Two days to go, hopefully, before Curry-Heute goes into overdrive. To practice for the Trip to India, it is time for Hector to address – The Vegetable. It was hoped that the Outstanding Vegetable Curry sometimes available at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) would be waiting, alas not. Omar talked me through the Daily Specials. The obvious Vegetable Dish today was Aloo Gobi, Peas and Carrots short of the full Vegetable Curry. The Vegetable Rice served at Yadgar is – Simply The Best, this had to accompany.
I took a seat at a table for six, the only free table at 16.00 this Thursday afternoon. Mr. Anwar Sr. was sitting a small table having his break. Greetings were exchanged – Two days to go – I reminded him.
With Naveed on vacation, Omar was a bit rushed off his feet, serving tables and the counter. As ever, the Takeaway Trade was continuous. All is well at Yadgar, though they will need to get the signage fixed.
Two Ladies sitting opposite had ordered the wonderfully dark Lamb Daal that I had declined, this would have been Choice #1 on any other drop-in day. Six Chaps were destroying portions of the Wholesome Chicken Tikka which is always on display at the counter. Omar assured me my wait would not be a long one.
For once, The Hector was not treated to the usual Poppadoms and Dips, straight to the Main Event. The Aloo Gobi looked Stunning.
The Masala-mash was Minimal, made from? Yesterday’s Cauliflower pulped? The Orange Glow from the Oil made one realise that whilst this was not a Heart Attack on a Plate, there would be a certain Calorific Content.
The Vegetable Rice was a veritable plateful. Pilau Rice rich in Peas, Potato and Cauliflower, eh? Was this a sensible order? You bet! Spooning some of the Oily Potatoes and Cauliflower on to their Healthier Counterparts, the Mix became most attractive. This worked.
The Kick from the Aloo Gobi was instant, then the Yadgar Flavour was found. How they can achieve this Unique Flavour with Vegetables has always puzzled. It must be in the Oil.
Gosht – is Hector’s normal food intake. This is a word that is unlikely to appear often in the days to come. I am led to believe that Vegetables are the norm in Northern India, however, my experience of Hotels in Sri Lanka is such that they cater for all tastes.
Chef Arshad came out from the kitchen. He knew he had not prepared my usual Karahi Gosht.
I am being Vegetarian today, two days to go until The India Trip. Shkoor tells me I shall hate the food.
Mr. Arshad retired to the kitchen, chuckling. This I had never seen before.
What is The Hector letting himself in for?
The Bill
£7.00. This includes a can of Mango Rubicon.
The Aftermath
Nearby, on Victoria Road, the Damascus Cafe is open for business. A small venue, Chaps were sitting in watching TV and not eating. A scene reminiscent of Geraniou in Athena. What Delights do they have to offer here?