Eleanor arranged for Kirsty to come through to Helensburgh from The Far East primarily to see an up and coming beat combo – Slow Train perform at The Commodore this evening. As we would form a significant part of the audience, there had to be a Curry Gathering afore.
18.00 was the rendezvous time at the Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG), Helensburgh’s Oldest, and still Best, Curry House. Steve and Hector arrived moments before Marg. Kirtsy and Eleanor were punctual, Howard moments later, and finally Tracey not as late as she thought she would be. Lamb Chops Methi Achari for Four had been arranged midweek, Marg, Kirsty and Tracey had still to choose their Mains. Inclusive Poppadoms and Dips were brought and passed along the table as The Company assembled.
The Starters
We were here – to dine, Starters were mandatory, especially at the Akash who sell the Best Pakora served anywhere, as Marg insists, and the Mixed Combo which has become a Hector Favourite in recent times.
Fish Pakora – You have taught me there are other Pakoras – Kirsty reminded me. Steve chose this moment to challenge the Pre-order. He had to be persuaded that Lamb Chops (on-the-bone and not his preferred style) were The Mains, he thought this was the Starter. Most of us would share, we know what happens if a whole Starter is consumed before The Mains. Steve thought otherwise, Howard would share with Hector, the Ladies shared the Pakoras.
This was Howard’s first Mixed Combo, the order of ceremony was described – Seekh Kebab first, then the Chicken Tikka and finish with the Lamb Tikka. Gorgeous, the Mixed Combo, Tracey may think I was referring to Howard. One could gorge on this. But Weez are here for The Curry.
By the time Hector had finished his share of the Mixed Combo, the Pakora had gone. Always freshly made, again one could be distracted by the quality and eat on. Look at the Fish Pakora, have you seen better than this?
Irfan was looking after us tonight, Ashgar and Rashid were having time off. A Rashid lookalike was popping in and out of the Kitchen. Irfan asked if we were ready for The Mains, another five minutes. Time to let the Starters digest. This is how it should be. Meanwhile a couple took the normal Hector table on the Dais and the Takeaway Trade was brisk. Boxes of Curry were flying out the door.
Marg had chosen the Lamb Karahi which looks entirely different from the #1 Version presented on the first days of the Akash New-co. This was accompanied by a single Chapatti and was thoroughly enjoyed. This was a far cry from the Sweetie Curry Marg enjoyed at the new Helensburgh Venue – Annaya’s last night. Proper Curry for Marg tonight..
Two Ladies had ordered Chicken, well they would. Kirsty chose Chicken Garlic Chilli and Tracey the Chicken Achari. The latter at least had hope. The Masala in the Chicken Achari may have been as good as what The Four would have, we would be too busy to sample.
The Lamb Chops Methi Achari were set before Eleanor, Howard, Steve and Hector. Steve had Chapattis, Eleanor Boiled Rice whilst Howard followed the Hector lead and ordered Pain Paratha.
The Parathas were a good size and whilst not as Flaky as the Very Best, were certainly in the right ball park. Time to dip.
The Oil in the Achari was gathering on the periphery of the Karahi. Have you dipped the Oil? I asked Howard. Enjoy now, have a heart attack later. Stunning. Six Lamb Chops were shrouded in the Thickest of Masalas, the Lime Pickle Ingredients were visible in the Mash. That is NOT Capsicum!
This was Wonderful, even Steve was enjoying it. Eleanor who is a recent convert to Lamb was defeated by the Quantity, not Howard who wiped his Karahi clean. Bursting with Flavour, this is as good as Curry can be. The Spice level was not OTT, the Tender Lamb Chops had plenty of Meat. Total enjoyment by The Four.
How was it? Asked Irfan. Terrible – was the Hector reply. We might come back.
The Akash is now Howard and Tracey’s Local Curry House, one suspects they will be here often.
The Bill
£127.00. Irfan had advised us that we were on the £15.00 for eat all you can tariff. So how did we end up with a Drinks Bill for £22.00? Seven of us, who had Two Glasses of Wine?
The Aftermath
Irfan held the door as we left, a firm handshake. And so to The Commodore where the choice of Ale was very poor.
Slow Train, the crowd went wild, as if…