Topic: Curry Consistency - Runny or Dry

[Malc.]

Hi Phil


For me, it has opened a can of worms really. How can I now judge a take away on its food when the process of its delivery is affecting it.


Tandoori and Tikka does not travel well either, this is evident by the amount of juices that have worked their way out of the meat and cover the bottom of the Aluminium foil trays.


Sealing up the hot foods in the containers allows them to continue cooking by effectively steaming themselves, or at least that is how mind has settled on it.


I guess the only dishes that will survive the delivery/drive home process are those that are meant to be a runnier curry.


It also begs the question, should I actually be eating more in the restaurant than relying on it trying to provide quality food for me to take home.


cheers,


Malc

[Malc.]

Well, as mad as I am, hehem, I mean dedicated, I visited the Shanaz again, on Wednesday. This time I took advice from Ash who usually takes my order and went with the Lamb Saag. Whilst I waited, we discussed the Bhuna and its I had eaten earlier in the week. We were then joined by Ali who asked me what I thought of the Bhuna to which I gave my reply and supported it with showing him the post I made in this topic. We also discussed the consistency of the Korai.

He was very keen to listen to me and said that they would be are more than happy to cook any dish on the menu any way I wanted it, even a dish that wasn't on the menu. I can't praise Ali enough for how accommodating he his. He then suggested that the next time I come in, I should order the Bhuna saying it is for me and that it should be Medium to Madras and dry. At which point he also said he would cook a Chicken Korai, free of charge,  the why he thinks I want it.

Well, how could I resist not going back last night to order the Chicken Bhuna? 

I arrived home with 1 Chicken Bhuna, 1 Chicken Korai, Plain Rice, Onion Bhaji and a Naan Bread. I opened the Bhuna to find a thick clinging sauce that would definitely pass as described on the menu. Not only that but the aroma and flavour was well balanced and with a nice little kick of heat. The star of the a show however, was without doubt the Chicken Korai.

I'm not sure I should call it a Chicken Korai as it was a dish of mixed identity. It had an onion a green pepper tarka with whole fried onions rings fried with chunky peppers and onion in a thick (dry) red sauce. The smells emanating from it were simply divine with a slight smoky aroma almost chocolaty characteristic. The taste was even better, I could tell that they had put a little of the thick red chefs masala paste in that they use for both a coconut pickle with popadoms and to make the tikka masala sauce. But also a smoky/chocolaty taste that mixed with the slightly singed onion and pepper tarka all finished of with a punch of chilli kick. All I can say is wow!

I phoned Ali at the restaurant soon after finishing the meal to express my thanks and gratitude. He did ask me about the bhuna but I mostly congratulated him on the Korai. I have urged him to put it on the menu as a Shanaz Special or similar and explained that the only problem I have now, is that it will be very hard indeed, not to order this dish time and time again!

To bring this back to track, both the Korai and Bhuna, survived the journey home very well indeed. But it does confirm to me that I much prefer drier dishes.

I just want to thank (As I know he'll be looking in) Ali, his brother (head chef), Ash and all the other staff at the Shanaz for being so helpful and accommodating.

Cheers,

Malc

[Peripatetic Phil]

Is this "Shanaz" as in Lewes, Truro or Edinburgh, Malc ?
** Phil.

[Malc.]

This one is in Lewes Phil. 

[Peripatetic Phil]

This one is in Lewes Phil. 

Not too far away, then; I feel inclined to pay a visit, just to check out the less-than-runny bhuna !
** Phil.

[Malc.]

If you do, mention my name and the reason for the visit, i.e. this topic, I know Ali has read through it. Perhaps we could meet, enjoy some of the local ale and feast in the Shanaz, one evening.

[Peripatetic Phil]

If you do, mention my name and the reason for the visit, i.e. this topic, I know Ali has read through it. Perhaps we could meet, enjoy some of the local ale and feast in the Shanaz, one evening.

I would enjoy that !  But first I must seek permission from SWMBO (currently in Abu Dhabi) -- she has put me on a financial diet while she is away

** Phil.