Flavours by Kumar, Ramsgate

It is said that time flies like an arrow (and fruit flies are partial to a banana) and, in the blink of an eye, years have passed and things change.  Bob no longer runs a furniture shop and both he and Phil can be seen on the various motorways around Gatwick and Heathrow as they both now drive Private Hire vehicles specialising in airport transfers.

Without the need to deliver furniture in the evening the excuse for a curry was lost but now, following recommendations from various passengers, it is back!

So Phil dusted off his notebook; Bob dusted off his taste buds and for the first time in nearly 6 long curry free years a destination was set.  Flavours by Kumar in Ramsgate.

Flavours is located on Effingham Street in Ramsgate, close to the junction with Queen Street.  There is no obvious street parking nearby but there is a pay and display car park in Cavendish Street a couple of minutes’ walk away.

It may be because there were external redecorations in progress but the entrance was slightly confusing as the door had “exit only” emblazoned on it but Bob and Phil made it inside and were shown to a table.  It is worth noting that, for a Wednesday evening, there were several tables occupied with more arrivals during Bob and Phil’s meal so they were left with an impression that it was a popular venue with the locals.

The (bottled) Cobras arrived quite quickly and were cold but not quite cold enough.  Bob and Phil were then presented with a small amuse-bouche (if there is such an Indian equivalent) of a nicely presented aubergine fritter which was both welcome and tasty.

The pupadums were soon to follow with assorted Chutneys.  Bob was a little disappointed that there were only three chutneys and, bizarrely, Phil struggled with the onions (he felt the way that they were cut made them difficult to eat).   Bob also felt that the pupadums themselves were bordering on becoming stale.

With the pupadums consumed, another amuse-bouche was to follow in the shape of a very flavoursome cup of soup following which the main courses were served.  Bob chose his normal Chicken Korma but Phil was dismayed that there was not a Dhansak in sight and, instead, settled for a Gosht Mughlai.  Also missing from the menu was a special rice dish so both settled for an egg rice and they shared sides of Chana Masala and Bombay Aloo.

Phil did enjoy his curry - not initially hot but it crept up on him - but Bob felt that his choice was rather bland.  They were both disappointed with the Bombay Aloo – with Bob commenting that the potatoes should have been left in the ground but felt that the Chick Peas were very good.

The service was well paced and not overbearing and the amuse-bouche courses were a nice innovation.  It was also disappointing to note, however, that towels were not provided at the end of the meal and Phil was left wondering whether they had become a casualty of Covid.

All in all a bit of a mixed bag with the scoring as follows

Area	Phil	Bob
Beer	7	7
Papadum	6	6
Curry	8	3
Rice & Vegetables	7	7
Service & Ambiance Bonus for Amuse-Bouches*	7 2	6 2

*2 bonus points awarded by both for the amuse-bouches

                

In total a somewhat disappointing 68

It was great to be back out currying again but it does feel that things have changed.  Both Bob and Phil have noticed that many of the curry houses that they knew and loved have fallen by the wayside and Phil is worried that Chicken Dhansak no longer features on the menus!  After so long away it is difficult to judge whether the scoring has been harsh.  Only time will tell