Curry on Valentine’s Day? How did Hector get away with this?
… by booking early and making a declaration.
Many years ago, long before the conception of Curry-Heute, Marg and Hector enjoyed a Valentine’s Dinner in the original upstairs Restaurant at The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA). Hector was indulged and went off-menu, having his chosen meal of the day. Tonight this would not be necessary, Lahori Ginger Karahi does it all.
The name – Hector – was second top of the booking list. We were greeted by one of the two Managers whose names I should know by now, alas. We were shown to a table set for four at the window, space, excellent. Marg was facing into the room, she estimated about fifty diners including families. There was a Birthday Party too.
The printed Menu was brought, Poppadoms, Chutney and Spiced Onions arrived soon afterwards. A Litre Bottle of Sparkling Water (£2.95) was ordered, no alcohol, a saving of £20.00 already. It is worth considering the prices that Hector has encountered for Sparkling Water in Europe in recent trips, this was good value. We were permitted to choose four Starers from the List to create a Platter for Two. Grill Lamb Chops was a given. It cost an extra £3.00 to include Tandoori King Prawn, why not? Mixed Pakora and Chicken Tempura would complete the Platter, no Fish option.
We were in no rush, this was an evening where we were out – To Dine. Around 20.20 Manager 2 took our Order. The Platter was sorted, Marg, as I predicted, went for Butter Chicken. One Fried Rice, we were offered two, plus a Coriander Naan were added to the Lahori Ginger Karahi (Lamb). We clarified that no Garlic would be on the Naan, my realisation that Garlic kills the Flavour from the Curry was taken on board.
When I asked for – Spicy – I was assured it would be served – Desi-style. I was also offered Lamb on-the-bone.
Yes please!
Manager 2 came back moments later to inform us that the Valentine’s Menu also included a choice of Strawberry Milkshake or Strawberry Lemonade. We chose Milkshakes and were then offered the Lemonade too, to try it. Enough already.
Hector does not do Straws, and as for Paper Straws…is this the future? Yeuch. Topped with Cream and containing Strawberry (?) Ice Cream, this was quite a departure from a normal Curry Night. Who needs Wine? Marg likes – Sweet! The Milkshakes were well appreciated.
Marg was worried that the Starters would be such that she could not do her Main Course justice. We were here – To Dine – I reminded her, we could take our time, this was a – Special Evening.
When the Sharing Platter arrived it appeared to be – Huge. Only three Lamb Chops, why an odd number? Marg must have helped herself to the bulk of what was the – Mixed Pakora. I was left with Aubergine, a Mushroom, and a lot of Chicken. The Tandoori Prawns also numbered – three. So why the extra £3.00? A Pound a Prawn? But this ignores the alternative Starter that could have been on the Platter. Strange pricing.
More Spiced Onions and Mango Chutney accompanied, Red Chilli Sauce and a Raita too. There was the sense that the Valentine’s Menu was indeed different from – The Norm.
Were these my first ever Tandoori Prawns? Tasty, and most certainly not part of the Ramadan Buffet which is possibly The Village at its best for – Big Nights. The Chicken in Spicy Batter was nothing to become excited about. Chicken Tikka has a – Special Charm – this Pakora was too plain for the Hector Palate. What about Fish Pakora? Mmmmm, not tonight.
Two Lamb Chops came my way. Succulent, well cooked, but only Warm. Akbar’s (Glasgow) and The Downsman (Crawley) know how to serve – Lamb Chops – sizzling on a griddle with a bed of Onions.
An Onion Ring and a piece of Chicken remained, Marg had had enough. I took the Onion Ring, the token piece of Chicken was left. Next time: forget the Chicken and double up on the Lamb Chops.
One of the many Young Waitresses present this evening came to clear away the plates. I asked for a break before The Mains. Twenty minutes. A Young Chap came over to check when we desired the next course – Twenty Minutes. Manager 2 verified our request. We had a chance to digest our Starters. I suspected at this point that our Mains were ready.
Another Chap came over @21.00, we had been granted our twenty minutes, Supper’s Ready.
I have not done the Butter Chicken justice, finger over the flash has led to discolouration. This is Marg’s Favourite Curry. How long before her comparison with Mother India’s Cafe (Glasgow) which is her yardstick? A Dish that Hector will never order, if Marg says it’s good, it is.
Butter Chicken
Far too Soupy for Hector, but then the – Signature Dish – for many years was (IMHO) the – Village Desi Kourma – which also has more Masala than I presently seek in a Curry.
Very Creamy – was Marg’s first comment. I couldn’t count the Meat given the abundance of Masala, but when Marg was left with four pieces I thought she would call it a day/night.
There’s a – Tanginess – to it – was her follow up. I take it this was a positive statement. I took a Soupçon of the Masala, – Tangy – indeed, and different from the Desi Kourma. Marg persevered, ate the lot, and Mother India’s Cafe was never mentioned.
*
The Rice portion was Modest, a far cry from The Village Vegetable Rice enjoyed over the last decade. Marg took only a couple of spoonfuls, I had none. She regretted not ordering her usual Chapatti when she took a piece of the Quartered Naan.
It must be years since I last had Naan at The Village, I was wondering why I ordered this. It was – Poor.
Served Quartered, why? … to fit in the basket. The basket does help retain the heat and therefore freshness. The first photo shows how – Peely Wally – this Naan was. It was Marg who turned the top slice over to reveal the Coriander.
The Naan was Soft and had a uniform thickness. It needed much longer in the Tandoor, no burnt blisters. Like Supermarket – was my note. At the end of the meal Marg’s comment was in harmony:
Like a bought one.
A Poor Naan, I ate just over a Quarter, but this is in part down to the Starters, and the sheer mass of the Lahori Ginger Karahi.
Lahori Ginger Karahi
I was gobsmacked when this was set before me. With less Masala, this was markedly different from the Lamb Karahi I have enjoyed at The Village over the years, this was a replica of that served a few metres along the street at the always reliable and understated – Karahi Palace. The Lamb on-the-bone, the most Minimal of Herb-rich Masala, the Oil collecting around the periphery of the Karahi, the Toppings of Green Chillies, Ginger and Coriander. This could only be an – Outstanding Curry, it was!
I know the Chefs at Karahi Palace, they have not been moonlighting. Has a Village Chef been out investigating the local competition? When Manager 2 came over to ask the customary question I had to put it to him – this is almost identical to a Karahi Palace – Lamb Karahi.
He responded with a discourse about the difference between – Restaurant Karahi – and Desi Karahi. Indeed, the latter is what I always seek, few venues serve – Authentic Desi Karahi, The Village does, Karahi Palace have it done to Perfection, Yadgar have – something else – something unique.
The Meat was plentiful, Soft yet Chewy. We were into double figures, for years I commented on – shrinking portions – at The Village, not tonight. Four Bones were set aside, one Sucky. The Spice was – Sharp, aided by the Chilli encounters, extra Ginger?
The endgame was a challenge. Having not accepted the Mains until we were ready, they had arrived – Warm – not piping hot as one prefers, and is guaranteed at the Karahi Palace. I was determined to finish this otherwise Excellent Karahi, my first Methi Blast in ages.
This Lahori Karahi will be never be forgotten, The Village have set themselves a new standard, albeit a duplicate.
Dessert – On the Sundae (sic) of Life
If I had room room for Dessert I would have more Curry– has always been Hector’s mantra. The Lunchtime Waitress informed us that they were out of fresh strawberries for the Sundae. I was not deterred – Dark Chocolate Strawberry Sundae – without Strawberries – it would be. Two Ice Cream courses in one meal, Hector always has room for Ice Cream.
Marg enjoys – Hot and Cold – together and so chose the Caramel Apple Pie served with Ice Cream, but was defeated tonight by the Caramel Topping.
What a Meal! I had cast aside any memory of the charge for the fixed – Valentine’s Menu. We have eaten – Italian – on this calendar date too often, a total rip-off.
I went up to pay Kassif who was manning the till at the new pay-point. A couple who were two tables behind me gave me a look of recognition as I passed them. People read this Blog?
The Bill
£49.85. This included the £3.00 for three King Prawns! Italian Cuisine next year no doubt, Marg paying hopefully.
The Aftermath
Kassif enquired about our enjoyment of the Meal. I feel I am well enough known at The Village to be critical without being insulting. I had to mention the similarity between the Lahori Ginger Karahi and that served for years along the road at the Karahi Palace. As good as, so it goes.
Knowing of my travels, Kassif made a big mistake and asked.
Bradford next week, Real Curry!
Actually, Glasgow’s finest have a wider array of Styles and Flavours, though – The Bradford Taste – remains legendary.
