Six days ago Hector arrived at The Balti Club (66 Woodlands Road, Glasgow, G3 6HA) to find that it does not open until 17.00, hence the premature visit to Mr. Singh’s India. Serendipity or what? This evening Hector arrived at 17.00 to find the place still closed. A staff member tried the door a few moments later, Mein Host did not appear until 17.20 by which time I had confirmed it was still possible to eat on the premises. Mein Host disappointed The Hector by saying it would take half an hour for them to get set up. So no Lamb Handi for Hector. Hector was out on a Thursday, it must be the summer term, exam leave, et al… Curry was required before a cooling refreshment.
Masala Zing (523 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) has been open a few months now under its own banner. Some of the staff, at least one Chef and one Waiter, date back to the days of Café Salma. If they can re-create the Curry Wonder that was Café Salma, or find their own identity and improve upon this, the business will thrive. To this end, the Moroccan Menu maintains. Hector was here for Curry, Tajines-galore this summer.
A Lady was The Lone Diner as I entered around 17.30. As she was mid-room, I was shown to the window table. For once, this was the logical move. A Young Waiter brought the Menu, time for a read. On my last visit Manoj, Mein Host, arranged a Desi Handi variant. Tonight there was no sign of Manoj or Nasif. Time to fend for oneself.
The Desi Menu is what makes Masala Zing stand out from the Mainstream. Ginger Lime Bhoona, two versions of Karahi, Achari Handi and Desi Handi, Kofta, these all have the potential to be Most Satisfying. The Fish Menu disappointed. Ravi Machi, the Fish Curry back in Hassan’s day was Outstanding, nothing looked close. The Monkfish Achari served in the brief days of New Café Salma made me resolve not to return.
A familiar face from the days of Café Salma came to take the order. Achari Handi won the day – A Reduced Onion Ginger Garlic Paste Curry cooked with Pickle- on the bone. Look at these Well-Chosen Capitalisations. The term – Reduced – suggested – Thick. On-the-bone too, perfect! I asked which would be the better Accompaniment, Rice or Bread. A Mixed Vegetable Rice it would be. Back in the day, the Vegetable Rice served on these premises was only equalled by its equivalent served at The Village. When I see Hassan this summer I must ask to what extent Café Salma tried to replicate Curry from The Village.
A Complimentary Poppadom and some Onion Chutney completed the welcome. I asked to keep the Menu so as to study further what was on offer.
The Achari Handi was pure Café Salma. The Thick, almost Gloopy Masala smothered the most Tender of Lamb on-the-bone. The Masala was sufficient, not excessive. The Vegetable Rice Portion was more than enough for One, and hey – look – Potato and Cauliflower! Brilliant! The Interesting Vegetables Hector loves so much to provide the Variety of Textures and give more Lumps. Three Pieces of the Offending Vegetable were buried in the Rice. Hidden behind the Subtle Kick and the Pickle was the Old Café Salma Curry Flavour. This Dish was Immense. Some of The Company have dined here recently and loved it, some have been disappointed. The Achari Handi could disappoint no one.
I was congratulated for the efficiency with which the Achari Handi was despatched.
The Bill
£16.70. Still a Couple of Quid more than one has to typically pay in this area.
The Aftermath
The Familiar Waiter, Akhtar, came and sat at the adjacent table. He knew my face, knew of Hector, but had not matched the two. He even has my phone number. There was a lengthy discussion about the Menu. That which is written above was relayed. The Desi List impresses, but where is the Fish equivalent? As I whipped out the Trusty Samsung to show the Fish Chettinad served at Indian Mango (München), Chef Ikram came upstairs. The Challenge was issued, he gave me his number. Next time.
There had to be a new photo – Akhtar and Son.
Akhtar asked my view on changing back to the Café Salma banner, NO! This is their place now. Hassan has gone, he was Café Salma.