No more Pasta, please.
Ironically, the First Home-Cooked Meal on the return from a Trip served at Hector’s House is traditionally – Spaghetti Bolognaise. It could still be however, for the next few days there is definitely going to be a Glasgow Curry Overdose. Maybe the Best Thing about going away is the Rejuvenated Appreciation of Home.
In the Italian Markets I had spotted nearly all the Ingredients for Curry except Methi and Ginger.
The New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) was chosen from my list of Favourites as the Venue for the welcome Home Curry. Ayaz was sitting as I entered. Being Ramadan, not much cooking will be happening in the daytime.
The Usual? was Ayaz’ greeting. With Extra Methi and Seasoning – was my reminder.
And Lamb Chops to Start.
I took my preferred seat, the TV channel was changed to something I might understand. There was a continual throbbing noise coming from a fridge that was not normal. Between this and the TV it was difficult to make Ayaz out when he asked of my whereabouts for the past Three Weeks. A long time to go without a Methi Lamb Karahi – Hector-style – as John now asks for it.
Four Lamb Chops to myself. An Indulgence I have been planning for ages. The diet of the past three weeks has been Pasta and the occasional Cous Cous, even Pizza. The Italians sell Lousy Pizza IMHO, far too Thin and Wet. What has been unusual for Hector is the limited amount of Meat consumed. Lots of Fish and Seafood. To get the Gnashers into these Chops was – Chust Sublime, Succulent – as implanted in the Memory Banks, Spice, what have I been missing?
The Distraction this afternoon was a Mother with Two Weans who was in and out so often I lost count. Did they want Food? They had bought Drinks. Eventually they took seats at the opposite table and Food was brought. Samosas and Pizza. Was this some sort of Cosmic Wind-up?
Sanity was saved when a Cool Chap sat at the adjacent table and was brought a plate of Keema which he ate unaccompanied. Hector has never sampled the Keema at this Venue. There must be a reason, but no excuse.
The Lamb Karahi on-the-bone is what I have been missing. Ayaz brought this and the First Chapatti moments after I finished the Chops. I must have my camera set to – Movie – in anticipation. The Karahi Sizzled. These must be my Favourite Chapattis, Huge and not Too Thick. A Mixture of Lamb Chops and Other Cuts were piled high. Beneath these lay the Masala Mash as the Oil collected in the base. All was well.
This Dish is at the Highest Level of Glasgow Curry. The Flavour Floods out. The Mash on the Chapatti alternating with a Chew of Tender Lamb puts Hector – in the zone. Sheer Joy. Total Satisfaction.
The Bill
£15.00. The Standard Price for Starter and Curry in Glasgow.
The Aftermath
Ayaz confirmed that Business has been quiet. Ramadan ends next Sunday.