiter what was the difference, he muttered something about Green and Herb. I was now none the wiser. I asked if they had Fresh Methi, this was confirmed: One Lamb Green Herb Curry with extra Methi was the order. Marg went for the Shahi Lamb Rogan Josh. (I know, I recorded it as she ordered it.) Marg asked for it without Capsicum. At first the Waiter denied that any Capsicum would be in the dish. When he was shown the list of ingredients in the Menu he came out with the immortal quote I have only ever heard once before – ironically in Berlin! ‘The Capsicum will already be in…’ Aye right. This prompted me to chip in with a further declaration. My Curry does not mention Capsicum and so I do not wish to see a single one on my plate.

A Vegetable Pilau Rice and two Chapattis (£1.10) to share were the Accompaniments. Marg considered just Chapattis but feared the Masala may be runny, and so Rice it was.

We were offered Poppadoms and Dips, there was no mention that this would be £1.90, oh, we are in Aberdeen. At least tonight the Chapattis were not a rip-off.

We had only finished our Poppadoms when the Mains arrived, a bit too quick for my liking. The Waiter started to serve the dishes, I asked him to stop, the Ritual Photography…

The Lamb pieces in the Green Herb Curry were larger than one might expect. The Lamb was not wonderful, I have had much better in recent weeks elsewhere. The Masala was halfway between thick and thin – medium! The flavour was awful – Antiseptic is what came to mind. The Curry was edible – just. Having declined the majority of Nibbles on the Bus, I was hungry. Hector was not impressed.

Marg fared worse

What sort of Meat is this? Marg asked as she spooned her Rogan Josh on to her Rice. It was Chicken. The Waiter was summoned. How can you serve Chicken in a Rogan Josh? I enquired? They wheeched it away, an Aberdonian expression too, apologised and moments later a Lamb Replica was presented along with another Bowl of Vegetable Pilau Rice. They even offered a fresh Chapatti. The offer was appreciated but felt unnecessary.

Marg also noted the massive size of the Lamb pieces, having sampled a bit, her Lamb was more tender than mine, slightly.  Marg felt the Masala was too runny and lacked something special.

The Curry at Nazma used to be distinctive, this is no longer the case.

Assuming we would be retiring to an Aberdeen Hostelry, Marg announced she wished Coffee. For the record, there is not a Bier in the whole of Aberdeenshire that will interest Hector this weekend. She asked for Milky Coffee, as in Coffee made with Milk. She was brought the flask of Black Coffee with Cream on the side. The Waiter asked – How do you like your Coffee? – as he poured the Black Liquid into the Cup. Useless.

The Bill

£34.05, allowing for inflated prices in this city, not bad.

However, this is where the truth behind this evening is revealed. (When I get home I will scan it and put it up for all to see.) One Chicken Rogan Josh (Not Capsicum) is what was recorded, nobody mentioned Chicken. Where was the Shahi as their Menu describes? One G.H. Lamb (Lots of Coriander). Hector’s taste buds had been expecting the dry-bitterness of Methi, the Coriander had been sprinkled on top, uncooked. Surely cooking some of the added Herbs into a Curry is not beyond them. Maybe there was no Fresh Methi in the Nazma Tandoori.

The Aftermath

We left without comment. Berlin to Aberdeen, I was too tired to take anyone on.

I shall not be rushing back and I now have to remove them from my list of Recommended Aberdeen Curry Houses.

Posted in [Nazma Tandoori] | Comments Off on North by North-West to Nazma, Aberdeen

Berlin – Naveena Path – The Law of Curry

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Hector

The last thing on Hector’s mind as we checked into Pension Regine Braun once more, was Curry-Heute. Later, perhaps. After a five hour Train Journey from Nürnberg to Berlin, Craig and Yvonne were hungry. They fancied a Curry before returning once more to Eschenbräu, Naveena Path (Tegeler Straße 22, 13353, Wedding, Berlin) was en route. The Law of Curry – is simple, one cannot suggest a Curry then back down. Hector could not let Craig and Yvonne eat there alone. Robin went straight to the Brewery, Howard, Mags, and Lord Clive joined – The Three.

Arriving on 15.00, Mein Host was sitting taking a break, no doubt after the exertions of Lunchtime. Six more customers entered, for the first time Hector was acknowledged immediately. Well after three visits in as many weeks I should hope so.

Does Chicken Curry?  Of course not…

Hector decided that today was a good day to make a major departure from – The Norm – I would have a Chicken Curry – The Saag. This left the field wide open for Howard to choose well, Fisch Curry then. Yvonne selected Chicken Chilli, Clive the Chicken Special and Craig the Chicken Tikka. Only Mags stuck to our traditional standard and ordered Mutton Khumbi, whatever…

It was a hot day and drinks were not forthcoming. A boy was behind the counter, I asked for the normal Sparkling Water – Wodka? His services were dispensed with and Mein Host took charge. Meanwhile his able assistant was put to work preparing six Curry dishes for simultaneous presentation. Simples?

The Rice would be inclusive, four Chapattis were added to the order.

The Chicken Saag was remarkably like the Mutton version, but with… The Spinach-rich Masala was quite Creamy too. The occasional blast of Fresh Ginger gave it an edge at times. As for the Chicken, well it was Chicken, which does not Curry in my book. This is what I felt like, this is what I had. Normal service will be resumed.

For once, Howard appeared to have scored the best deal. His Curry looked interesting, there was a significant Fish portion, however the Masala was runny as one would expect in a Sri Lankan Restaurant.

Yvonne’s Chilli Chicken looked like a plate of Soup. It was not Spicy at all, indeed Yvonne questioned if Chillies had been added. She remarked that: there was no heat whatsoever.

Mags enjoyed her Mutton Khumbi, however she did not appreciate the presence of Aubergines. If one orders a Curry with Vegetables one is at The Chef’s mercy.

Clive was given a splendid Sizzling Platter and then had it removed and placed before Craig. This was just as well, Clive would have eaten it. This was the Chicken Tikka, it was Red and had lots of Onion, some even Raw, and Capsicum. This is not a Curry in Hector’s Book, nor was the Chicken, Special according to Clive. His meal was a definite last to arrive. The Menu promised Nuts and Raisins, none. Clive described it as: The Mildest Curry he has ever been served.

One is not trying to make out that  Naveena Path makes a Curry that will ever make one go – Wow, perhaps they could with notice. This is an honest, Back-street Café which just happens to be metres from our front door in Berlin. Nobody has had a bad experience, all have made positive comments.

 The Bill

 €57.50. The Four Chapattis were declared to be Free – as Chapattis should be everywhere!

The Aftermath

Naveena Path now qualifies for it own Web Page on Curry-Heute. There have been sufficient visits and an array of dishes selected, one day perhaps.

We strolled around the corner to Eschenbräu and joined Robin. That was it for the rest of the day, tired or what?

Posted in Naveena Path | Comments Off on Berlin – Naveena Path – The Law of Curry

München – The Indien Mango Never Disappoints

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Hector

Hector’s Heroic Homecoming is nearing its conclusion, today could be considered as the climax. Ten of us travelled down from Nürnberg, some had Bier as their first objective of the day, regular readers will know that Bier in München must follow Curry-Heute at the Indien Mango (Zweibrückenstr. 15, 80331, München).

Howard had the day off, he announced that he was Curried-Out, or maybe frustrated after recent events. Neil remembers his last visit two years ago, Lord Clive had to come to find out what the fuss was about, [Stan.TC] decided that this would be his solitary Curry of the Trip.  Four of us took the S Bahn onwards to Isartor.

Doris brought us the Main Menu and the Lunchtime Menu, there was no Fisch Chettinad. Hector was insistent that The Chef must know the dish, even allowing for staff changes since last November, the last visit. Doris returned, she then produced a Specials Menu, behold the Fisch Chettinad. Four please. Basmati Rice is included, this did not prevent Hector ordering a Roti, [Stan.TC] a Garlic Nan, and Lord Clive enquiring about Keema Nan. What’s that?

Doris returned, Clive was told he could have a Keema Nan.

The  wi-fi kept us amused until the Food arrived. Wi-Fi, small letters?

Four Bowls of Rice were brought, those on the Lunch Menu had their Rice presented on half the plate, and Soup would be the best description of the other Curry I spotted. Not for us. Another Four Bowls, this time with Fisch Chettinad arrived, the anticipation was everything. No pressure at all. The Curry had a mass of Fish, the Masala was just visible, it was a delight, Onion-rich.

The Breads varied in quality. The Roti went to crisp very quickly, [Stan.TC] described his Garlic Nan favourably initially and then announced it went gently Cripsy too and was not very Garlicky. The Keema Nan was decidedly OK said Clive, despite the fact this may be the first one ever cooked on these premises. Maybe not. Neil had no Bread.

The Fisch Chettinad is the best Fish Curry I have ever tasted, at any venue, anywhere. It did not disappoint. The normal Gritty Texture of Chopped Coriander Stems was missing today, though the Fresh Coriander Leaf was most evident. Hector and Neil tried to identify what the source of the distinct flavour could be, we gave up. Suffice to say, the four of us were well impressed. Very Excellent was Clive’s comment. Now he knows what all the fuss is about.

Every mouthful was a sheer joy, this is one of my very favourite venues, Indien Mango never disappoints.

There was no way the Four Bowls of Rice would ever be finished. Once Hector has eaten his fill, Neil offered some of the Curry mass he had left. We all declined the offer, we were all full. Five minutes later Neil had eaten all of his Curry, he surprised himself.

The Bill

€74.80. Hector points out again that this was from the Specials List, at Lunchtime, we could have paid half of this had we selected the Lunch Menu.

The Aftermath

I showed the Curry-Heute Website on the trusty HTC, courtesy of the wi-fi to the Doris. The photo of Mr Jolly Kunjappu and Hector was instantly recognised: You are The Curry Man she remembered. She asked if it was my Job to Travel and Eat Curry. Is there such a Job? Doris regaled the joys of German Food as an alternative to Curry, I shook my head. She asked if German Curry was the best, well…

Those who are privileged to work here are spoiled, they don’t know how poor the competition can be. The Chef came out to take a bow, he remembered me. I shook his hand.

Until my next visit in November.

Posted in [Indian Mango] | 1 Comment

Four Chaps A-Salted in the Erlangen Curry House

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Hector

Hector’s Heroic Homecoming has returned to a familiar location, Nürnberg is our base for the next three nights. The Tin-Tinerary stated that there would be an Erlangen Curry for those who made the rendezvous for the 11.42 train north. Howard, Lord Clive and Neil signed up for the challenge of eating what is the Saltiest Curry Hector has ever experienced. The Curry House (Helmstrasse 11, 91054, Erlangen) is a Curry Schnell Imbiss, there is no ceremony, one orders from what is on display at the counter and pays up front.

We arrived at Noon, people were already ensconced. The Mutton Subji appeared to be the best Curry on offer. This would guarantee the inclusion of Seasonal Vegetables. Hector did spot the Dal that has impressed in other European Venues in the past week, alas the appetite was not up to this today. Three of us had been to the Annafest yesterday, today would be a day of relative relaxation.

Ordering four of the same must have made it easier for the Chef, we were summoned back to the counter to collect our meals.

As was the case on my last visit, the meal included Rice with a piece of Poppadom for good measure. This could, if one chose, be eaten along with the Onions and Dips already on the tables, not today.

The Masala was the classic old fashioned Onion-rich style from years back. The Lamb was so tender, this Curry had been cooked thoroughly. The array of Vegetables included Peas, Cauliflower, Green Beans and even Cabbage, a first.

The main feature of this Restaurant is the sheer level of Salt in the meal, it is at the limit of what is acceptable, I would rather it this way than bland any time. Clive demolished a full litre of water during his meal, maybe this is why he was finished first. Today I was as slow an eater as Neil, the volume of Rice defeated me in the end.

By the time we left, every table was occupied, people even joined strangers.  This is a very popular Curry House.

I felt The Chaps had to experience this, there were no complaints. It will be interesting to see if anyone ever suggests a return visit.

 The Bill

 €11.40. We each paid individually.

 The Aftermath

On arriving at the Kitzmann Brewery I ordered a half litre of Orangeade. I was seriously thirsty.

Posted in Curry House | 2 Comments

Passau (Bayern) – Chandni – The Comedy Curry House

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Hector

If ever there was a tale to be told…

When Howard declined to eat when the others did at Hacklberg, his intention was clear, he would be joining Hector for further Curry-Heute! Lord Clive invited himself too. Bouncing off both the Donau and the Inn, Hector lead The Chaps in a circuitous route towards the end of the Peninsula.

The Chandni (Michaeligasse 4, 94032, Passau) is one of two Curry Houses in this picturesque setting at the very South East corner of Bayern. The Border with  Österreich is about kilometre away.

There were a few Fellow Diners, so business was doing fine at 22.00 on a Sunday evening.

The Menu covered a reasonable array of choices, Karahi and Balti Dishes were not mentioned.. This evening, Hector and Howard had Lamb on their minds.

Pakora featured, quite unusual outside the UK, we had to try this, one portion to share was ordered.

The Lamm Vindaloo was described as featuring Onion, so I asked Doris #1 if there was Potato with it. She pointed to the Lamm Jalfrezi and showed that it had Potato. I pointed to the aloo ending of Vindaloo and explained, this means Potato. Que? I decided not to add that Jalfrezi is an Onion rich dish, normally. So Lamm Jalfrezi it was then, and hold the Capsicum. We were communicating, I think. Howard chose well, he went for the Lamm Palak. No problem. Lord Clive chose Murg Vindaloo, which contradicts the explanation for eating Chicken that he gave in Crawley last week, he had not eaten Lamb today. We thought a single Nan to share would not be excessive, the Basmati Rice was included.

The Pakora was brought by Doris #2 whose English was perfect. I would congratulate her later on speaking without an accent. The Pakora was a joke, four flat pieces of Vegetable, two Mushrooms and two slices of Aubergine in a light Batter. Strictly speaking, I suppose Pakora can be anything the Chef wants it to be, this bore no resemblance to anything originating from the true Home of Curry, Great Britain. They charged €3.00 for this, profits must be healthy.

Doris #2 came back with the Menu, they only had enough Lamb left to provide one portion of Curry, would one of us have something else. I insisted that Howard have his choice given the sacrifice of earlier in the day, once again he insisted that as the Curry-Fuhrer, I must have what I ordered. Chilli Suwer was Howard’s #2 choice, a Pork Curry with Vegetables with a promise of Spice. Pork Curry is a rarity in the UK, one can understand why the majority of Glasgow and Bradford Curry Houses do not sell it, but those who do have India-proper connections should really offer it, after all they do sell Beef.

It’s Curry, Jim – but not as we know it…

The Chilli Suwer and the Murg Vindaloo arrived first, along with A Big Tureen of Boiled Rice and a Cardboard Nan. Most of the Nan was left, it was not edible. We should have ordered one each, not.

Clive’s Chicken Curry was a classic Shorba, thin and as Clive remarked: No Onion had been harmed in the making of his Curry. He said it was a very pleasant meal but quite simply it was not Chicken Vindaloo.

Howard’s Chilli Suwer was very much a Stir Fry, so technically not a Curry at all. There were Strips of Pork but they were greatly outnumbered by the Vegetables, Capsicum being to the fore. This would never have been my choice, but it wasn’t really Howard’s choice either. To quote Howard – If I had found the Curry I might have enjoyed it, but it was a Stir Fry, not a Curry. The one reason I came to Passau was to try the Lamb Saag.

I don’t believe it…

Hector’s Curry was the last to arrive, Doris #2 came out of the kitchen bearing the gift. She then retreated and emerged a moment later. What she brought was not Lamm Vindaloo, it was not even the expected Lamm Jalfrezi, it was Lamm Palak! I  offered Howard his original choice back, not that I wanted to eat what he had, but once more Howard insisted I have the potentially better dish. It was destiny that the Lamm Palak was coming my way. Keeping a straight face was impossible, if our Fellow Diners were able to follow the proceedings they would have understood the hilarity at our table. Howard bit the bullet, em Vegetable.

The Lamm Vindaloo, sorry Jalfrezi with Potato, sorry, Lamm Palak was served absolutely dry. The minimal Masala was on the Bradford scale, things were looking good. The flavour was wonderful, they had mixed just enough Spinach to make it as described. This was not the normal Meat in a Sea of Spinach Soup, this must stand out as one of the best Lamm Palak’s Hector has encountered, the Lamb was in large pieces, very tender. The seasoning was exactly how I like it, the flavours emerged, the Spinach did not dominate, a very well balanced dish. I only wish I had ordered it.

Howard was not a Happy Chap.

The Bill

€48.50. The error had been acknowledged when the wrong Curry was presented. Time to negotiate. Doris #1 was authorised to reduce The Bill to a more acceptable €45.00. There was no Tip.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was the last thing this venue needed. Their Menu has errors, they do not appear to understand the basics about what they are presenting. The communication between the Waitress and the Chef needs improvement. How does a Restaurant run out of Lamb? The Curry, well two, was thoroughly enjoyed, pity we only had the two, we ordered three, or four, or…

 

Posted in Chandni | 2 Comments

Passau (Bayern) – Bollywood, the word Perfection was recurring

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Hector

Hector finds himself at the halfway stage of the saga known as Hector’s Heroic Homecoming.  We are back in Deutschland, some familiar places will be re-visited, meanwhile Passau is a brand new experience.

The rendezvous at Bollywood (Ort 9, 94032, Passau) was at High Noon. The Restaurant is at the end of the labyrinth of streets that make up the Peninsula between the Confluence of the Inn and the Donau. We entered just before Noon, the first customers of the day. Howard and Hector both had Fish Curry on their minds.

The Menu had Shorba as a Starter under Soup, so there was hope that they recognised the difference between Gravy and Masala. Hector ordered the Fish Vindaloo, Howard the Bengali Fish Curry. He could have ordered the same but felt that we should experience both, for the sake of the Blog. Howard is taking things very seriously, there may be a sense of falling on the sword.

Ginger Nan, now there is something one does not come across everyday, it had to be sampled, once more in the interest of balance, Howard ordered a Plain Nan. Basmati Rice was included with the meal.

The young Waitress seemed to be as happy speaking English as she did Deutsch, the Menu was written in the language of Curry.

Two half litre glasses of Soft Drinks were a welcome refreshment whilst we waited. The wait was not long.

The Fish Vindaloo had a thick Onion-based Masala. The ratio of Fish to Potato to Masala was perfect. The Masala was well seasoned so the flavours came through. There was a decent kick without being excessive. The Ginger Nan was covered in slivers of Ginger, the taste did not hit the Curryspondent for a few moments, then there was a blast.

This was a very good meal indeed, the quantity was perfect for what was in effect, breakfast.

Howard had looked at Hector’s Curry with a slight envy. His Curry lacked the Potato and did not appear to be as wholesome. Howard described his Masala as Korma-like. Having sampled some of mine, he felt the Masala did not have the depth of flavour that the Vindaloo contained. He pronounced that this was a perfectly acceptable Fish Curry.

The Plain Nan was, well Plain. Given the quantity of Rice we could not eat everything. The Curry of course was demolished.

The Bill

€33.70. This is well within Acceptable Parameters.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was received and the International aspect was explained. Of course the term – Curry-Heute – means more in Deutschland than it does at Home. The Waitress asked if we could get Spices? At first I thought she thought we did not know what constituted a decent Curry. Later I considered that she may have thought I might be able to supply them. Fresh Coriander and Methi perhaps?

Posted in Bollywood | 2 Comments

Ceske Budejovice – The Gateway to India – Excellent!

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Hector

On the day the London 2012 Olympics officially open The Friends of Hector find themselves in Ceske Budejovice in the South of the Czech republic. There is a World Famous Brewery here – Budvar -, and Curry-Heute reported.

Hunger took care of some who as far as I know, headed for the hills.  Howard and Mags had retained their hunger sufficiently to join Hector, for the third time this week, in an upstairs venue just off the Main Square.

The Gateway to India (Piaristicka 22/8, 37001, Ceske Budejovice) is a large venue with modest prices. This gave us the opperchancity to try a few things. The Breads for a start were at give-away prices, the Mains ranged from four to five Pounds.

As ever, when one has Curry outwith the UK shores, it is a lottery. It is always hoped that a New Gem will be found, the norm is usually something average or below. The Gateway to India was certainly not average, this was a significant Curry Discovery.

The Menu was not vast, Lamb Vindaloo was Hector’s selection, a choice/test that has evolved through time. The Chapattis were an impressive 20Kc, around 65p. The Keema Protha (Paratha) were just over the Pound mark, why not have both? – one should be worthwhile. Inspired by the Dal experienced in Berlin earlier in the week, the Dal Makhni at about three pounds for a Main Course portion was irresistible.

Mags had set aside her disappointment of last night’s Curry in Prague, she chose the Lamb Mushroom with a Garlic Kulcha and Plain Basmati as accompaniment. Howard ordered the Fish Curry , Peas Rice and the Garlic Kulcha.

We feared the serving of thin Sauce and so tried to convince the Waiter that we did not want Soup, we wanted a Thick Masala. The message was apparently accepted, we still had our doubts. He tried to convince me that the Vindaloo might be excessive on the palate. Hector knows otherwise. In Europe nobody serves a properly Cooked Steak or a seriously Hot Curry.

We waited, There was a group of ten before us, indeed this was a busy venue. At these prices I was not surprised, but the quality of the food was as yet unknown. There was time to go wandering and take in the sheer size of the place, only one of three rooms was open for business.

When the Curry arrived we felt an air of optimism, the Thick Masala was present in all three dishes. I was puzzled to note the Creamy texture, a Creamy Vindaloo? This is certainly a departure from what one might expect, but when there is heat, taste and texture one can only be impressed.  The Dal Makhni was served in a Tall Pot, it looked like Soup, however on stirring, the true texture revealed itself, thick and dry-ish. The Breads immediately impressed. The Chapatti was more of a thin Nan than the normal Chapatti, in fact Middle-Eastern. The Keema Protha (Paratha) was rich with ‘bashed meat‘ as described. Howard likes his Peas, the Rice servings were more than adequate.

Excess, in Moderation

Everything was now set for a feast, none were disappointed. The Vindaloo was indeed Hot, but nothing to fear. The Creamy Masala was very rich with a good Onion Base. The Potato and Lamb were well cooked, more Lamb please might be the only negative. The texture of the Chapatti was wonderful, and eaten with the Vindaloo, a treat. The Dal was superb, the Keema Protha was the perfect accompaniment for this. No way could I eat it all, an elegant sufficiency was achieved.

Howard thoroughly enjoyed his meal, though he wished he had been alert enough to order the Vindaloo version of his Fish Dish. On tasting my Masala he realised what he had missed.  Howard still had positives in balance for his choice.  Mags was well impressed, this was more like it, not her favoured Glasgow Curry, em we are in Ceske Budejovice. She was defeated by the volume and now has a Take-away for tomorrow’s Train to Passau, interesting.

 The Bill

 871 Kc = £27.00. We had a Banquet, the food was wonderful.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was well received and the Website explained.  This Curry House deserves recognition.  I assured Mein Host that I would return, but not this year. Ceske Budejovice is famous for Bier and like München it can also boast a major Curry Attraction.

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