The intention this evening was to visit Hari at The Punjabi Charing Cross, however The Friends of Hector were reluctant to come out on this Friday which marks the start of The Silly Season. About turn, Friday Night Bier would be in the company of Steve, it was a matter of when would the visit to The Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) occur? Ashgar, Mein Host, was phoned around 20.30 giving a half hours notice, time to let Chef Rashid consider what he could prepare for us in this time.
On entering it was pleasing to see two groups finishing their meals, seven people in total. We were the sole customers for the remainder of the session. This should not be so.
There had to be a Mixed Combo to start. Sharing one serving would have been sensible so two were ordered. This put the kibosh on finishing whatever Main Course would follow. What would follow? Ashgar knows what Hector looks for in Curry. The Masala would be Minimal, a Herb presence mandatory, Fresh Methi preferred and of course Tender Lamb.
Lamb Methi is what Ashgar wrote on the pad. Steve would have the same by prior agreement. One concludes that Chef Rashid and Ashgar had consulted each other prior to our arrival.
The Flaky Plain Paratha served last week had to be sampled again, this was as good as it gets. Steve, who has a penchant for destroying Naan, ordered the Keema variety.
The Mixed Combo is rapidly becoming My Favourite Starter of All Time. Lamb Chops? Seekh Kebabs, Chicken Tikka and Lamb Tikka. The Quality oozes, even the Chicken is – Interesting. The Lamb has to be kept to last, here lies the Greatest Pleasure. Succulent to the point of Sublime.
At this point one should really go for a walk to work up the appetite. There was a break, the arrival of the Curry was looming.
At the Akash, if the customer can describe it, they will make it. The Lamb Methi ticked all of The Hector Boxes. Hector seeks a consistent Dry, this was it.
Steve and Hector ate in near Companionable Silence. There was the occasional audible sound of Appreciation. Ashgar and Irfan made checks on our progress. The Herbs and Spices in the Minimal Masala replicated the dish served at the New Karahi Palace in Glasgow where I have eaten a significant amount of Curry in 2014. In recent weeks I have found myself here at The Akash regularly. Chef Rashid is working wonders.
There was a Doggy Bag, again.
The Bill
£32.00. Soft Drinks accompanied The Starters and Mains, very affordable.
The Aftermath
Rashid came from the kitchen to chat. Ashgar point to a small Hector Protuberance.
How do you explain your….
What do you suggest?
Trainers, 07.30, every morning.
One day, perhaps, maybe two.