The intention this evening was to visit Hari at Punjabi Charing Cross, however on arrival around 21.00 the place was stowed. A Seasonal Party was in full swing, musik et al. Time for a Swift Exit. In fact, I never entered. I shall visit Hari before the year is over. Hector is long overdue.
I was almost heading to an unvisited Takeaway on Woodlands Rd. which has a couple of seats when Café Salma (523 Sauchiehall St, G3 7PQ ) caught the eye. Time was this was very much a Local. Count the visits on the right banner to this formerly splendid establishment. Last time I visited the New-co version, the Fish Curry was very disappointing. Lamb tonight, a second chance.
There were no customers but still I was shown to the alcove to where the kitchen used to extend. Tonight Hector would not be Window Dressing.
The Menu featured a range of Fish Dishes around the £15.00 mark, Pricey. Ah, the wonder of what was served here by Hassan. Punjabi Karahi (without) at £9.95, and to continue the nostalgic return – Mushroom Pilau. Poppadoms and Spiced Onion used to arrive moments after entering. The £2.59 charge meant dismissal. The Young Waiter took the order. Sparkling Water would accompany, I was then offered a choice of Biers. No thanks. He would return and offer me more Drinks later, No Thanks.
I had to look downstairs. The Facilities are located there plus the former Moroccan Room. This lay sadly deserted. Fond Memories.
The Punjabi Karahi had an air of familiarity. The Masala had an acceptable Thickness, there was a remnant of the Flavours of the old Café Salma which itself was probably a Village derivative. It appeared that Extra Onion had compensated for the banished Capsicum, but not excessively so. The Seasoning was a Tad under for this Palate, no specific Kick has been requested, this Dish tended towards the milder end of the spectrum.
The Lamb was of sufficient Quantity and Quality, enjoyable. The Mushroom Rice was enough to share, especially if Bread had been ordered. This was the Perfect Foil for the Masala. A return visit was being considered, this was far removed from the Insulting Fish.
The Bill
As written – £17.35. A bit on the high side. However, we’re not finished.
The Aftermath
The Waiter was doing the paperwork at the counter. I gave the Calling Card. This led to the summoning of Mein Host who expressed an immediate interest.
This is now the New-New Café Salma. The Chef-Akhtar, Waiter (& Co-host) Nasif and Manoj, Mein Host have a three-way interest in the current operation which has only been in operation for some months. The premises are due to be re-branded – Masala Zing. The New Owners ran a Café a couple of doors along, not The Tiffin Rooms, and so I know not.
The Menu will be overhauled. The Magic Words – We will cook your order to your specifications – were uttered. There’s a statement which Hector is already looking forward to seeing realised.
Hopefully I will be invited for the opening of Masala Zing.
Meanwhile there was a spontaneous 20% discount.
That’s the way to do it.