Glasgow – Cafe Serena – Still has The Potential to be Excellent

Cafe Serena Curry-Heute (1)To many Curry-Heute Blogs start like a confession – it is x weeks since my last visit. How have three years past since my last visit?
Cafe Serena (328-340 Maxwell Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 1PJ) was visited twice within a week back in 2011. The Curry was enjoyed but impressions were mixed, there was potential.
Entering before 15.00, the premises were cold, a TV show was louder than necessary.
Stewart would join Hector today for the return visit. The Lamb Karahi is still available on-the-bone or – off. It had to be – on. Surprisingly the prices have not increased in the last three years, how many venues can claim this?
Arriving punctually, Stewart removed his extra layers, by this time Hector was well cold. I made an executive decision and switched on the electric heater which was at my feet. Perhaps the waiter could have suggested this?
Stewart was happy to let the Hector order. But first there was a proposition – let’s share a Kofta Karahi.
Cafe Serena Curry-Heute (2)The waiter had been busy observing the fixing of the Pizza Oven, I had to ask again for the  previously ordered Mango Rubicon, service not exactly forthcoming. Again I felt I was giving a summons  to place the order.
Two Portions of Lamb Karahi on-the-bone, as Dry as Chef can make it, with extra Methi and extra Seasoning. This was noted, I hope. We’ll share a portion of Lamb Koftae Karahi.    Three Chapattis (70p) would accompany.
An Asian TV show was on for the duration, seemingly. Eventually the programme ended and something in English replaced it. Comfort, the room was also heating up.

Cafe Serena Curry-Heute (9)Cafe Serena Curry-Heute (7)

A Salad appeared on the Counter, where it sat, for a while. It wasn’t moving until the Curry arrived.  In the end it wasn’t touched.
The Two Portions of Lamb Karahi came first with the Chapattis. The word – Dry – had been lost somewhere between notepad and kitchen. This was approaching – Soup. The Green Herb content was visible but if this was – extra – then I’m glad I asked for it that way. Where’s the cutlery? – Stewart asked me. None was forthcoming, we used the Spoons in the Karahi, the Chapattis would be – the cutlery – traditional!  Another reason why the Salad was untouched.

Lamb Karahi on-the-bone
Cafe Serena Curry-Heute (5)Cafe Serena Curry-Heute (6)

Stewart and Hector played – find-the-bone. Hector won – one bone. These Karahi were on-the-bone?
The Seasoning was well under par. Disappointment was setting in, however, I have to admit this was not a bad Curry. With the requested tweaks, who knows?
The Kofta was left until the Lamb Karahi were finished. Stewart had wiped his bowl clean. He said he was hungry.

Kofta Karahi
Cafe Serena Curry-Heute (8)The Koftae Karahi was something else. The Masala was Thicker, the Spice content reminded me that Curry can be so. The Seasoning was closer to what was hoped for, probably as a result of this, the Overall Flavours were more Intense. The Portion consisted of at least half a dozen decent sized Meatballs with a Hard Boiled Egg smothered in the Masala. This was more like it. I would certainly return to have the Kofta again.
A tasty way to fill a belly – was Stewart’s s comment.
We had indeed been well fed.

The Bill
£27.00. For Three Portions of Curry, Chapattis and Rubicon, not bad at all.

There was absolutely no banter with The Waiter. The Calling Card was placed under the cash. It was taken to the kitchen with no further comment.

The Aftermath
Stewart noted – We had forgotten to do something.
Later Dr. Stan heard of the day, Kofta? He’ll be there soon.

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