A Monday in Stirling catching up with Kenneth, who is not the Mythical Character some have claimed over the years. Curry-Heute was a matter of course, the Venue had not been discussed, the inclement weather meant that the nearest Curry House to where the taxi dropped us had a chance. Rana’s (37 Friars Street, Stirling FK8 1HA) had the Magic Term – Punjabi – etched on the window, the Hector Curry could be a possibility.
The Menu Puzzled
Specialties – were listed page after page all with Chicken. Tender Lamb was available at no extra charge. Nentara (£6.95) or Chilli Bhoona (£7.95) both had the possibility of having the required Thick Masala, advice would be sought. Mushroom Fried Rice at an incredible £3.75 may well be the Optimum Accompaniment.
Kenneth needed no Menu. Haggis Pakora (£4.95) would precede Chicken Tikka Masala and Basmati Fried Rice, the latter at a more realistic £2.45.
Comment #1 – Hector is dining with someone who orders Chicken Tikka Masala.
Comment #2 – It costs an extra £1.30 to fry and stir in a couple of Mushrooms.
Kenneth ordered first, straightforward. Hector asked for clarification over the Nentara and Bhoona, could Methi be added? I was then shown the first page of the Menu, listed under the Starters, which I had not studied was a list of Real Curry. Methi Gosht was there, as was Desi Lamb on-the-bone! Desi Lamb with Methi and no Capsicum – a Happy Hector – except I had now signed up for a £9.95 Curry.
Two other tables were occupied. The layout gave an air of – Spaciousness. With partitions separating the wall tables, larger settings were mid-room, a group of six arrived as we completed our meal. Tablecloths were ubiquitous, Posh.
With access to the Rana’s Website, Page 2 does not show up, the Real Curry Dishes are not visible. The Venue has recently been refurbished, an offer of a Three Course Dinner for £11.95 is stated. We were not led to this, Takeaway only?
The Haggis Pakora was for Kenneth, but in his mature Age of Altruism, Hector was permitted one piece – … for research purposes. This Haggis Pakora was unlike that experienced at Mr. Singh’s India where the same is merely Haggis in Batter. The interior of Rana’s Haggis Pakora looked more Dense, more like Pakora. It had the distinctive Haggis Flavour and a Good Kick. This is definitely worth checking out.
Kenneth concentrated on the Pink Yoghurt Sauce, Hector had to Dip the different looking Chutney. This had to be home-made, the Texture and Flavour was markedly different from the norm, Tasty.
The Waiter revealed it was Pineapple based. Another reason to order a Starter.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Once upon a time, Marks and Spencer sold Portions of Chicken Tikka Masala – for Two. This was quite a treat. They then added Rice and reduced the Portion to – for One. This was perhaps a decade and a half ago. Who would admit to buying this now, eh, Kenneth, eh?
What came was Classic Soup in an off-putting Orange. For those who like this sort of thing, sadly as we know, many do.
That was great. It was like a Marky’s meal but on a bigger scale.
One happy customer.
The Hector Curry
Desi Lamb on-the-bone with Methi
Earthy – once more best describes this Curry Experience. We’re off to a good start then. The Masala was suitably Thick but way in excess of what was required, even with Rice to maintain the interest. The Mushroom Rice also added to the Overall Flavour, properly cooked Mushrooms, far from the tinned variety simply chucked in and served.
The Lamb on-the-bone was a Delight. Sucky Bones were included, the Marrow adding to the Flavour. One Lamb Chop was a part of the Melange. (Just the one Lamb Chop today, Alan B.)
Too Salty – was Kenneth’s take on the Masala that was deemed excessive and abandoned, so the Seasoning must have been Fine. This type of Curry needs to be well seasoned. The Masala was presumably Dark due to the addition of the Methi. One had to speculate if Chef had simply added some the Masala from the Methi Gosht to what had previously been prepared as Desi Lamb. Hector had asked for Methi with the Desi Lamb, it would take more visits to establish the orogeny with accuracy. There was plenty of it, so the £9.95 was forgiven.
The Waiter asked the Customary Question. I could not fault this Dish.
The Bill
£38.60. Somebody had added a Starter and Two Pints to inflate this.
The Aftermath
Our Waiter was shown the Curry-Heute Website and given the Calling Card as opposed to completing the House Pro-forma. One is left with the feeling that this Venue can be added to the list of – What could they really serve?
The Salt and Pepper Dispenser was – Cool – xmas stocking…