Established in 2008, Chillies West End (176-182 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6LL) has been on the radar for sometime. It has the Aura of a Chain which is why I have not eaten here before, yet apart from here, they only have a Takeaway on the Southside. To my current knowledge this is therefore a Local Firm. Marg and Hector were in the mood for Tapas a couple of years back and so dropped in one Sunday afternoon. Realising there was nothing Spanish we left. Yes, Hector does eat other Food.
This was meant to be an afternoon of Curry Cooking and so the Friday Ritual Curry was not anticipated, however, others had different ideas and so Hector was free to go exploring.
Entering just before 17.00 I was the First Customer of the evening. A Chap was leaving with a Massive Pizza, so the Usual Kebab House Fayre is on offer here too. The Reception doubles as the Takeaway Area. From the street the seating area is highly visible, it was instinct then a Waiter which took me to the right and towards one of the two tables for two at the window. The Hector was Window Dressing once again.
Humidity had established a Thirst, a Litre Bottle of Sparkling Water was ordered. At a bit over £3.00 this was way better value than the Micro-Bottle supplied midweek at the Indian Platform. The Young Waiter brought this and apologised for the Water not being Chilled. Ice was provided, no problem. A BYOB system is in operation, there is no Corkage Charge which must therefore suit the Student Population.
The Menu had all the usual Standards, Desi Dishes are available with consultation. A Chinese Menu is available at Lunchtimes. The Prices would lead to a bit of confusion. The Prices of the Starters did not suggest Tapas, they were what one would expect to pay. Tapas Curry for The Main Course – introduced the section from which I would choose my meal. Karahi Lamb Chops (£5.90) grabbed my attention. An Aloo Paratha to accompany.
Mein Host took the order. I had to ask if the Capsicum could be withheld. He explained that this was in the – Sauce – already. Normally at this point there is an impasse. He suggested that None would be added on Top. An Acceptable Compromise.
Whilst I waited I could not help but notice the Statue erected along the road in memory of Bud Neill’s Cartoon Hero – Lobey Dosser, the Sheriff of Calton Creek, accompanied by Rank Bajin, on the famous Two Legged Horse – El Fideldo. Glasgow Culture. We have a sense of humour.
Initially the TV was showing the News and the nonsense that is ongoing in Iraq. Our Chaps have given Life and Limb, what has been achieved? The channel was changed to the Football. Mexico v Cameroon, more dodgy refereeing decisions. Come on, Hector. Hector Herrera that is.
The Food arrived, Two Lamb Chops in a Thick Masala. Only Two? The Paratha was Quartered (why?) and served in a Basket. This was way too Hot to touch initially, Great! This is the joy of dining alone, the Food comes when it is ready, One is not waiting for everyone else’s. The Paratha was in the Stuffed-style, a Layer of Potato was visible and some slices of the Large Green Chillies. The Paratha was a Good Size and was Cooked-through. There was a Kick, Good Texture and was Well Seasoned, a Very Good Paratha, most Satisfying.
Dipping the Paratha in the Masala revealed another Kick. The Seasoning in the Paratha dominated, so a Perfect Accompaniment. The Masala was presumably Thickened with Capsicum and Onion. I have no problem with this whatsoever, the Dreaded Green Vegetable was not all visible, nor it’s Raw Flavour. I was Happy with the Texture and Flavour, however the balance of Masala to Meat was questionable. Two Chops. I called over the Young Waiter, he looked concerned.
I only have Two Chops. I’ll have another Portion please. It took a moment for the order to sink in, off he went.
The Chops were not the Largest, but they were decidedly Tasty. Had they not impressed I would not have ordered more. By the time I had eked out Portion #1, Portion #2 arrived. Again more Masala than Meat, but at least I knew now I would be Fed, the Excellent Paratha would take care of that.
Mein Host approached. He explained a Full Portion was available for £11.00. Had I missed this on The Menu? Apparently not.
Watching the World Cup and Eating Quality Curry. A Pleasant Afternoon.
The Bill
£17.75. This was more than I would normally pay for Four Chops and a Paratha.
Tomorrow should illustrate this.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was handed to Mein Host. He enquired as to my level of enjoyment. That I ordered Two Portions confirms I enjoyed the First.
I shall certainly return. The Curry was impressive, just need to get the Portion Size agreed upon at the Start. And Desi Dishes are always an Attraction.