Two late nights in Helensburgh this week, another opperchancity for direct comparison between the long established Akash (45 Sinclair St., Helensburgh, G84 8TG) and the up and coming Annaya’s Grill House, tomorrow.
I can’t believe four weeks have passed since my last visit, and as the countdown to June goes so slowly, well, that’s a month less.
Irfan was present, as ever, to greet me as I entered and took my normal table for two on the raised Dias.
It isn’t Thursday – remarked Irfan. I couldn’t wait until tomorrow, the pattern of last month has been flipped. The Sparkling Water was brought with the usual efficiency, time to study The Menu.
Last time I dared to have the Lamb Tikka starter so as to indulge on Lamb alone. I quickly learned that it is the Diversity of Textures that makes this Dish. The Mixed Combo it was.
Methi Gosht Karahi or Aloo Gosht Karahi, that is the question? Last time I had the Aloo Gosht Karahi with Dried Methi sprinkled on top, this went down a treat. That was a month ago? Time to see if this can be repeated – The Hector Curry Test. Mince Rice? It was about time I sampled this.
Irfan reported The Friends of Hector, and their Friends, who have either Dined or had Takeaways in recent times, the number is growing. People are now asking for The Hector Specials, check this link.
The Mixed Combo had the usual two pieces of Chicken Tikka, Lamb Tikka, but less Seekh Kebab than the norm. The Chicken Tikka is what completes this Dish. What? Hector being positive about Chicken? One will admit to having enjoyed Chicken Tikka Masala some Thirty Years ago, when it was new and different. Most have moved on. Still, the Chicken Tikka was Succulent and easily cut with the fork. The Flavours were Subtle compared to the intensity of the Lamb Tikka. The Seekh Kebab was drowned in the mass of Solid Meat.
I asked for a break between Starter and Main, this was no problem. As The Lone Diner why would it be? The Takeaway Trade was starting by 17.30, just how early was I? Hector was on the premises right on 17.00.
Irfan was intrigued by the fact that I rarely order alcohol with Curry, but do order Sparkling Water specifically.
It’s what I drink most of – I related. With no Calories this has to be the Healthy Option. I had to explain that 8 Litres are available in supermarkets for @£1.50. Yes, this is less than Restaurants charge for a 330ml bottle.
When suitable digestion had occurred, the Aloo Gosht Karahi was summoned. It did not come in an instant I am glad to report.
Look at this:
The Akash, Chef Rashid, has learned how to make a Curry that Hector can look forward to. The Masala was indeed as Minimal as is sought. The Dry Methi Leaves on top just look the part. The Kick was there, not excessive, enough. More Seasoning was the usual Hector Criticism, it is a Brave Chef who can achieve Perfection here. The Lamb was seriously Tender, there was plenty of it, and just in case there was Mince in the Rice. The Extra Mince worked a treat.
The Rice Mince is Dry, the presence of more Lamb added to the Dryness of the Main. The Potatoes did their job, Texture, something other than Meat. I even considered a Side of Aloo Methi instead of pursuing this path. Could I have eaten it all?
I am glad to report that despite the Starter everything set before Hector was consumed. I hate wasting food.
Normally – The Bill – would appear at this point in the Curry-Heute Blog. Marg announced her imminent arrival.
Pakora for Marg, her Favourite Pakora, anywhere. This did come very quickly and so was obviously half cooked in advance. Note to self – again – I am long overdue making Pakora and posting the Recipe.
A White Coffee amused me whilst I watched Marg eat. She too had Coffee thereafter. The Coffee was Milky and Piping Hot, just how Marg loves it. All was well.
The Bill
£23.45. On Wednesdays and Thursdays one can order any food from the a la Carte Menu for a Flat Fee – £15.00. Two Soft Drinks, Two Coffees and One Pakora caused the inflated price.
The Aftermath
Two more Diners had arrived. There should be more than this, but such is the competition.
Four Curry Houses in Helensburgh may well prove to be unsustainable. Hector appears to be Championing Two.
Howard dropped in later and bought a Takeaway – Yay!