Last Monday during a phone-call from Poznan, The Mother of Hector announced that she is facing problems securing her weekly shop. Hector has now joined the ranks of The Man from Bradford and Ron King (Musselburgh) in taking – The Old Ma’ – for a Lidl-shopping Trip. Victoria Rd. on Glasgow’s Southside is her chosen locus, an Opperchancity has presented itself. Victoria Rd, is the Glasgow radial road off which many of the Curry Cafes lie. Mother loves Curry, as is written, these pages are partly her fault.
If I have to drive across the city, we may as well have Lunch.
And so it came to be that as promised to Ikram at the Desi – Curry Palace two weeks ago, Hector has returned to sample the Fayre at their new sister premises – Desi Cafe (140 Allison St. Glasgow G42 8RP) which opened last Monday. On entering just after 13.00, one of The Young Chaps who has worked in Desi – Curry Palace was there to greet. Mein Host soon emerged from the kitchen through which Hector was given The Grand Tour recently.
I studied the Dishes on Display. Ikram had suggested – Buffet – would be in operation initially, before the a la carte gets underway. A very Seductive Dish turned out to be Chicken on-the-bone.
Once more I shall write – one day, perhaps. A Standard Lamb Curry was on display, also another Dry Chicken Curry plus Keema. Chana, I regard as an Occasional Side, the Dark Reddish Curry looked like Kidney Beans, twice I was told, never caught the name. Chicken Biryani too.
The Young Chap returned to verify the Order, Lamb on-the-bone was being offered. We agreed one on, one off. Boiled Rice is always Mother’s Expectation, no need to deviate from this.
Two weeks ago the tables were in situ but not set. The final preparations have made the small room all the more comfortable and attractive. The heating system works well too which is important when dining with an Octogenarian. Although not used today, I know the Facilities are also pristine. Seating around twenty, Desi Cafe has the potential to become a welcome addition to the Glasgow Curry Cafe Scene.
Two Plates of Basmati were set before us. Mother always touches the side of a plate to check the Temperature. Stone cold – was her immediate observation. This she hates.
Put your hand underneath – I instructed. The Rice was Steaming Hot, the base of the Plate was warmed through conduction, Mother was Happy.
Having sat at the only table for two, it was apparent that we were already running out of space. Note for the future, sit at a larger table, regardless.
The Two Curry Portions looked Generous, the Masala was Standard Purée in appearance, however, expectations were more. This is the Desi Cafe, the Flavour of the Lamb Curry was beyond anything served in a Mainstream Curry House. It may be Psychological, but Curry such as this, cooked in Smaller Batches, has The Taste.
A Modest Salad and Two Dips were also presented. Normally these would arrive before The Mains, Hector decided to try something different: place some Salad on the edge of the Rice.
Around Eight good sized pieces of Tender Lamb were contained in the Portion, two Bones only. The Spice Level was above the Medium served in the majority of venues, the Seasoning was perfect. The Masala disappeared into the Mass of Basmati, more Rice than a Hector could could manage, twice as much as The Mother required. In no way was the Masala to Excess, this was Meat with Masala, not Masala with Meat.
The Salad came into its own. The Lettuce, Tomato and Cucumber added Variation in Texture, the monotony of Meat and Rice was broken, what has Hector been doing all these years? I blame the Germans – who frequently serve Seductive Salads ages before The Mains arrive.
Mein Host came out to check on our progress. I took the Opperchancity to mention my promise to Ikram to come as soon as possible. This sowed the seeds for what would follow.
I enjoyed that – was Mother’s verdict.
Next time, I suggested we go along the road to Sheerin Palace, it is about time Mother was introduced to Kofta Anda.
The Bill
£19.00. Having copied the Menu later, puzzling, but probably down to the Portion Size.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was handed to Mein Host, this kicked off a conversation which ended with the – beginnings of a beautiful friendship.
We have not met before? – I proffered, not the case.
I know you, I was the Chef at Sheerin Palace for ten years.
Mother was introduced and the tale of how Hector came to be introduced to Curry at an early age was related. In terms of – Ingredients – Mother recalled how difficult it was to obtain (Natural) Yoghurt in the early 1960s. Yoghurt? What’s that? – she was asked in Glasgow’s West End shops.
Hector’s strong preference for Punjabi Cuisine was admitted. I was asked if I would ever visit Pakistan. Hector has survived Lagos (Nigeria), arrived in the middle of Athens Riots, motor-cycled through the West Bank, enough already. I would, however, love to dine at the Pakistan-Afghan Border. I can only imagine how Fine the Cuisine must be. I note – White Karahi – is on offer at Desi Cafe, by prior arrangement I would presume.
Mein Host explained the duplication of kitchens in Desi – Curry Palace and Desi Cafe. The former now handles – Fast Food – Kebap and Pizza. Desi Cafe will provide – The Curry.
The next customer arrived just before we departed, he ordered a Meat Dish served in Shorva. I had to ask – Paya – was the reply. Maybe I’m not ready for this yet. Haleem I have cast aside, though Tripe and Brains have been enjoyed at the Sheesh Mahal in Bradford, who knows?
We departed having arranged our next visit. Returning to the car I said to Mother:
You don’t get Curry, service and that amount of interest and attention in a Mainstream Curry House.