What is Hector doing on the South-side on a random Wednesday Lunchtime in May? It is most certainly not a holiday.
Last night’s dinner was approaching disaster. Lesson learned #127.5, do not add leftover Couscous to a Tomato-based Sauce, it looks totally unappetising. So much so, Marg and Hector ate very little yesterday. With enough work for the day completed, Hector glanced at his Weekday Lunch, the Perpetual Fruit Diet continues. As Winnie-the-Pooh famously said – There’s a rumbly in my tumbly… A quick glance at a well known and reliable Curry Blog, I’m on my way, ah-ha…
Café Reeshah (455 Shields Rd, Glasgow, G41 1NP) is in its third year of operation under the current management. They serve potentially the Best Keema Mutter in Glasgow. Potentially? I discovered when taking Marg there last November, Keema Mutter is not always available.
Entering just after 13.30, Mein – The Most Modest – Host in Glasgow smiled in recognition. I parked my jacket over the back of one of the Nine available chairs, there only are Nine. This was to establish I was here to Sit and Savour, not for a Takeaway which Café Reeshah basically is.
Approaching the counter I could see the pre-prepared Curry Dishes, no sign of Keema, no sign of Lamb at all.
Mein Host talked me through the Kurry – Pakora Curry, Daal, Chickpeas, Chicken… I even spotted Spinach. Not really what I was looking for. He lifted a tray on the far side – Aloo Gosht, then another – Mince and Potatoes. Both looked Wonderful, Hector was here for the Keema.
A bit of both? He suggested. Oh yes, and Two Chapattis. Buttered or Plain? Buttered.
What is the Hector doing ordering Two Chapattis at Lunchtime? Autopilot, Hunger.
Plates of Curry were taken away for reheating, I heard no – Ding, but who knows?
The late Lunchtime Trade was brisk, Curry and Pizza were being purchased, far too early for a Kebab, Ten Hours too early.
The Music Machine burst into life. Before, Dear Reader, you think Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is the only Qawwali singer Hector knows, and Allah Hoo the only Asian song … I was exposed to this famous song in its warm up stages, however, the voice was as familiar as it was unfamiliar. Did Nusrat record this Fifty Years ago, or has some Young Upstart dared to re-record this Classic? Who has a copy of this Epic with the British Chaps playing Synthesiser as backing?
Plates were assembled on the counter, Mein Host was the Aerial Conveyor, first to be set down was a Single Chicken Seekh Kebab. He wanted me to sample it, and so I did, and as is befitting those who wish to feed The Hector, it is reviewed. What might be considered a Half Portion of Aloo Gosht followed and a Fair-sized Portion of Chicken Mince and Potatoes (Aloo Murgh Keema) was placed last.
Let’s not overlook Two of the Finest Chapattis I have seen in weeks. Large and with Girth, these were taunting. They had the Stamp of Authenticity all over them. Two Chapattis. Folded over, the Moistness from the Butter was retained inside whilst I tackled the Kebab.
Chicken or Lamb, Seekh Kebabs are a great way to start a meal. This was Fresh and Spicy. Accompanied by a Modest Salad and a generous Plate of Raita, an Amusement to Start.
What Next?
One Dish would cool whilst the other was consumed, or tackle both at once?
The Lamb and Potato in a near-Shorva was further from the Heart’s Desire. What looked like Four Pieces of Lamb became Six. The Lamb was also on-the-bone, Four Bones, one a Sucky.
The First Dip of the Buttered Chapatti in the Masala – Oh, yes. The Kick, the Seasoning. This was another Treat, to think I could have missed out. The Classic 1960s Curry Flavours, way Thinner than the Hector Norm but not so Thin to be a Shorva-proper. Some may disagree, however, this packed a suitable Tasty Punch. Mein Host was over to inspect the proceedings. All was well. The Potato content was confusing given the size of the pieces. There was much more – than I first thought.
Chicken Today
And so Hector had another Chicken Experience. Chicken Tikka Masala looms. The Oil content was so minimal there was next to no residue on the plate at the end. More Seasoning required, this did not have – The Wow – I have experienced from the Lamb Mince version. Still, the Kick was there, Dry as Curry can be served, no Masala to speak of. With the Fresh Tomatoes on Top, the much sought after Diversity of Texture; how many boxes ticked? As the Second Chapatti was tackled the realisation had long since hit home, no way should I have ordered this one. Still, we are not in Aberdoom where Two Chapattis cost as much as a Glasgow Curry.
My mouth loved me, the stomach was wondering wtf? Where’s the Apple and Orange? This is hopefully the shape of things to come and why Hector shall retain ownership of his own vehicle for as long as is viable. Desi Lunch in the South-side Curry Cafés?
The Bill
I offered £10.00. There was £2.00 change.
The Aftermath
I asked Mein Host if business was doing well. He put this down to his prices. There is a lot of competition in this part of the city.
He told me he is happy and impressed by the fact that people are coming from outside Glasgow to enjoy the Fayre.
Somebody is doing something right.
This is a Great Lunchtime Venue. Go soon before Popularity has people Queuing for a seat.
Now to go home and prepare Paella. Marg, Dinner is at 22.00.
