Coatbridge – Shimla Cottage – Delighted to Return

It was in June 2011 when Hector and Marg accepted the invitation from Mein Host – Waseem Ahmed – to visit and revue Shimla Cottage (109 Sunnyside Rd, Coatbridge, ML5 3HR). The Curry impressed, but as Coatbridge is not in an area which Hector traverses with any regularity, there was never a return visit, until today. Dr. Stan who admits to reading Curry-Heute, has expressed an interest in taking the train beyond the East of Glasgow, perhaps one day we will.

Today marked the last day of Hector officially in employment. Ever The Geographer, Marg and Hector visited a landscape which Hector has inexplicably never seen before – Cora Linn at The Falls of Clyde. If Coatbridge is remote, access to (New) Lanark is ridiculous.
Arriving at Shimla Cottage around 18.00 the place was stowed. I had advised Waseem of our visit but had not made a booking. No fear, Waseem marched straight towards us as we entered and welcomed us back. Curry-Heute may have helped Waseem recognise us, his beard made it difficult to reciprocate.
The Staff were plentiful and hardworking. Complimentary Poppadoms and Spiced Onions arrived in an instant, the drinks order was taken with equal efficiency.
The Menu had to be studied. Last time there was a Specials Board with Lamb on-the-bone on offer, this has gone. Waseem passed by, I asked if the Lamb Karahi had Capsicum. It had, but could be taken of. A Starter? Masala Fish? how could Hector not? Marg had spotted Lagan ki Boti, I would stick with the customary Lamb Bhoona Karahi, hopefully Bhoona would mean Minimal/Thick Masala. Chapattis as such were not on The Menu, Roti, and so I persuaded Marg to share a Plain Paratha and Mushroom Zeera Rice. Sorted.
The Masala Fish was not long in coming. A Decent Portion for a Starter, it was covered in Chopped Onion and – Capsicum. Oh dear. Again I congratulate the Waitress at Hot Chili in Krakow who recently picked up that if I didn’t wish Capsicum in the Curry, I wouldn’t want it elsewhere… I do like Capsicum, but not in Curry.

Hector decided the Masala Fish was not Curry, and so ate the lot! Fresh Tasting, Enjoyable, but would have been better without…

An upstairs venue in a stand-alone building at Coatbridge Sunnyside Station, parking is plentiful. Waseem told us that the windows have been changed since our last visit, indeed there is a greater sense of brightness within the dining area. Along from our window booth was the counter and the Takeaway area.  Shimla Cottage was a hive of activity. Perhaps the Good People of Coatbridge do realise what they have on their doorstep.

The Mains were presented with a flourish. Indeed, one Waiter having seen the photographic activity removed the Curry from the table so as to claim his moment of fame. He had not heard of Curry-Heute, by now I thought everyone had…
The Mushroom Zeera Rice was plentiful, enough to share. The Paratha was Perfection, Large, Fresh and Flaky. It is a pity that so many Venues serve up such poor examples of this fine bread.
The Lamb Bhoona Karahi had a Thick Masala, way more than Hector thinks a Curry needs. The Rice would do its job and soak up the excess. A Tad more Seasoning would have raised the level of pleasure. Still, there was little to be negative about. The Lamb was Sufficient in Quantity and amazingly Tender. Cutting the larger pieces with the side of the fork was simple. Quality Meat.
Three Waiters would check on our progress and needs as we dined. This can be intrusive, not here, they were polite, attentive and prompt, Excellent Service.
Marg won The Watch
Wonderful !– said Marg as she tore in to her Lagan ki Boti.

She too remarked on how Tender the Lamb was – Full of Flavour, I had to try this Masala. Wow! Marg had described it as – Earthy, I would call it – Unique! I only had a Soupcon, this I would like to try as My Choice of Main Course. Very Distinctive, but having taken so little, the Palate Analysis had little chance. I note the claim that somebody is making a Superb Garam Masala.                  Dr. Stan, whenever you are free…

Waseem asked for an interim report. I had to relate Marg’s positive verdict. Rarely does Marg finish a Curry, Rice and Bread, what she left was merely scraps. I couldn’t help her, the Quantity of the Bhoona Karahi was testing.

Marg had her traditional White Coffee. Waseem enquired about the progress of Curry-Heute and my Favoured Curry Venues.
The Bill
£25.45. With a Starter! Great Value.

The Aftermath
The Calling Card was presented once more, Waseem was particularly keen to receive one last time, now we have the deluxe version. Farewells were exchanged, a great visit.
This is a Mainstream Curry House serving Quality Curry at very affordable prices. The Service is First Class.

Can The Hector now claim Pensioner’s Rates?