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The Clay Oven - June 9th, 2006 |
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Ang’s
pick this time. There are two rules when eating curry with Ang: 1) the
place must be distinctly undodgy. (It’s kind of like when your mom
comes to visit. You hate cleaning the toilet but you know since it’s
a woman of authority, you better conform or you’ll be raked over
the coals at the bridge club. Or this case, at the SPCA. 2) She will always
order butter chicken. (That’s right Ang, you’re not fooling
anyone. Especially not my friend Max).(matty)
Finally, we get to eat at the clay oven. This is directly because because of
ang being the grown-up of the bunch and reminding us that we actually need reservations
here. (ren)
 We had tried to eat at the Clay Oven twice already, but it was booked solid once
and being renovated another time. The Clay Oven is located in a bizarre strip
mall in the northeast near the Sheraton
Cavalier. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Nigerian Cultural Association, the
Alberta NDP office and our personal favorite SHWARMA KING!!! I could write an
entire column about my experiences at Shwarma King but we don’t get enough
in the way of financial support from the Lebanese. Come to think of it, we don’t
even get anything from the Indian community. Who’s funding this operation
anyways? (matty)
This place is packed at 7 PM and we are seated at the back
of the restaurant as high paced Indian Techno music blares through the speakers.
The message is clear. “Eat
fast and get out – We’re in high demand”. The CBC had recommended
either the Shahi Mutter Paneer or the Bhindi Tori – an okra, potato and
tomato dish. I figured Ren would probably pick the first dish so I went with
the Bhindi Tori. They give you a choice of mild, medium, hot or Madras Special.
Everywhere I’ve ever eaten, Madras = Medium spice and full of flavor. Unfortunately
at the The Clay Oven, Madras apparently means: “Let’s take the agonizing
experience of eating Chili Chicken and package it into whatever other dish you
pick”. Needless to say, I did not enjoy my meal and could hardly finish
half of it. (Ang mocked me.) The CBC also noted that the Clay Oven has the best
naan in the city. Unfortunately, I forgot this and went with the rice. We also
got some Fish Pakoras and the staple Mango Lassi. The Pakoras were excellent.
The lassi average. (matty)
I can't even remember what I had...some kind of creamy chicken dish. Kinda like
butter chicken but spicier. WAY spicier. Not nearly as spicy as matts though.
I was doin ok with mine when matt offered me a taste of his dish. Never one
to turn down a challenge, i had a big chunk of potato and then proceeded to need
to order us each a giant Tiger Beer. Normally not my favourite, but in this
case it was sucked down like I meant it. Had trouble finishing my dish after
the mouth-shock that matts gave me. Like matt said, the pakoras were delish,
and the naan was tasty...wouldn't say best in town but pretty damn good. (ren)
Just after we had completed our order, out came the all-time most underated Indian
dish – THE SIZZLER!!!! Followed by another and another and another. As
if to mock my choice in meals, it seem everyone in the restaurant was eating
one. Giant sizzling platters of vegetables, chicken, beef and prawns. Curses.
Maybe next time. (matty)
My dish was so hot that I drank my lassi within 2 minute prompting Ren to order
2 giant bottle of Tiger Beer. By that time I was so bloated I couldn’t
finish either the beer or my meal. Just a disaster of an experience. (matty)
On the plus side, we thought the waitress was hot and we were
impressed by the “girls
night out” table that also decided to dine at the Clay Oven. Quite frankly,
other then potentially a Friday night at Mango Shiva, this tops my list of where
to pick up women while dining on curry. Ultimately, the Clay Oven disappointed
me food-wise and we can’t give it more then 5 elephantitis feet out of
10.
Not at the Restaurant
1. Frank Grimes (of
Simpsons fame)
2. Johann Gutenberg (Inventor of the Printing Press)
3. SIN # 956 394 103 (Wanted for tax evasion)
Rating:
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