Charcoals Cafe – Vielleicht Das Nächste Mal

Mahogany – Teachers’ New Year

Have I mentioned I’m on holiday?

The Academic Year reaches a conclusion, Marg is dropped off at Glasgow Airport (Hockey in Wales), G-RAF – the First Glasgow Real Ale Festival in Eighteen Years (I still make it Seventeen), definitely time for Curry!

The Rickmeister is in town, working at G-RAF which opened today at 17.00. So no surprise that Ricky and Dr. Stan took a break at 18.00 to join Hector for Curry. The Venue had to be near The Briggait, Hector had this in hand – Charcoals Cafe (74 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5EP) is One of Four Glasgow City Centre Curry-Houses still to be visited. Opened last year, this is the Sister Restaurant to the very successful Charcoals in Renfield St. The latter has come a long way since they redesigned the interior and transformed themselves from the appearance of a Takeaway Venue.

The New Venue is a Bright, Open Room with the same sense of informality as the Parent House. This revue is becoming incestuous.

John was here a couple of weeks ago and reported a Good Experience. He took them on and basically asked for The Hector Curry by means of adapting what was on The Menu. He noted that Chapattis were not on the Menu but available on demand, so forewarned, I knew exactly what to ask for.

Dr. Stan and Ricky were happy to follow the Hector Lead. The Menu has Lamb Desi (on-the-bone) with Methi and Karahi appearing as Separate Dishes. As was created so successfully at the Punjabi Charing Cross, a combination of these is really what is desired.

The Waiter noted the order. Three Desi Lamb with Methi and Extra Seasoning in Two only.

On mentioning – Methi – the Waiter said – Chicken. This puzzled us. Why did he say that? Lamb was restated, he appeared to have grasped the order. Four Chapattis (price unknown) and a Plain Naan were the Accompaniments.

Tap Water was the Liquid Refreshment, brought in Glasses, eventually a Jug made an appearance, however, the Waiter insisted on pouring.

Two Curry Portions were topped with Two Pieces of Tomato and the reminder with One. A simple way to differentiate the Extra seasoning from the Norm. A Basket with Quartered (why?) Chapattis came with the Curry, presumably to share. Another Basket arrived soon afterwards, better. The Curry was Visually Stunning – Thick and Herbs most evident. I prodded the Mash with my spoon and felt something Hard, Bone presumably, all was well.

It became apparent very soon that we had not been given Lamb on-the-bone, The Hector had in fact struck Cinnamon Bark. The Lamb was Incredibly Tender, so well cooked that it was heading towards Mush but was not there. It’s great how Chefs can keep Lamb on-the-edge in this manner. The Seasoning was exactly as hoped for, present but not so that Salt was dominant. The Herb Flavours emerged, Hector loves his Methi. The Kick was Significant but not overwhelming, a Good Balance.

The Chapattis were a disappointment. I prefer to tear off my own strips, not be issued with Fractions of a Chapatti. Too, Thin and Flimsy, the Chapattis did their job, just. However, Crisping set in as they cooled. Half Chapatti – Half Roti?

I enjoyed that – remarked The Man from Bradford.

Mmm – was Dr. Stan’s concurring statement. Then he was carried away – It was Good, Mmm.

There was no denying we had been served Quality Curry, but what exactly had we been given?

Mein Host came over to make the Customary Check.

Your Menu states that Lamb Desi is on-the-bone.

He went away to check the Order and returned to state that we had not been given Lamb Desi, but Lamb Methi. He confirmed that it is possible to have Lamb Desi with Methi. So why had we not been given what we asked for?

The Bill

£38.10. The Man from Bradford thought this was expensive compared to Bradford Prices. When I pay this usually there is a Sparkling Water included, not today, so Ricky has a point.

The Aftermath

Mein Host was given the Calling Card and the Curry-Heute Website set to Charcoals was shown.

It was agreed I would return for the Desi a la Hector.

Maybe next time.