The Village, at Yvonne’s Command
Hector was formulating where in the fourth dimension he would have a Curry-Heute, however Yvonne has made it clear that she and Craig will be at The Village (129 Nelson St, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) at 14.00. Hector finds himself there too by royal command. The early start may have something to do with the fact that a recovered Olaf has made a delivery of his fine selection of Deutsche Bier to the Allison Arms.
Jaipur Confusion
It was inevitable therefore that Mags showed, and Craig and Yvonne did not. I had to fend off the waiter for some twenty minutes before it was confirmed that there indeed was a communication breakdown. They resorted to a Burger in George Square, Mags and Hector had Curry.
The Price Rise
A brand new laminated menu was presented. Hector realised immediately that the prices have been increased. 8% !, well above the rate of inflation but one is aware that Lamb prices have rocketed. Lamb on-the-bone is up 14%. A reliable trade source assures me that it is nonsense to charge more for Lamb on-the-bone. Hector has been calling for The Village prices to be increased and the portion quantity to be restored to its former glory. I have also been critical that when ones orders Lamb on-the-bone the meat content is significantly less.
More than a Robin
Mags ordered the classic Village Desi Korma and Hector the Tawa (hot), both Lamb of course. We had waited for the absent friends but even allowing for this, the wait for our meals was lengthy. Robin would have been ill at ease had he been present. There was a lot of bellowing in the kitchen, disturbing. The two new waiters are approaching the inept. The cola cans which feature in the photograph were on the table for a full thirty minutes and were still there when we left. Clearing tables is not their forte. How long does one have to wait for a drink? My second bottle of Sparkling Water was requested when the meals were ordered. No attempt was made to bring this until the meals were presented and then it was Still water that was brought. Pathetic.
The Portions
You do not put up the price and keep the portions small, but yes this is what has happened. Seven pieces of Lamb. The Tawa looks lonely sitting in the Karahi. Was it Tawa? The Masala was much thicker than the norm, not that this should make Hector complain. It lacked the Citrus kick, I could have sent it back and made a fuss but why have a Blog and not use the opportunity to record for the rest of time the declining standards at The Village.
Mags’ Desi Korma was very runny and was described as being nothing like that produced so superbly over the years.
We had both ordered Chapattis, just as well, I would have left hungry had this not been the case. The Vegetable Rice was a little on the stodgy side.
Enjoyment
It is strange to report that we both enjoyed our meals. To crudely paraphrase Woody Allen: a great Village Curry is indeed great; an ordinary Village Curry is still pretty good.
The Three Great Curry Houses of Glasgow – The Curry Capital
Regular readers will realise that I have managed to visit my three favourite Glasgow Curry Houses in the space of five days. It is apparent that The Village is firmly now in third place and may not hold on to this ranking for much longer. Yadgar is clearly the most outstanding source of Curry in the city with Café Salma a reliable second.
There is another Curry House on Nelson St which we walk past every Saturday after our Village visit. Now could be the time to make a reconnaissance visit. The New Karahi Palace serves an extensive Handi menu and sells Curry by the half-kilo. Too tempting not to visit.