It was Curryspondent Stewart who alerted Hector to the existence of this Curry Cafe, well south of the Govanhill Cluster, with Dearstalker in hand, this had to be investigated. The Lassani Tandoori (1154 Cathcart Rd, Glasgow G42 9EG) is one of three Curry Venues at Mount Florida, once upon a time there was one. In the late 1970s, Hector was resident in Mount Florida, the best place I ever lived… One has no reason to believe there is any connection between this Lassani and Lasani Grill.
There was one Curry House then, if it was Shezan, then this explains the tired, weathered exterior, the Curry was Poor. The Noor Mahal, Shawlands, was the Venue of Choice for these years, the Kitchen Connection at the Noor Mahal has been made previously with PJ of Heera fame.
A 16.00 opening time was quoted in Other Sources, Hector arrived at 15.50, well after Curry O’clock, but one has to postpone The Pleasures for the sake of Research. Shucks.
Three tables sat twelve, but three more chairs were wedged under a bench at the window. If only Desi – Curry Palace could re-instate this.
Who was Mein Host?
The Chap who served me took the order and gave the immortal line when the Curry was placed on the counter, – As you know we are not a Restaurant. The Takeaway Menu says otherwise. A Chap who was strimming Loadsa’ Chicken from the Tandoor was ever present, smiled, engaged, pleasant, appreciated. Another Chap was on t’phone taking orders, this early, when he was free he acknowledged that I was sitting eating, he became more involved the longer I stayed. Fifteen years – he assured me they have been here. Hector does not live in the Southside, Curryland. He was intent on assuring that I had been catered for. This was not a Restaurant, the service and care was way better than many a Restaurant. That I report this before even mentioning the Curry is a first on this Website. Good Guys!
The Bill
£9.80. This included the Mango Rubicon.
The Order
The Lamb Punjabi Masala (£7.00) was considered, Fenugreek and Fresh Herbs, the Lamb Karahi (£7.00) was described as – Dry – both of these would have gone down well with the Offending Vegetable withheld. The Lamb Staff Curry (£7.50) – Special hot stuff : Highly recommended from our chef these curries are also available on the bone on request – could not be resisted, especially when the on-the-bone was an option. Bones were confirmed, Two Chapattis (£0.80) to accompany.
Hector returned to his seat and waited, not for long. I watched loadsa’ Chicken Tikka being prepared for later business… never thought about this way, it has to be available… best fresh though. I was called up to the counter to fetch my order, as he said, not a Restaurant. A Modest Salad in a polystyrene container was provided also, useful as it turned out.
The Chapattis were Perfection Large, Light and Fluffy. One would have sufficed, however, such was the joy of tearing into the second one, it had to be done.
The Curry was served in the same Metal Bowls as at Hector’s House. No need to decant. The Oily, Viscous Onion-based Masala looked Luxurious. The First Dip was sheer Pleasure. This was as good a Curry Masala as one could hope for, full of Flavour, but nothing to make this Diner go – Wow! …just very good. Eight pieces of Lamb were provided including one small Lamb Chop and two pieces Lamb on Sucky Bones. As one who prefers – Something Else- a Vegetable – in a Curry, I decanted the Onion and Tomato from the Salad and mixed it into the Masala, much better.
I realised I had no Mango Rubicon and had paid for one, help oneself from the fridge, no glass.
The Lone Diner ate in near silence, always the courteous check from The Chaps to ensure all was well. Hector is very much at home in the Curry Cafe scenario. Who needs a Restaurant?
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was handed over to the Chap who had evolved into Mein Host. The List of Glasgow Curry Houses was shown, and beyond. There are a few Glasgow Curry Houses still to visit, two are in Mt. Florida, at least they appear to be open mid Saturday afternoon. Hector will be back to his old stomping ground soon.