Yadgar! Dinner with The Establishment

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Hector

Ahmed, a resident of Pakistan, is a friend of Shkoor at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) and was responsible for establishing the Shkoor-Hector Connection. In the last two years Ahmed has become the Islamabad Curryspondent for Curry-Heute keeping Hector right on many things Curry-Related, tonight we met for the first time.

Arriving promptly at 19.00, Hector found Shkoor outside Yadgar taking a phone-call. I entered The Humble Establishment and was warmly greeted by Ahmed who had the advantage of being able to recognise Yours Truly via this medium.

By the time Shkoor joined us, introductions were no longer necessary. Not only would tonight be a veritable Curry Feast, Hector would get to spend the evening with two Curry Experts.

The customary Welcome Salad was soon accompanied by a bowl of Dahi Bhalley. Hector has experienced this Yoghurt-based, almost Spicy-Cake dish, once before, but now knows the moniker, thanks to Ahmed of course.

Ahmed had chosen the venue and that the main course would be Chops. Shkoor had suggested that the Chops be Achari based, a new Yadgar experience for Hector.

The first Dish to arrive was a Vegetable Green Mush, interesting. Spinach – Shkoor announced, it would turn out to be so much more.

The large Yadgar Karahi was presented, the Chops smothered in the wonderful Dry Masala which has made Yadgar the Curry Venue most visited since the birth of this Blog. Chapattis were the Accompaniment of choice, after all, who eats Rice with Curry – this is 2012.

Hector the Veggie?

The first Dip in the Spinach dish revealed a familiar flavour – Bradford! This did not please Shkoor who feels I should recognise it as Yadgar’s own. You have mastered the Bradford Flavour – was my attempt at stopping the dig of the proverbial hole. As would be divulged in the course of the evening, this Spinach dish contained the Leaves of Five Herbs – Spinach, Methi, Mustard Leaves and more. It is apparently a very difficult dish to prepare, this was perfection. For once the Spinach did not dominate, this was a true Herb Melange, why have I not had this before?

Lamb Chops – After you, Sir

The Pickle was evident and pleasant without taking away from the flavour of the Lamb Chop itself. As Shkoor remarked – One can tell the quality of the food by the lack of conversation. Mmmmm.

Alternate spoons of the Five Herb Masala and the Wonderful Chops drew to a close. Something was muttered.

What is better than a Kilo of Lamb Chops at Yadgar?

A further Batch was presented! More came with more Chapattis, start again.

Shkoor was first to stop eating, as Ahmed remarked, when you work with this food all day one is less inclined to crave it. Ahmed subsequently waved the white flag leaving Hector to polish off the last pieces. Ahmed knows that Hector loves his Curry, now he has seen the Curry-Hound in action.

The Aftermath

Ahmed and Hector were left periodically to discuss Curry experiences from all over Britain and beyond. He has recommendations for me in London, Delhi and Lahore. We discussed Pakistan – Earthquake and Flood, Afghanistan, Jordan and more.  He and Shkoor plan a visit to Glasgow’s Bradford Curry House – Akbar’s.  I advised them to order their food – In the Asian Style – just to ensure they get The Right Stuff..

Great Food, Great Company, a night to remember. Until next time.

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Oban – Light of India – First Oban Curry in a Decade

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Hector

This was the last day of the vacation, we were determined to enjoy the day and so we drove to Crinan to see the Canal, then crossed the Atlantic to Easdale, and onwards to Oban, for Curry-Heute.  On our last visit to Oban, Hector and Marg had a wonderful Curry Experience, could we repeat it?

I remembered the Curry House to be back off the front and main street. Light of India (43 Stevenson Street, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5NA) fitted this description best. On entering we soon realised that this was not the same venue, it must have gone.

At 18.00 on a Sunday evening Light of India was filling up. Throughout our visit it was most apparent that there were regulars, many fellow diners were making positive noises at the end of their course choices, Hector had an air of optimism.

Marg announced she felt like Chicken Tonight…Light of India Chicken Supreme (£9.90) was amongst the dearest dishes on the Menu. It was described as Chicken stuffed with Mince but came with Pilau Rice, which may well have justified its comparatively inflated price.

Marg predicted my choice – Methi Gusth – where on Earth did they get that spelling? Methi Gosht is not to be shunned. As the Lamb dishes were a modest £5.90 I considered the possibility of the portion size being minimal and so ordered a Side Dish – Aloo Gobi Masala, priced at a sensible £2.90. Three Chapattis (80p) completed the order. We opted not to have Poppadoms etc, these were not forthcoming as complimentary offerings.

The Curry came very quickly, a bit too quickly, my suspicions were raised. Marg’s Chicken Supreme was large pieces of Chicken in a Soup-like Masala, there was no sign of the Mince. Marg found this to be enjoyable, and never found any Mince.  I had a dip of the Masala and had to agree, this was indeed a tasty dish. The Rice would have soaked up the Shorva but Marg ate little of the Rice, she prefers Chapattis these days.

The Methi Gosht had a suitably Thick Masala, perhaps a bit too Oily. The portion size was more than adequate, so this dish was certainly good value. The Wow Factor was not there, however there was some flavour. The quality of the Lamb varied throughout, a couple of pieces were decidedly tough, most pieces tender, a pity.

The Potato and Cauliflower Side was pleasant, again not outstanding. It did provide the required Interesting Vegetables and complemented both our meals. One of the Chapattis had not been cooked properly, but by the time we had finished two this mattered not.

Trying to manipulate all the component parts to our meal was tricky on the small table. Once Marg had emptied her karahi a waiter was straight over to remove it, this helped. In fact the staff were very attentive and as the Regulars rolled in  the banter was to the fore.  When my camera appeared, a waiter was straight over to take our photo.  This was a very friendly house.

Marg ordered Coffee. It was served with Cream. The Cup was small but as soon as she was finished the waiter was straight over with the Coffee-Pot to offer more, a nice touch.

The Bill

£25.20. with a Side Dish and a Coffee this was very good value.

The Aftermath

The Calling Card was accepted with little comment. Then there was the drive south behind a car doing no more than 40mph…

I wonder how many years it will be before I return to Oban?

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A Seabass Snack at the Punjabi

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Hector

In the course of the discussion last week leading up to the Quail Curry, Hari suggested I must try the Seabass. This is but a Starter and somehow [Stan.TC] had already sampled this some weeks prior. I was happy to have [Stan.TC] as Co-Diner once again.

The Complementary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney were presented whilst the Chef prepared to tickle our fancy.

The new young waiter brought the Fish which was lying on a bed of Spiced Mashed Potato.

The Seabass was beautifully Spiced and Lemon Juice had been drizzled over it prior to serving. This gave a lovely Citrus Bight which complemented the Spice. Meanwhile the Mash must rate as the best Mashed Potato Hector has ever experienced. [Stan.TC] concurred – Mmmm…

Mussels in a Punjabi Sauce must be the next treat.

There we are, short and sweet for once…

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Pyras, Keesmann and Kebabish Original

Posted on August 12, 2012 by Hector

Two months after our last mass Takeaway from Kebabish Original (677-681 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2AB). The same order for Sixteen was placed by Craig and Yvonne, once again our Hosts. The Bier Today was Pyraser Landbier and Keesmann Bock. Marg was making a rare appearance at a Barrel Party whilst Simon and Kirsty were making an inaugural, but too brief,  appearance.  The Duke of Hamilton was back for more.

The Delivery Chap arrived punctually, Hector decided to assist in the opening of the large meal parcels. As luck would have it the first bag I opened contained the Lamb Karela and so with a generously sized Chapatti and a piece of Chicken Tikka, I retired to the garden. Howard followed close behind with an identically composed platter. It was good to see Howard finally get his first choice of Curry. He has missed some splendid meals in the last few days however.

Marg took a selection from the array of available meals, this I am informed was the pattern followed by the majority.  Ricky (I’m having a Fish Supper) and [Stan.TC] were also on Curry for the fourth consecutive day.  Bring it on.

Dr. Rick enquired about the Karela, this version was nothing like that enjoyed so much last evening. The Masala was still Sweet, only on biting into the Sliced Vegetable was there any sense of Bitterness.

The appetite sated I returned to the kitchen to check on the progress of the others. There was still plenty left for Neil, our late arrival. Loadsa’ Chapattis, Pakora of differing varieties, Curry for All, Simples. Yvonne soon came to realise that her Rice for Fifteen was not required.

The Bill

As the order was the same I assume the price was the same – £8.00 per head. £128.00 is what I deduce the total to have been.

The Aftermath

Craig was seen in the kitchen hoovering without his Dyson. The Chicken Tikka was very much to his liking and there still appeared to be plenty of it.

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New Experiences at the New Karahi Palace

Posted on August 11, 2012 by Hector

Not another Curry! Was Ricky’s plea. The Man from Bradford who claims to eat Curry just about every day was even suggesting we eat at a C-Place, in the end sense was seen. [Stan.TC] was always up for it, is the real Dr. Stan coming back to us? After an afternoon on CAMRA business came to a conclusion, Dr. Rick, with the Higgs boson no longer a challenge,  decided it was Curry-O’Clock too.  (sorry, Dr. Rick)

The New Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) was long overdue a visit.

Karela, Not Sweet

Do you have Karela today? was the first thing Hector asked the young waiter who oversees the operation. The reply was positive. The usual Chef was in situ, we should be on for an excellent meal – Karela Gosht for Hector.

The Menu appeared to be new, more extensive and informative. Ricky had been looking at one of the Boards. What on Earth is Paye? Not a tax, we concluded.

Trotter ye not

As is written, Ricky is always keen to try the most obscure offerings. He has been talking about Trotters since his arrival on Thursday, he is determined to try it in one of his Bradford outlets. Well, perhaps until last night when we discussed Trotters with Hari at the Punjabi Charing Cross. He described them as being cooked for hours, days even, to get all the Gelatine and Flavour from the Bones.         Trotters = Paye.

In another display of normality, [Stan.TC] having surveyed the entire Menu spotted Lamb Desi Korma. Now this is the Signature Dish of the nearby Village, was it an impersonation, a variant? [Stan.TC] and Ricky went for this.

Dr. Rick, having solved the mysteries of the Universe, chose Shahi Haleem – slow cooked Lamb in Lentils. This was described as something well beyond the normal Lamb and Lentil Curry, another mystery to be solved.

Two Aloo Paratha and two Nan were the Accompaniments.

Cooked to order

We nibbled on the Complementary Salad and Dip whilst we waited for the dishes to be prepared. There were fellow diners upstairs and three more downstairs. Although this venue is never busy the Takeaway Trade is seemingly continuous, or more precisely, the Delivery Service.

Tried and Tested

The Karela Gosht was everything it should be. The Lamb was on-the-bone, tender, Spiced, perfection. The Masala was so Dry. The Karela may be an acquired taste, its bitterness to the fore. Nobody should ever try to eat this dish with Rice, it is very much a meal which has to be eaten with Bread. The good sized Aloo Paratha provided both Bread and another Interesting Vegetable – Potato.

Variations on a Theme

The Desi Korma was again served with Lamb on-the-bone but with way too much Masala. [Stan.TC] announced that it did not contain the dreaded Coconut that a Korma would normally contain, thankfully. Ricky acknowledged the excess of Masala but said the meal Passed Muster. [Stan.TC] described the Desi Dish as very tasty but no direct comparison to The Village version was forthcoming. So, I shall have to try this someday. And not have Karela Gosht?

Shahi Haleem

We all looked at this rarity with interest, it was a Mush. Dr. Rick had to eat it but in the end offered to let us all sample this Novel Curry. Lamb Stovies is how I described it. The Lamb had been cooked to a pulp, the light fawn colour must have come from the Lentil content. There was Spice, there was Flavour, but nothing like we have ever experienced before. The sheer Volume defeated Dr. Rick in the end – Very Heavy, he said. So Mass does have Weight!

We shall see if anyone in the company ever orders this again…

The Bill

£36.80. Under a Tenner each, Great Food, Great Value.

The Aftermath

There were smiles all round as we left. As I have written before, this place needs more of an up-front presence. The Food is wonderful, the Service is fine. More Communication would be advantageous, the new more detailed Menu is a start.

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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?

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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/

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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.

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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?

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