‘Tis January, the month which Marg has subconsciously set aside for a visit to Mother India’s Café (1355 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AD), her suggestion. We waited until mid afternoon this Sunday to give the best chance of securing a table without a wait. One cannot book at Mother India’s Cafe.
For Marg, this venue is all about the Butter Chicken, this is her Benchmark. For Hector, it is the Machi Masala which is the attraction. It is nigh on impossible to obtain a worthy Fish Curry in Glasgow, Mother India’s Cafe has been a haven for a decade, more.
We were shown to the table adjacent to where we sat last January, the Menu was provided and the Drinks order taken – Sparkling Water (3.95). The Daily Specials were printed on the Menu, Today’s Specials handwritten. Beef Stew (£6.75), no more clues? Pricey for a Tapas Portion. Beef costs less than Lamb currently.
Marg chose Chana Aloo (£4.50) to accompany her usual Lemon and Cashew Nut Rice (£2.25) and Butter Chicken (£5.75). I found the Chickpea-Potato to be a strange choice for Marg, what was she expecting?
To accompany my Machi Masala (£5.50) I once more decided to risk the Lamb Karahi (£5.95) – Lamb cooked in a rich pepper sauce. Last year I was assured that the – Pepper – was cooked into the Masala and no – Ballast – would be present. Not the case. I would attempt once more to avoid Capsicum/Ballast. A Paratha (£2.15) would complete the Order.
The Young Waitress noted Marg’s selections and then mine.
No Capsicum in the Karahi please. Please pick it out before serving if necessary.
She was unsure – the black things?
We assumed she meant Cardamom, Marg put in her tuppence worth.
Green Peppers, no Green Peppers.
At Mother India’s Cafe, the Portions come when they are ready. If one orders what might be considered to be a Starter it may not come before a Main, better to avoid these and stick to Mains. Two hot plates were set before us moments after we gave our order, these would cool, a bit previous.
Butter Chicken
After an acceptable wait, the various components of the Order came over. The Butter Chicken was topped with Walnuts. For those who like that sort of thing, this Dish is it, yet Marg was not happy.
A bit more Kick than I would have expected.
Spice should not be a challenge to Marg unless it is outrageous, I doubt that it was. Sample? – no way. The Chana Aloo had Minimal Masala, as I would prefer if I enjoyed Chickpeas.
Chana Aloo
Marg had spread some of the Rice on her plate and then the Butter Chicken. Due to her ongoing dental problem, she had to cut up the Meat to a manageable size. Praise for the Quantity of Chicken was her last favourable comment. She lost the Masala in the Rice, yet she had decanted less than half. With nothing coming from the Aloo Chana she had created a – Dog’s Breakfast.
Too spicy – too dry.
The Chana Aloo was not a good choice, or combination on this occasion.
Across the table, there was not a Happy Hector
Lamb Karahi
The Lamb Karahi had arrived a good time before the Machi Masala and so was addressed first. Red Pieces protruded from the Masala. Tomato – guessed Marg.
I picked four chunks of Red Capsicum from the Pot and placed them on the plate. As ever, Hector prefers to eat from the receptacle in which a Curry is served when Bread accompanies.
I should send this back – was an initial reaction. A Waiter approached to make the Customary Check. I showed the Chap the Ballast.
I asked for no Capsicum.
No Green Peppers – interjected Marg.
Those are red – said the Waiter.
Same thing – was my reply. Hector was not impressed.
He returned moments later – Would you like another Lamb Karahi?
No, I’m OK.
At least the offer was made. I had a Perfect Paratha – Layered and Flaky – and the Machi Masala to look forward to, let’s not spoil the day.
I dug out another piece of Capsicum. Five, same as last year.
The Masala appeared to be Tomato-based. The Masala had a decent thickness and Spice Level, but was woefully Under-seasoned. The Onion content was in large Pieces, not the Huge Chunks that prevail in too many venues, but still. I found Capsicum #6 at the base of the pot. This is not the Interpretation of Lamb Karahi which is presented at Charing Cross venues or the Southside. Surely, a Restaurant Chain of this pedigree should not be resorting to Capsicum and Onion as Ballast, especially in a Tapas portion?
Count the Meat: four good-sized pieces, a half portion in some outlets, a quarter in others. For a couple of quid more I could get something much more substantial across the River.
Machi Masala
The Machi Masala rejuvenated the outing. There appeared to be much more Fish than there was Lamb in the Karahi. The Masala was indistinguishable from the Karahi, however, the Fish aided the Seasoning, Significantly. With a Citrus Blast, Ginger Strips and the Fish itself, there was a great array of flavours. The Spice Level felt higher too. Here was satisfaction.
I finished the Paratha, all of it, a rarity. This reflects the quality and sensible size.
Marg realised that a Takeaway was necessary. About half of the Chana Aloo remained, plus more than half of the Rice.
Mein Host had been made aware of the Capsicum Hiatus. The pile of Red Peppers was highly visible on the bare plate. Hector was offered more Lamb Karahi – without. I declared that I was now full. Here was the Turning Point. Mein Host announced he would supply me with Lamb Karahi to take away. He offered Rice too. I said we already were taking Rice away. The Rice became a Naan. Thank you very much.
The Bill
£24.10. Another Birthday Treat for Marg. Will it be another year before we return?
The Aftermath
I look as though I am leaving with more than I started with.
Driving through Kelvingrove, the tennis courts were full. People playing tennis in Glasgow under floodlights in January? A chance meeting with Dr. Stan in Byres Rd. led to Coffee and Ice Cream at the University Cafe. Is there better Ice Cream in Glasgow?
Later, @Hector’s-House
Monday night’s dinner taken care of. There could be an update.
Monday Night’s Dinner
The long tray contained a Meat Curry. The Meat count was seven, possibly eight large pieces. When I see columnar, fibrous Meat, my thoughts turn to Beef, though having challenged Restaurateurs on this matter they have insisted it was Lamb. So what do I know?
The Plain Naan was plain. The Meat Curry was reheated and poured over the Aloo Chana and Lemon and Cashew Nuts Rice which had been – Dinged. I’m not a fan of Chickpeas, but here may have been the Source of the Seasoning which shone through momentarily. The Meat Curry was – Soup – featuring a thin, runny Masala, which lacked the complexity of Flavour one desires. Not great by any means.
It’s the thought that counts.