From popadom to Bombay pizza
– Guest post by Paul Simeon – The Indian meals following Cous Cous Cafe‘s takeouts and dinners at Oxford during his two weeks in England.
Saturday night I went to Mirch Masala. It was an Indian/Pakistani place. I later found out from the servers that the owner was from Pakistan, and the wife was from India. While I was waiting, alone, the server offered to get me some popadom (it has multiple spellings, but this is how their menu says it).
I didn’t know what it was or if it were complimentary, so I just said, “no, that’s alright.” He brought it anyway, and it was quite nice. It was a thin, crisp flatbread, like a cracker, and it had three toppings for it: chutney, chopped onions and coriander, and some green mint sauce. The chutney was quite good.
I didn’t finish all of the popadom by the time the main dish came, Murgh Makhani (Tandoori chicken off the bone cooked in butter, yoghurt, cream, cashew nuts, powder and masala sauces) with a side of paratha (rolled out Indian bread made on tawa, spread with ghee) to eat it with.
Murgh Makhani was the first on the list of house specialties, and I’m inclined to pick from the house special list. I decided to try paratha instead of the more familiar naan. They’re both good. Paratha is just grilled in a skillet rather than baked like naan. It works just as well as the naan at scooping up the main dish, and they are both better than the popadom.
The highlight of the night was the main dish, though. It was simply perfect. It was sweet, spicy, savory all at once, and just the right level of spice (for me) where one doesn’t notice it. It had lots of grilled chicken pieces in it. It was good quality chicken with little charred bits on it.
I barely had enough room to finish it all, except a little bit of popadom. The bill was 9 pounds, and the popadom was indeed complimentary, but perhaps just in my case. Tax is already included in the bill in England, which makes it easier to split the bill with multiple people. The servers noticed I was taking pictures of my food and suggested I should take a picture of the murals on two walls in the place. He said they were specially painted for them. I thought the lights that had shining on them would mess up the picture, but it turned out to be the best picture of the night. The lighting was too low for good pictures with my camera.
My last day in Oxford was spent in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. It was a pretty good museum, with the first dinosaur bones ever identified as a prehistoric reptile. It was also the site of the famous 1860 evolution debate between Huxley and Wilberforce. When it closed at 5, I roamed the tourist-filled streets of Oxford for a place to eat. There wasn’t much by the museum, but I eventually found an area with some more options.
I settled on a place called Fire & Stone. Its theme was international pizza, with their menu divided by continent and filled with bizarre pizzas made from the cuisines of the continent. For example, Africa offers the Marrakech (£8.95 cumin spiced ground lamb, mozzarella, mint yoghurt sauce, green olives, raisins & sliced red onion drizzled with chilli oil) and the Cairo (£7.95 (v) Fire roasted red & yellow peppers, courgettes, aubergines, balsamic roasted red onions, mozzarella and Fire & Stone’s tomato sauce topped with crumbled goat’s cheese & pine nuts). In some cases, it was pretty much insert-your-cuisine fusion food baked onto a pizza. They had a few vegetarian options, but I just got the impression that they didn’t offer as many vegetarian options in England as in the Bay Area, not surprisingly, and there was never a mention of vegan options.
I chose the Bombay (£8.95 Roast tandoori marinated chicken breast, spiced tandoori yoghurt base, broccoli, sliced red onion, mozzarella, spiced mango chutney and cucumber & mint yoghurt) since Indian food is rare on this blog. This was good, but it would be a let-down if you’re expecting good Indian food, especially after eating at Mirch Masala. The chicken was not grilled or very flavorful, and the yoghurt and broccoli didn’t seem to go well with the rest. It was a nice change to have a tandoori base instead of normal pizza sauce. The pizza was 9 inches wide, a decent portion. I ate the whole thing without feeling too stuffed, which is just the right amount, I think. American restaurants tend to give a lot more food, which is good if you want to take home leftovers, but it often causes people to overeat or waste food. 9 pounds (roughly $14) is a little high, but I guess it’s normal (or even reasonable) for eating out in the middle of Oxford. They didn’t cut the pizza. Why not?
The restaurant was pretty big. It was a little early for the dinner crowd, so it was a bit empty. They had many big sliding windows open to air the place out. They also offer pasta, but I saw at least one table leave when the server informed them that the oven just broke, and they wouldn’t have pasta for about 30 minutes.
They had a hand-held credit card reader (as many places in England did) so that she could scan my card right at my table. Then she passed it to me to enter the percentage to add on as tip. I thought it was convenient compared to estimating it by hand, but I could see how some might find that awkward.
Addresses:
Mirch Masala
137-139, Cowley Rd
Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 1HU
Telephone: 01865 728581
Fire & Stone Pizza Restaurant
Threeways House, 28-38 George Street
Oxford OX1 2BJ
Other bites in England:
– Oxford dinners – part I and II
– Cous Cous Cafe in Oxford
– Pie and mash at the Ship Inn Upavon and Pieminister
– England’s healthy fastfood chain: Pret A Manger
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site :).
1I feel that is one of the such a lot vital information for me. And i’m satisfied reading your article. However wanna statement on few general things, The web site taste is perfect, the articles is in point of fact great :D. Just right job, cheers
2Hey! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects? Thanks for your time!
3Great post. I am facing a couple of these problems.
4I savour, result in I found exactly what I used to be looking for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
5Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.
6Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal. I must say you’ve done a awesome job with this. Additionally, the blog loads super quick for me on Safari. Outstanding Blog!
7I simply could not leave your web site before suggesting that I actually loved the standard information a person provide to your guests? Is going to be back ceaselessly to check up on new posts
8Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website genuinely stands out :D.
9Hi my friend! I wish to say that this article is awesome, nice written and include almost all significant infos. I’d like to see more posts like this.
10I’m no longer sure the place you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thank you for fantastic information I was searching for this info for my mission.
11I believe this website holds some very fantastic information for everyone :D. “A friend might well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
12There are certainly a variety of particulars like that to take into consideration. That could be a great point to carry up. I offer the ideas above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you convey up where crucial thing shall be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around issues like that, however I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a good game. Both boys and girls feel the impression of only a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.
13An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
14Whats Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & help different users like its helped me. Great job.
15Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your website in internet explorer, may check thisK IE still is the marketplace chief and a big portion of folks will pass over your excellent writing because of this problem.
16Body escort ford gt kitFree hardcore porn complete videoAdult female pornstar cheri taylor biography100 free nude yogaSpot on head
17of penisMff bi threesome erotic writingSexual acronyms xnxx Body fun life
man man nice sex tallTeen truth or dare ideaTeen fashon photosVirgin customerYu gi
oh hentai comicShoes with springs on the bottomProfitability of the online porn industry https://xnxxvids.cc Lindsy lowhan nakedOlkd matureHair products being made from condomsInvaders wild circus comic xxxColby
caillat nakedTime stop sex storySexual disease herpesParis hillton shows boobsTeen gay guys nude xnxx Penis literotica storiesDick vitale college coachingFacial rejuvenation creamDaytona bike week girls
boobsToo drunk to resist sex videosFree live sex
slavesLiquids in vaginaFat asian woman porn video
It’s actually a nice and useful piece of info. I am glad that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
18you’ve an incredible blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?
19This is the best weblog for anyone who desires to search out out about this topic. You realize so much its almost onerous to argue with you (not that I really would want…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply nice!
20Loving the information on this website , you have done great job on the blog posts.
21After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
22hello there and thanks for your info – I’ve certainly picked up anything new from proper here. I did on the other hand experience some technical issues using this site, since I skilled to reload the site many occasions prior to I may just get it to load correctly. I were thinking about if your web host is OK? No longer that I am complaining, but sluggish loading cases instances will often impact your placement in google and can harm your high quality ranking if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my email and could glance out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content. Ensure that you replace this again soon..
23I truly enjoy looking at on this web site, it has got wonderful blog posts. “And all the winds go sighing, For sweet things dying.” by Christina Georgina Rossetti.
24I like this site very much so much wonderful info .
25Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
26I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to achieve my goals. I absolutely love reading all that is posted on your blog.Keep the aarticles coming. I liked it!
27Some genuinely interesting points you have written.Helped me a lot, just what I was searching for :D.
28I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
29I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for posting.
30We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.
31I simply had to thank you very much once more. I do not know the things that I would have created without those concepts revealed by you over that topic. Entirely was an absolute challenging issue in my circumstances, however , being able to see a new specialized approach you processed the issue made me to jump for joy. I am thankful for your advice and in addition hope that you comprehend what a powerful job that you are getting into teaching many people using a web site. I am certain you’ve never come across any of us.
32Hey there this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
33I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i’m happy to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not forget this website and give it a look on a constant basis.
34Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I to find It really helpful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to give one thing again and aid others such as you aided me.
35Hi, Neat post. There is a problem together with your site in web explorer, might test this… IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a large element of people will leave out your magnificent writing due to this problem.
36You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
37순천출장마사지 타임케어 – 순천출장홈타이와 순천출장안마 순천홈타이 서비스를 전국 어디서나 24시간 편하게! 전문 마사지사의 맞춤 홈케어로 피로를 빠르게 해소
38순천출장마사지 타임케어 – 순천출장홈타이와 순천출장안마 순천홈타이 서비스를 전국 어디서나 24시간 편하게! 전문 마사지사의 맞춤 홈케어로 피로를 빠르게 해소
39Hi, i think that i noticed you visited my site thus i came to “return the want”.I’m attempting to to find issues to improve my site!I guess its ok to make use of a few of your concepts!!
40Hello There. I discovered your blog using msn. That is a really well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.
41Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a high risk decision great post! .
42시알리스의 성분인 타다라필과 효과, 지속시간, 5mg·10mg·20mg 차이를 알아보세요. 복용 방식, 부작용, 함께 복용하면 안 되는 약, 처방과 가격 확인 방법을 정리했습니다.
43I really appreciate you for posting such wonderful post. I love your site. Thanks again for allowing me to comment on your web page. I look forward to more useful content from you in the future.
44I do enjoy the way you have presented this specific matter plus it really does supply me some fodder for consideration. However, because of what precisely I have witnessed, I simply just hope as the opinions pack on that people keep on issue and in no way embark upon a tirade regarding some other news du jour. Still, thank you for this superb piece and even though I can not necessarily concur with the idea in totality, I respect your standpoint.
45F*ckin’ tremendous issues here. I am very happy to see your post. Thank you a lot and i’m taking a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
46Hello, Neat post. There is an issue with your site in web explorer, might test this?K IE nonetheless is the market leader and a large part of folks will leave out your wonderful writing because of this problem.
47인천출장마사지 인천출장안마 셀럽의 코스별 가격과 현장 결제, 예약 방법을 확인하세요. 송도·청라·부평·구월동·영종 등 지역별 방문 가능 여부와 예상 도착 시간, 자택·호텔 이용 안내를 제공합니다.
48제주출장마사지 셀럽의 코스와 가격, 방문 예약 방법을 확인하세요. 제주시·서귀포시·애월·중문 등 지역별 상담과 숙소 출입, 예상 도착 시간, 제주출장안마 현장 결제 기준을 안내합니다.
49Simply a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great pattern.
50