Cafe Salma – Friday Evening, Das Ritual

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Hector

A minimalist report on a consistently praiseworthy Curry-Heute

It’s Friday, it’s 17.40, it’s….Cafe Salma!

(523 Sauchiehall St, Charing X, Glasgow, G3 7PQ)

Dr Stan was already in situ with the Chutneys and the complementary Popadom.  Hector ‘permitted’ Dr Stan to have some of ‘his’ Onion Chutney before another complementary Popadom was presented.  The perfect welcome.

The order was given: Dr Stan clearly does not mind the dreaded Capsicum and so went for the Punjabi Karahi; Hector selected his usual Lahori Karahi.  Both dishes were ordered off-the-bone.  We had the choice.

Dr Stan chose the Vegetable Rice as his accompaniment, Hector for a change, felt that the Aloo Paratha was calling, this proved to be an excellent choice: serendipity…

Hassan was as ever the effect host

A member of staff is missing; there is an advert in the window for new recruits.  More will be reported when the facts are gathered.

The Aloo Paratha was piping hot on delivery, if only this moment could last.  The oh-too-hot-to-touch enjoyment of a Paratha dipped in the Masala is a time to savour.  Hector commented that this might be as enjoyable as the Curry itself.  The thick Masala, the fresh Ginger, the tender Lamb.  This is why we are here.  Who needs a table cloth?

The consistency is not just in the meal but the entire Café Salma experience.  One is made welcome from the moment on arrives to the time of departure.  The food is never disappointing: the norm is excellent.  Hector should be on commission.  How come the fabled ‘Herald’ writers get to do this for free? (allegedly).

Dr Stan as ever said little.  His continued participation in the ritual says everything.

Dessert

Tonight there was none.  Hector ate his entire Paratha and Lahori Karahi and was fully satisfied.  Dr Stan got there in the end.

Later on…  ‘The Place…’

Satisfaction was further enhanced when a ‘careless’ Internet comment led to Paul of the Bon Accord supplying another New Year Bier.

James Sanderson, one of ‘The Immortals’ : My mother has just died, she died last week too… (sic)

As the various cast members passed through the Bon Accord this evening there was confirmation of The Village Curry-Heute tomorrow afternoon.  There were dissenting voices.  Dr Stan has CAMRA activities in the city.  John announced that he was busy only to retract this when the final line up was announced.  So missing persons, please note…

Of course , other participants are welcome at late notice, ‘aye right’.

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Glasgow – Indian Orchard – Marg’s Birthday Choice

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Hector

With Papa Gills to the west and Balbir’s and the various Mother India incarnations to the east, the Indian Orchard (315 Dumbarton Rd, Partick, Glasgow, G11 6AL) is easily overlooked.  Perhaps this is why it is well over ten years since Hector’s last visit.

April 17, 1999.

We were not intending a Curry-Heute, but St. Louis at Thornwood had not yet reopened after the recent festivities. 

What about that place we went to some time ago? – was Marg’s suggestion.  The place in question was the Indian Orchard, the last visit was when Porcupine Tree were playing at Cottiers Theatre.  Hector is astonished at his memory for dates.  We had visited this Curry House previously and had recommended it.

A Restaurant For Two

Three chaps were finishing their meals as we entered.  It is a feature of recent local outings that the venues are so quiet.  We cannot support everywhere.  We asked the waiter to hold the main courses so that we could give our starters time to digest.  This meal had to last more than the usual half hour, tonight was a special event.

Being Marg’s day she chose the starter.  Prawn Puri (to share), always a banker.  Marg spotted the Green Herb Chicken, I had not bothered with the Specialities list as the meat on offer was Lamb Tikka.  I was very happy to spot Methi Gosht.  It has been a while since this has featured on a menu that I have encountered.  An Aloo Gobi Sabzi was also ordered for two reasons.  The Special Fried Rice would not guarantee Vegetables and the prices were so low I feared for the portion size.  Two Buttered Chapattis were also ordered; this was to be a banquet.

You cannot go wrong with a Prawn Puri.  There was a pleasant kick to the Sweet and Sour Masala.  This is probably as much Sweet and Sour as I can cope with these days.  There was a considerable time between the courses as we asked.  Some takeaways were dispatched during this period.  We were asked if we were ready for our Mains, yes please.  Excellent!

The Methi Gosht had me won before I even tasted it.  Had the Chef been reading this Blog?  The Masala was thick and very dry.  The Lamb was melt in the mouth soft, perfect.  The taste of the Methi was exactly as hoped for.  There was also a slight burnt flavour suggesting Spinach/Saag was also present.

Marg enthused about her Green Herb Chicken.  Ten years ago this may have been Hector’s choice too.  The fresh Ginger was to the fore and there was a sufficient – Kick.

The Aloo Gobi  Sabza of course was Potato and Cauliflower again in a thick, but reddish, Masala.  This would have made a standalone meal.  As I remarked, if/when we reach India, this is probably what we will have to become accustomed to eating.

There was no way we could eat all this but there was no disgrace.  The only disgrace is the time that has passed since our last visit.  The Indian Orchard has always been in my mind as a worthy venue.  We shall definitely return.  Howard and Tracey have this virtually on their doorstep, there is a cue for a comment.

The Bill

£27.00  This is excellent value for a licensed restaurant with table cloths.

Dessert

We adjourned to The University Café for the finest Ice-cream in Glasgow.

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The First Curry-Heute of 2011 – Cafe Salma

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Hector

January 4, 2011 and Hector has not had had Curry this year.  Mango in München was closed for the festive season and so it was on my return to Glasgow that the Curry Lust could be satisfied.

Let fate decide?

This time last year The Village would have won hands down but after the two significant discoveries of last year there was a choice.  Hector was awaiting a reply from Robin as to the rest of the day’s itinerary.  A Southside meeting would mean Yadgar would be most convenient.  The train was going to Glasgow Central and so The Village would be nearest.  In the end Hector made up his own mind and changed at Partick: I have not been to Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, Charing X, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) for an unusually large amount of time in the Hector Curry Calendar – this was to be the correct choice.

What a welcome

Hassan ran around the counter as I walked in.  There was a sequence of hugs, then the shaking of hands.  One does not get welcomed like this anywhere else, well I don’t!  The lack of Curry-Heute over the last few days was discussed – the Curry Fix was required.

The complementary Popadoms and Chutneys  were presented instantly.  I was already worried that eating both of these would fill me: this was lunchtime after all and the appetite is never as large.  I shall keep one for Desert!

The Lamb (off-the-bone) Garam Masala and Mushroom Rice was the order of the day.  There was a conscious decision not to have my usual choice : the Lahori Karahi.

As I was the only customer on arrival there was little time to wait for the meal to arrive.  The Mushroom Rice was steaming hot, the Curry looked ample and the Masala was thick.  One can tell before one starts that this is going to be another wonderful meal.  The Masala was decidedly sweeter than the Lahori Karahi.  One deduces the thickness was achieved with Daal or another pureed vegetable, not Onion I would observe.

Hector was dining alone.  Dr Stan later admitted that he knew I would be out for a Curry-Heute, he would have come if contacted but did not feel the motivation to pre-empt this.  We shall return on Friday.

Hector Who?

By the time my meal arrived two other sets of diners were seated and the takeaway business was also steady.  On taking the order at the adjacent table Hassan told the diners that this is ‘Hector’ who has a Curry Website.  The puzzled look was most amusing.  I left my card.  One never knows, from such acts new recommendations may be forthcoming.

Happy New Year

On departure Hassan showed me the bill and then decided to round it down to a tenner.  This was perhaps the equivalent to first pint of the New Year in one’s local being free.  Now here is a tradition that restaurateurs would do well to establish.

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The Last Curry-Heute of 2010 : München, where else?

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Hector

To Buffet or not to Buffet

The assembled Chaps and Chapattis have two objectives today: to ensure we are fit for the Silvester associated festivities later on at the Augustiner Haus, and to enjoy the day pro tem.

What better way to achieve this than enjoy lunch at the Lahori Hajweri (3a Schillerstrasse, München).  There are various lunchtime offers on display at the street level entrance.  This gives everyone the choice to eat a la carte or go to town.

Marg and Hector met Clive and Maggie at the hotel door. The short walk along Schillerstrasse was completed and we organised a table in the former Weissbierkeller. Hector surveyed the Buffet and established there was no Lamb available. However the display did look interesting: Chicken Biryani,  Chicken Curry, Chicken Tikka, Daal, A Vegetable Curry featuring Aloo, and Pakora.

At €7.90 for the Buffet this was an attractive proposition for lunch, or breakfast as it was to be for some. The four of us opted for the Buffet and Jonathan joined us.

Jonathan and I finished the Pakora with the logic that fresher pieces would be brought. They were but after an age. The Pakora was more like Fritters than our norm. The Chicken Chat/Tikka was tasty but what won it for Hector as the accompanying Daal. And when the freshly made Nan Bread was brought to the table, then wow! This is a good Starter or Side dish, but I cannot see me ever having this as a main meal as I conclude many do.

Craig and Yvonne appeared and tore into the Buffet too.

The Vegetable Curry was pleasant and not remarkable. The Chicken Biryani was on a par with any decent Spicy Rice. The signature dish of the Buffet was the Chicken Curry.

Chicken Curry?

The meat was on-the-bone. The Chicken had been cut into portions a la KFC. The Masala was thick and dark, Black Pepper is my interpretation. This was a good old-fashioned Curry taste which has lingered for hours thereafter. This made the entire experience a memorable one.

Eat all you can

We did. Satisfaction was achieved by some. Some were not impressed by the limited range on offer, the actual dishes themselves, or the time it took to replenish the Pakora in particular.

May Hector confirm that this place does sell very good Curry. so best stick to a la carte.

The bill was modest save for Craig and Yvonne who ordered Fresh Orange, two carafes later…

The end of 2010

Marg and Hector strode off for a walk and a coffee at Marg’s favourite cafe, Glockesnspiel. The city was winding down in preparation for the wild night that is Silvester. Meanwhile back at The Royal Hotel, the Chaps were having coffee and Raspberry Tea.

Raspberry Tea!

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Yadgar – Last Glasgow Curry of 2010

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Hector

Alan likes Curry.  Hector likes Curry.  Our diaries stated that today we would enjoy the best Curry Glasgow has to offer, just us, the ladies are elsewhere.

It was Pensioners’ Day at the Allison Arms, Robin, Dr Stan and Mr Boyd were not present, so they had no Edelstoff or Greif Weihnachts.

At 18.00 we took our seats at The Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP).  The Goshat Karahi of course had been pre-ordered: 1kg on-the-bone.  Hector had asked Shkoor to have it presented as the Chef intended.  Alan asked for a Garlic Nan and Egg Rice, Hector went for the usual Mushroom Rice and a Chapatti.

Today the Mushroom Rice had fresh Mushrooms for the first time in my experience.  The Rice is a meal in itself, Spicy too.

The complementary Salad was delivered while we waited for the fine tuning, well preparation of the Sides.

No pressure then

Having raved about the quality of this dish for several months this was indeed to be a special meal.  Mr Sha was Chef of the day so there was no doubt that this Curry would impress.

Alan had a slight apprehension as to exactly what 1kg of Curry  might look like.  When it arrived and he realised we were sharing the ‘bucket’ there was relief.  On-the-bone it is possible for two to share, off-the-bone, forget it.

I had not asked for the meal to be prepared ‘hot’ it usually is, and again this was perfection.  Having had no food all day the appetite was there to be satisfied.  This quantity is an absolute treat: one has the normal plateful and one can see more waiting.  No spoiling the appetite with Starters – this is about maximising the pleasure that this sensational Curry brings.

And so the Goshat Karahi arrived: it was presented with minimal Masala: just how Hector prefers it.  Alan found himself using words to describe the dish that have already appeared in this Blog.  There is a ‘thick’ satisfying warmth to the dish.  The flavour is intense; the Spiciness creeps up after each mouthful and adds further to the experience.  The blend of Herbs and Spices is of course unique.  This is the place to be, this is The Curry to eat.

We were the only diners, however the takeaway trade is booming.  Two different Lentil Curries were on display.  There must be something here for everyone.  However, if you do not like Lamb then you will never find out what you are missing.

Postscript

We retired to ‘The Other Place’ to meet the Chaps.  Richard is in town and introduced his Fiancée Julia.  She assures me that she does have a washing machine and that she can iron.  I informed her that this is all Richard really needs in life.  Julia does not appear to enthusiastic about trains.  Just wait until she is standing on a station platform, the train pulls in and she is not permitted to get on.  ‘Had this one.’

On  a Curry-Heute note, they left us to go to the New Anand (76 Nithsdale Rd, Glasgow, G41 2AN) which does a very fine Buffet.  They are also licensed and have table cloths.

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Aberdeen – Rishi’s Indian Aroma – Real Indian Food

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Hector

Why today is not Boxing Day is not the only mystery

Rishi’s Indian Aroma (210 George St, Aberdeen, AB25 1HN) is a new Aberdeen experience for Hector: this is a genuine Indian restaurant, not the Lahori-Punjabi  interpretation which dominates the west of Scotland.

The Spice of Asia grocer opposite Aitkens  (the source of the finest Butteries in Aberdeen) on John St is visited on every Aberdeen visit and is how this venue came to be discovered.

Actually it was the adjacent Cafe/Takeaway – El Andalus – which caught Hector’s eye originally.  I have asked those with whom I have social discourse in this city if anyone has been, the answer has been negative.  In the summer on my last visit I noticed that the premises were apparently being relocated away from their corner spot a few doors towards the Bon Accord Centre: this suggested they were doing well and made me determined that this would be priority #1 on this visit.  When the sisters go out for their annual,  dinner, Hector shall go exploring.

Yesterday, brother-in-law Graeme announced that he has been twice and been impressed both times.   At last, a sign that the Café culture is being appreciated, who needs a table cloth and a Bier to enjoy a Curry-Heute?

Hector was misled, or was he?

On arrival at El Andalus, the premises on the corner, they were  evidently still operating but closed until 1600.  The actual shop unit Hector was heading for may be separate operation altogether…   and so Rishi’s is the Curry-Heute.

There were about a dozen people already assembled around 12.30.  Only one solitary chap, apart from me, was not Asian.  By the time I left around thirty people were in attendance, again only two indigenous Scots.  This place is certainly popular and by those who should know the food better than the rest of us mortals.  It is also a fully functional restaurant with a drinks licence and table cloth or two.

A quick glance at the Starters revealed a Tiffin range.  These were dismissed, the appetite would not cope.  Towards the end of the menu the actual Curry appeared: Fish Chettinadu – ground coconut, curry leaves, fennel, and sesame seeds (Spicy), how could Hector resist?  To accompany this a Madras Paratha was ordered.  This turned out to be a Thali presentation with Chickpea Korma and a Raitha.

Warning

The waiter warned Hector that the dish was – Spicy.

Not a problem – was the confident reply.

He returned a few minutes later to advise me that the dish would take perhaps another five or ten minutes.  Good, it is not – Fish-ding.

Tiffin

The wait gave me plenty of time to study the menu in detail.  To say there were dishes I had never heard of would be an understatement.  Some (Dosa) I had seen in Glasgow’s Banana Leaf, but this list was vast: – Idli, Idli Vadai, Ven Pongal, Upma, Bhatura, Paper Roast Dosa, Rava Dosa, Kara Dosa, Tomato Oothappam….  Many of these contain Sambar: a traditional South Indian Vegetarian Lentil Curry made with Tamarind and South Indian Spices.

The lady who sat adjacent to me ordered a platter covered in puffiness.  Her man ordered the solids.  In the summer, if not before, Marg and Hector will come here for lunch and take pot luck.  South India is being mooted as the summer vacation destination for 2012.  We had better do our homework.

The meal certainly merited the photograph.  The Parathas, yes two small ones, were perfection.  The seemingly world-wide conspiracy to make me eat Chickpeas (other than in Falafel) manifested itself once more.  Then there was the Curry.

Gosh!


In the wait for the meal Hector was getting looks from his fellow diners as his nose streamed and a sneezing fit made him less than delightful company.  Since leaving the restaurant the handkerchief has remained in the pocket.  The dish was full of Curry leaves which usually I leave but this time I ate many.  The Fish was not a massive portion.  There were very angry looking red Chillis staring at me, I left them.  The Masala was splendid: a suggestion of creaminess, perhaps coconut milk?

The dish was indeed Spicy.  It did not exactly hit the spot, it blew me to kingdom come, wherever that is.  I cannot recall ever eating a Curry this hot.

Dipping the Paratha into the Masala was simply a delight.  The taste was subtle then the blast of Spice followed.  Superb!

Hector will definitely return.

Hector Holmes

To prepare these write ups, Hector likes to have a takeaway menu to verify the variations in spellings and correctly quote the descriptions of the various dishes, when given.

Having taken the photograph of the premises called El Andalus, this shows the address above the shop to be 222 George St, the same address as on Rishi’s Takeaway Menu.  The takeaway menu also has a sticker over the telephone number – and on peeling off?  Yes, it is the phone number shown above El Andalus: connection proved, Hector’s observations in the summer were correct.  So, do I still go back to – The Source?

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Aberdeen – Nawaabs – Real food again

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Hector

Nawaabs Tandoori Restaurant (33 Summer St, Aberdeen, AB10 1SB) has been on the recommended list for Aberdeen Curry Houses since the birth of this Blog.  Hector and Marg have had some very good Curries here over the years.  Tonight’s did not hit the spot.

Xmas Sunday, as Hector’s understanding of how the calendar works (Boxing Day cannot be on a Sunday and this year it should be on December 27, but as usual the British media cannot wait for the official day, the start of a decade, the millennium et al…) at 18.00 proved to be a time when the good people of ‘Furry-Boots City’ did not have Curry on their mind.  We were the only customers.

We were shown to a table at the window.  Now it is a private joke that every time Marg and Hector have been to Nawaabs we have always been given the same table: in door to right, back table on left.  Tonight we were given the adjacent window table, the only other table Marg has ever occupied in this restaurant.  Someday I will be invited into the main seating area of the restaurant, but tonight we were certainly to be window dressing.

Complementary Popadoms and Chutneys arrived almost immediately.  We were then given an extraordinary amount of time to survey the menu.

Marg nearly fell into the Dopiaza trap once again.  I fail to understand why she keeps forgetting that this is the dish she certainly does not want: too many onion chunks.  She chose the Lamb Karahi: no challenge then given this was the Yadgar feast on Monday last.  Hector found what he was looking for: Green Herb Lamb Curry, a Bhuna variant – dry, spicy hot and copious amounts of Coriander.  The waiter could see we no amateurs: ‘We are out for some real food.’ I remarked.  A Vegetable Rice and two Chapattis were the accompaniments.

A very charming waitress offered us more Popadoms but these were declined.

The dishes were presented: Marg’s Karahi was distinctly red and had big slices of Onion, exactly what she did not wish.  The Green Herb Curry was covered in fresh Coriander leaves – can they not cook them?

Now for the annoying parts of the evening.

The Lamb in both dishes was in strips.  This is Tandoori Lamb I reckoned.  When the waiter came over to ask the usual polite question, he stated that all the Specials have Tandoori meat.  We should have asked for normal Lamb. Now I could be wrong, but the menu did say Lamb and to Hector this does not mean Tandoori.  The portions were decidedly on the small side but the most important thing of course is the taste.  This is why we have visited this restaurant so often whilst in Aberdeen.  Sadly, this evening it was difficult to taste anything remarkable coming from the Masala.  The Coriander was much to the fore, the Tikka effect to me spoils a Curry, unless one is having this in the Lal Akash at the Ram Sports and Social Club, Crawley.

Marg left her surplus Onion and so this gave me the opportunity to finish the splendid Rice.  Marg’s dish was unremarkable too.

As stated at the outset, I have been impressed by this restaurant in the past.  It would be churlish to remove it from my list of recommendations at this time.  However, there are better outlets and tomorrow is another day…

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Chicken Korma? Not for me, Hector is going to The Village, or Cafe Salma…

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Hector

Marg’s Legendary Dinner Parties

On the evening of Marg’s first ever Dinner party in Clydebank, she famously was last to arrive.  She conceives the moment’s answer to the dream and lets Hector do the cooking.

Today is no exception.  There will be a gathering of ageing and aged hockey players assembled in Hector’s House this evening, Hector is not invited.

A Chicken Korma and a Vegetable Korma (such indulgence) have been prepared.  I am off for dinner in the City and having worked hard all afternoon, a Curry-Heute is my self-reward.  If the train goes to Central, then it will be The Village; if Charing X, then Café Salma.  How’s that for decision making?

Train?  What train?

For absolutely no obvious reason, First Scotrail had no trains running between Singer and Glasgow.  The line was clear, the platform was clear and it was not snowing.  This is simply pathetic and the attitude of the staff leaves much to be commented upon.  Could they give less information?  Would a train run ever again? Do they care?

It was a reliable First Bus that took Hector on the express route to the City and hence the short hop over the ‘Squiggly Bridge’ to The Village (129 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ).   A new waiter brought a menu as I selected a table.  ‘No need for that.’ as I pointed at The Board: the Aloo Gosht is reliably satisfying.  The on-the-bone version had to be verified.

The Vegetable Rice remains the preferred accompaniment of Hector: it could have been warmer.  The Curry as ever does what a Curry should. 

Meanwhile back in Clydebank, Marg was serving sparrow sized portions of Chicken Korma.  Some had taken a second helping.  The Vegetarian had not showed!  I rest my case.

When Hector returned home after a safe time spent at ‘The Other Place’, the pot was still two thirds full.  However the Legendary Sue-Mac is in town.  We have had Curry in South London when Marg and I stayed over en route to Crawley.  Hector warmed up the remainder and we dined.  The guests were given takeaways, whether they wished them or not.

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Hector is home – Yadgar!

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Hector

Köln to Yadgar, one ‘short journey’, and well worth it

A half hour delay coming back from Köln was better than thousands have endured elsewhere across Europe this weekend.  On collection at Edinburgh Airport there was Curry-Heute on Hector’s mind… Marg was hungry too, it had to be Yadgar (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP).  There would be plenty of time for Mr Sha, or whoever today’s Chef is to prepare the classic Goshat Karahi.  One kilogram was the order, off-the-bone, the logic being we would eat what we could and have the privilege of eating the leftovers at home at a later date.

Glasgow’s motorway network can be frustrating, or even the lack of it.  The A8 section is useless and the fact that the entire Glasgow traffic system is reduced to two lanes approaching the Kingston Bridge, Europe’s busiest river crossing by road, is simply nonsense.

Marg sat by a radiator, the sundries: two Chapattis and one Mushroom Rice were ordered.  The Curry was of course ready and so the entire meal arrived with great efficiency.  It was one of the other Chefs on this evening.  He came out to reflect in his own genius and shook my hand.

This is Curry eating at extremes.  One knows the mass of Lamb can be eaten until total satisfaction is attained.  The Photo on the right is what we took away.  Hector had no problems tasting this Curry.  Absolutely superb!

Mr Sha appeared, Mr Shkoor Anwar appeared, my the entire staff greeted us.

Marg took the generous offer from Shkoor and had the Punjabi Pink Tea with all the toppings.  Milky tea is just what Marg loves.

What else was on offer?

Hector surveyed the Daily Specials.  An Aloo Chicken was on display along with a what I was told was a Cod Curry.  I need to move in.

Now above the counter are three hand written signs.  Two are translated into English; the third has been a mystery.  Not anymore!  This is Tripe, and deemed not to everyone’s taste.   Hector bought Tripe form KRK some years ago and the house took days to recover, never again.  Hector will not be ordering Tripe.

Posted in Yadgar Kebab House | 1 Comment

Wenige Ente Curry

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Hector

The Bombay (Am Weidenbach 21, 60676, Köln) is most certainly the first German-Indian restaurant where I had a Curry that actually impressed. This was therefore not a new discovery but a return to the tried and tested. Negotiating the snow in the Barbarossaplatz area Hector trundled up to the venue which is even closer to the Weissbrau micro-brewery than I remembered. The waiter opened the door to greet me having watched me take a photograph from across the street. He knew from the start that this was not a random visit. I was also to be the only customer.

Ente Buna, how could one resist? A Duck Curry is a rarity. The waiting time was spent on the phone to Marg who gave a progress report on the delivery of the new fridge to Hector’s House.

‘They only had to take the bloody doors off.’ (sic) There was also the presentation of a free Popadom with dips. Why do other places charge for these? Excellent.

The Ente Buna arrived with a generous portion of Boiled Rice. Now Hector likes his Curry with minimal Masala. This was superbly dry. The meal included Capsicums but I made no attempt to block these. I did not wish to permit any confusion.

Now after copious quantities of Gluhwein yesterday I am herbed out. I do not know where my tastebuds have gone to. I knew I was eating a spicy meal, I could taste nothing at all. Now on previous visits I have been totally impressed and so I shall put this down to my inadequacy, not the Chef’s. I suspect this was a superb meal. The Duck did look strange however. The texture was not like Duck either but it was sublimely tender.  There was not really very much meat in the portion.

There was a brief chat when I gave my calling card. I shall return.

The snow became worse.  Clive and Maggie’s ‘plane was cancelled so they had the pleasure of our company for another day.  Home tomorrow, hopefully.

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