Only two visits to Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall St, Charing Cross, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) in 2014? This is in no way a negative statement about the quality of Curry served in this Restaurant, more a realisation that the need for Bradford Curry has been sated At Source, plus an appreciation that Glasgow Curry holds its own.
The 16.30 rendezvous for The Curry Club as Kenny has named us, was put back a few minutes due to the chaotic state of public transport in the West of Scotland today. A wee bit windy. Dr. Stan waited at the nearby Bon Accord until Hector gave the signal that his arrival was imminent. Kenny beat him there, Mags arrived to complete The Four.
Greeted on entry by a New Chap it was apparent very quickly that in the eight months since my last visit, the entire staff had changed. I shall have to go more often this year to make myself known once again. We gleaned later that Mein (former) Host the nephew of owner Shabir Hussain is called Imran and he has returned to work in Bradford. I must visit the Mother Shop to see him, ironically I have never been to that venue. Sohail has gone to Doncaster. All change. Tonight a new Mein Host, Head Waiter and Main Runner were all met for the first time. The service was as excellent as ever, maybe better. They were less in one’s face which was a small criticism levied in the past.
The Décor was different. New Chairs with wooden frames and animal skin-effect backs gave the place a warmer feel that the aluminium they replaced. Health and Safety was the explanation given.
Starters were mandatory. The Lamb Chops served at Akbar’s are among the very best. Mags took the hint. Kenny plumped for Shami Kebab whilst Dr. Stan stuck with his usual Seekh. Roshan Lal has been Hector’s Standard Choice at Akbar’s since they opened. I could not be distracted from this even when The Head Waiter suggested the Lamb Karahi would have more Flavour when it became apparent that we would all be dining – Asian Style. Dr. Stan took him up, Kenny stuck with Hector, Mags had clocked Lamb Potato Karahi. The Plain Paratta impresed last visit, so Hector was sorted. The Three Co-diners ordered a Roti and Chapatti each. As Rotis tend to crisp as they cool, the Chapatti is a better accompaniment to follow. Mags would learn the difference between the two tonight.
The Head Waiter noted – In The Asian Style. If one does not make this clear one does not receive a Bradford Curry.
The tradition at Akbar’s is that the staff always advise how long it will take to bring the Food. Fifteen minutes we were advised for The Starters. Meanwhile we had to play:
The Poppadom Game.
Would you like Poppadoms?
Are you selling or giving?
So, no Poppadoms then, and no Spiced Onions for Kenny. Hector has no desire to pay for Poppadoms. Another waiter, whom I shall refer to as The Runner, came over for the first time and saw a table Sans Poppadoms, he had clearly been programmed to make sure all tables had them. Still no Poppadoms. If they wished us to have them, bring them, and don’t even think about adding Six Quid to The Bill.
The Runner brought the Starters ably assisted by a Chap from The Kitchen, that’s how they do things here. The Presentation is as much about The Delivery as The Appearance. Each Starter had a Chickpea and Onion Salad with a Swirl of Sauce across the plate.
Mags and Hector did not stand on ceremony, there’s only one way to eat Lamb Chops. Even Yvonne does that. The Seasoning and The Spice were Perfection, is Hector becoming a convert to Tikka-style Lamb after all these years?
Yes – said Dr. Stan, as exhuberant as ever. He enjoyed his Seekh Kebab, and Kenny too his Shami. They missed out on The Lamb Chops..
Fifteen Minutes – said The Runner when the table was cleared. This is Excellent because one knows that the Mains are not coming immediately, time to let The Starters digest. After the round of Soft Drinks we all settled for Tap Water, I lost track of how many times The Runner replaced the jug. Wonderful Service and The Banter was evolving.
Once again there was The Presentation Party to deliver The Mains. The Runner brought Hector’s Roshan Lal (without Capsicum). The Black Iron Karahi was brimming with small cut pieces of Tender Lamb, too many to count.
Why did I have a Starter? Kenny said later that he thought this was for both of us. Whatever the difference was between the Karahi and Roshan Lal remains a mystery. I think I’ll be back soon to find out. Normally I would have invited myself to sample a New Dish, Hector had enough on his plate.
The first mouthful gave The Bradford Curry Blast, ironically this was not achieved ten days ago at The Sheesh Mahal or The International. It’s all in the Seasoning and the Herbs, this is how we like it. The Minimal Masala was Thick, Dry. Study the photos, Dear Reader, what you see here defines what Curry-Heute considers – Dry. Kenny remarked on the Peripheral Oil in the Karahi, this soon dissipated. As we spooned the Meat so no liquid collected at the base of the Karahi. There was a mass of Meat. Mags, who felt done on a recent visit to The Village, was in raptures about the Quantity. The Portions tonight were possibly Double that served at The Village. Spicy, definitely good value for money – was her synopsis. Dr. Stan enjoyed his Karahi – Mmmmm.
The Paratha was Huge and Flaky, just how Hector likes it, Superb. No way could I eat a whole one. The Paratha did accompany The first half of The Curry, thereafter volume insisted Curry alone. Meanwhile my Co-diners had destroyed the Roti Pile and were endeavouring to do the same to the Chapattis. We had a mass of Food.
BBC – remarked Kenny – Beautiful Bradford Curry.
The Runner enquired about tea, coffee, dessert. We had other plans.
The Bill
£66.30. We were expecting it to be higher. Who was going to argue?
The Aftermath
I gave the Calling Card to the Waiter, The Runner, who had served us most, an Excellent Chap. I had to introduce Hector and Curry-Heute.
Meanwhile along the road at Café Salma the re-branding has not taken place and there were no customers. I had to go in. I was recognised by The Three Chaps. Mein Host showed me the Masala Zing artwork for the shop frontage which will be in place next week. I promised to return.
Is there an official Opening Night?