Goodnight... Failhouse Rock!

With strange synchronicity I was walking through the Prospect Plaza (A tiny community mall) when from the corner of my eye I catch the words "Restaurant" and "For Sale" on the pin board.

I thought instantly that it is too good to be true... What is the chance? I call the mobile number after purchasing a few select groceries and on the way home with the sun dipping behind the trees I get an answer on the other end. "Hello I am just wondering what is the address of this business for sale?" I ask anonomously.

"89 Prospect Rd. Prospect." The very same.

On the 21st of September, I gave Jailhouse Rock 4 weeks to live... and wouldn't you know it on the 21st of October there on the wall in all of its poorly spelled glory....FOR SALE.

Giles

Indian Temptations - Review

A former colleague of mine suggested to me I should try the curry at this little place near the intersection of Main North and Grand Junction Roads. I took this good advice for several reasons: For one he was humorously known as “The Guru” and two... other reasons seem to fade once a Guru has recommended a worthy curry pilgrimage. The previously mentioned intersection has long been a cancerous scar on the landscape, nothing good can come from fifteen lanes of maddening traffic converging at one point. From a culinary perspective you might imagine the teeming thoroughfares of Asia with plentiful delights to be found at their verge, but here at this insidious latitude there is only a Burger joint and The Gepps Cross Hotel with only shattered glass and carbon monoxide to shepherd you onward.

My first experience of Indian Temptations’ was a quick Friday night take away order to fill the void, I called in my order and I am invited to bring my own bag – good thinking. I enter the allotted time after and I find a teeming venue, heavy and potent with spice and humidity of deep fryers and broilers going at full tilt. As I wait in line I spy some paper bags leaving with nearly every order. These bags hold freshly cooked Naan coming from the cylindrical brick walled oven. Indian Temptations’ stocks have just risen significantly, this shows real commitment to cooking in a genuine and authentic manner. There is Tandoori Chicken hanging from their skewers and naan bread miraculously clinging to the super heated walls of the oven – Superb. I place a late order for a plain Naan and I am told curtly that there will be a fifteen minute wait. Popularity has gripped this little oven and its attendant is feverishly working to keep the dockets moving. I cancel my order, and prepare to pay and leave... Belatedly I am offered a Naan that was to fill an upcoming order by the cashier and she smiles as I happily accept. An extremely wise move – If only she’d known. The Tandoori oven chef was damn near fuming now that he was in back order! As a first time at any Indian restaurant I stick with the favourites, I feel it a reasonable way of benchmarking against other similar venues. A Lamb Roganjosh ($10.9) was first and a reasonable effort but the term “Lamb” irked me a little, the meat was terrifically pungent more like sheep and would discourage some but certainly not me. The Butter Chicken ($10.9) had a smokey (Tandoori Oven) quality and was its point of difference over many mediocre efforts in the local area, a delightful change. It’s rich, sweet sauce could have used some more punch but it very well could have un-balanced the dish. About now I feel a vegetarian option might round out the experience, so a Channa Massala ($7.9) is chosen mostly for its mighty spice kick. Since having the Channa Massala the first time I have had it two other times since. It has large, fresh chick peas cooked in a powerful mix of cardamom, ginger and more – the spiel indicates a “special blend” – they are quite right. I am completely taken by Indian Temptation’s special version, I can only imagine that this is what a curry should really feel and taste like. Other dishes tasted and heartily consumed on different occasions include a Beef Korma ($10.9) which was creamy but too salty to really hit the mark. The Beef Vindaloo ($10.9) however was so powerful it nearly forced me into a sweat, my dining partner and I concurred that it was a serious curry and not child’s play! Worth the pilgrimage merely to be allowed to wear a T-Shirt stating the fact of your survival! A huge mention should go to the Samosa Chat ($9) a mash up of deep fried Samosa, Tamarind Chutney, Yoghurt, Chick Peas and Mint sauce. Utterly fantastic! It is not much to look at but as though the Guru had whispered to my soul, my tastebuds buzzed with the serene mixture of tart tamarind and minty yoghurt – Oh my deity! The side dishes are all present and all at reasonable prices, my tip would be that a Steamed Rice ($3.50) Small is enough for two people sharing two curries. Also give the pappadam’s a miss, not because they are inferior – the Naan is so much better. Fresh Plain Naan ($2) or Fresh Garlic Naan ($2.5).

I happily return my thoughts to my Guru, as I know he will hear them. But for the uninitiated I will spell it out. Indian Temptations is a very good reason to negotiate the Junction of two of Adelaide’s clogging arteries; its place is very secure with loyal clientele so get in early while it’s still relatively unknown. The opportunity to experience flavours unique and so genuine the teeming traffic on the road out front just adds to the drama, perhaps delivering the bustling experience of one of India’s great cities.

Giles

Baking Bender!

I like a challenge and it is not often a challenge gets the better of me, and sometimes my pride can get in the way of rational admission of defeat. This time I am utterly confused - yet still intrigued as to how this culinary challenge got the better of me.


The challenge was to bake a basic chocolate cake for a friend who wanted it for their wedding cake. White frosting and and two tiers of simple square design, this holds the biggest challenge - A Square Cake!


I can bake, I accurately follow recipes when baking and I know all the procedures for best results - like maintaining the air in a light eggy sponge cake. So I refer to the baking bible of Aaron Maree's Cakes, Tortes and Gateaux's. It has every old world cake recipe with very good pictorial decorating instructions. Plus every cake I have made form this cookbook straight from the late eighties has never failed.... Until now! I started with the light and not to rich Chocolate Genoise` Sponge, I make and bake it with success. A taste test by my bride approved taster - "No, not rich enough"... This is not good. The idea of layering up a square gateaux with choc chantilly cream is not going to happen - all of my best efforts to explain how the richness needs balance with frosting and layers is lost. I back track and bake one of my old favourites the dark cocoa cake - "No"

F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K!

I search the pages of the cook book and find a recipe for a Devil's Food Cake - which is the chocolate version of Angels Food Cake. An American contribution to the baking world that is extremely popular because it is rich moist and satisfying without cream.
Cake 1 - Rises, doesn't set. falls....Shit. Is my bi-carb soda 10 years old?
Cake 2 - Rises Slowly, cooks a bit better - But eventually falls, Double Shit!
Cake 3 - If this one does not work I have to pull the pin and go into contingency mode! What do you know it Rise nicely and so i cook it steadily and do not open the door or skewer it until it definitely cooked through... Test - Fail! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K!
Cake 4!! - One more - This time with SR Flour and trying not to over mix in a smaller bowl... Signs are good and with a consistent rise I am happy with the help I recieved from my Mother (bless her) i let it cool and wait until the morning to test the cake. I slice right through the middle to reveal a cavernous hole of uncooked cake. F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K!F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K! F%$K!

I call in a favour from some former colleagues and a massive (layered chocolate sponge) gateaux is ready and waiting the next day. Phew! Wiping brow - relief. I haven't completely ruined everything.

I will master this recipe... but the mystery is still out there...

Giles