This evening Dr. Stan was invited to choose the venue for The Friday Night Curry. Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North St, Glasgow G3 7DA) – We haven’t been for a while. Mags, Stewart and Hector were here just before New Year, tonight Mags was back with Kenny completing the gathering: The Curry Club.
With the winter weather still gripping Glasgow, I managed to get into town early an was able to meet Dr. Stan next door in the Bon Accord where no Light, Hoppy, 5% Ales were on offer. Quel Surpris. A Stout kicked off the weekend.
Mags and Kenny were already tearing into the Complimentary Poppadoms and Spiced Onions as we entered. More Spiced Onion required, not a problem.
More Poppadoms came too. Kenny would be happy, limitless Spiced Onion.
Ram was on duty at the 16.30 Friday opening. I may not have seen Ram since the after-Pallas Curry in November 2013. That Pallas have a new album out and are playing in Glasgow next month makes this feel even more of a gap.
This was Kenny’s first visit to the Punjabi and Mags’ second. The Keema Padora has to feature, Two, to share. This would give us a chance of completing a Main Course. Mags abandoned her favoured Aloo Gosht to try the Lamb Gurmeet. It’s not on The Menu – I advised Kenny. I explained how it is a combination of the Karahi Gosht and Lamb Methi, named after The Chef. Four Lamb Gurmeet, Four Chapattis. Simples. Ram informed us that fewer people are ordering this of late. Maybe the Good People of Glasgow need a reminder.
The Keema Padora
Lamb Mince served on a Puri. There is no Masala, there is Methi. Pleasure at its Absolute.
Two Quarters each. Everyone should eat a Whole One, once. Then forget about The Mains. I could eat this everyday. A Perfect Lunch? That is not a bad idea actually.
There was a sufficient break before The Mains to let the Padora settle, then Ram started bringing out the Karahi. Three at first. Dr. Stan was not waiting for the Chapattis. Kenny had his nose in the bowl to inhale the splendour that awaited. The Fourth Karahi arrived with the Chapattis, and we’re off.
Quantum Levels
The Lamb is served on-the-bone and whilst the Portion does not look huge, it is deceptive. Mags is still counting the pieces of Meat in every Curry after her starvation rations served at The Village. Yum – was Mags’s verdict.
This interpretation of Lamb Karahi is very Rich. The Masala is packed full of Flavour. Alternating with Masala on the Chapatti and Sucky-bones straight, the Dish could be enhanced with a Vegetable Side, but after The Starter, no chance. The Lamb came off the bone easily and there were no slivers of bone which has been a problem here at times, especially when Venison was served. The Seasoning and the Methi were exactly how The Hector likes it – Umami.
A bowl so clean I can see my face in it – observed Kenny who had ordered another Chapatti to ensure Total Satisfaction. Dr. Stan may have snaffled a bit of this. Hector and Mags were content with the Solitary Chapatti. Dr. Stan’s – Mmmmms – were barely audible this evening, suddenly he became quite verbose. A good melange. Three well chosen words from The Doctor. The Mmmmm-Continuum – he offered. What’s happening here?
Hari arrived just after we started The Lamb Gurmeet. He let us eat before coming up to the dais where we always sit. Kenny was introduced however this was a mere formality. Hari has seen Kenny’s face often enough in Curry-Heute in the past year.
Ram was keen for a verdict on The Curry. Always Consistent – was my instant response. Both Ram and Hari follow this Blog, they know this venue is on the List of Recommendations through merit.
The Bill
£58.35. Think about what Four could pay in a Poncy Restaurant in say The Merchant City. Hector is still recovering from a BBQ Pulled Pork Burger served earlier this week.
The Aftermath
Ram – You have over two million hits on your website. Have you ever thought about (taking) advertising?
Hector – Somebody has to approach me.
In discussion with The Chaps later they believe it unethical to take payment from my favourite places as it would compromise my impartiality. I’m not sure it would. Read the entry after Shahed entertained us at his home, it had to be written, a disappointing experience after Unforgettable Hospitality. Everywhere has an Average Day which therefore pre-defines Outstanding balances Unimpressive. Retiral looms, I would like to think I can maintain my Curry intake.
Did I mention how Consistent the Curry is at the Punjabi Charing Cross?
The Man who came in from The Cold
And so back out into the snow. Would the match be cancelled, the trains too?
We watched Twenty One Minutes of Football in the warmth of The State Bar before sense prevailed at Ibrox.
A Medium sized t-shirt, Jason?