Everyone must recognise some of the music from Jeff Wayne’s’ – The War Of The Worlds – but how many have heard it all the way through? Not Hector, but Marg certainly. In a chance meeting with Damian Wilson, and Kimberley, in Poznan earlier this year, the date of tonight’s performance was established, starring the Maestro himself as both Journalist and Narrator. That this was the day after our return from Hellas –Italia was serendipity. Indeed, yesterday at Glasgow Airport, we happenchanced upon them once more, hugs. Is Damian stalking me? Or is Hector becoming a Groupie?
Having not cooked for almost three weeks, today was no exception. We arrived at The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) at 18.00, time enough for Curry-Heute before the show.
Hector had one Curry in mind: Desi Qorma – Lamb on-the-bone (£14.95), as ever, with Mushroom Rice (£3.95).
Adam, the manager, showed us to the same corner table at the window which we occupied for the Iftar-Ramadan Buffet, no view for Marg. Adam was the first to remark on the time that has past since our last visit. July, for Peri-Peri Chicken, done that. The menu shows an ever expanding Grill range, plus the recently conceived Village Tawa House Special (£49.95 / £89.95). A lot of food, for Hector, The Village is for Curry.
Lahori Kirahi – Lamb on-the-one (£14.95) was Marg’s choice this evening. Where did that come from? Furthermore, Marg declared that she was hungry, Nan Bread (£3.25) would accompany.
The waitress who brought the Sparkling Water (£3.95) took the Order. Desi style – for Hector, medium – for Marg. Marg added Desi Chai (£2.95) to complete the Order.
The line of window tables were occupied, plus some interior ones. Not a bad assembly at this time. Ramadan Buffet aside, Hector is rarely at The Village of an evening.
The Mushroom Rice, a modest portion in appearance, but one which matches Hector’s propensity to actually finish it, proved to be tasty in its own right. Pilau Rice, and Fresh Mushrooms, I did not see that the latter on my Mediterranean trip.
The Naan, needlessly quartered, looked a bit under-fired. The round shape suggests Tawa, not Tandoori. With minimal rising and few blisters, adequate.
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After our recent Trip, it was good to be back in the land of Hot Food.
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Lamb Desi Qorma
A primary Curry at The Village, the venue where the standard was set, decades ago. Last month’s Belgian Trip featured quite a few attempts, none matched this.
The aroma – I said to the waiter as he tried to differentiate between this and the Karahi. The Masala has become darker over the years. The ratio of Meat to Masala maintains, this is far from being a Soupy Curry. One has to manage the Masala.
Meat, lots of it, well into double figures. The Sucky Bones stood out beneath the Toppings of Ginger Strips and Coriander. Once arranged over the Mushroom Rice, a further moment of anticipation.
The Seasoning, tick, the richness of Flavour, tick, and the crucial sense of Citrus which marks a Desi Qorma, all accounted for. The Masala, eaten in conjunction with the Mushrooms, was the first major source of pleasure.
Bones were sucked. The Meat was melt in the mouth, top quality. Whilst one marvels at how much for so little, in Athena Curry Cafes, Scottish Lamb trumps all. The – kick – when biting into the Meat was startling at times. Chef had delivered, this was a Desi Qorma.
Furthermore, beneath all this, the distinctive Village Curry Flavour would appear at times. Two waitresses and one waiter would come over to ask the customary question. The answer, always positive. QED.
Lahori Kirahi – Lamb on-the-bone
There is also a – sharing portion – (£29.95) plus the option of the kilo (£49.95) at The Village. These I would love to see in their publicity videos on a certain social medium. Quite an investment. Being taken to this part of the menu did remind me of Tawa – Lamb (£14.95) which I have not had for years at this establishment.
An original VCH dish – taking one back to the days before expansion. Looks like I’ll be back here soon.
The appearance of the Karahi Gosht evoked the halcyon days of the once nearby Karahi Palace. Theirs, was why I have had rarely had this Curry at The Village. The Sucky Bone impressed. I was surprised when Marg pulled out a Black Cardamom, then a whole Dry Red Chilli, don’t usually see these in a Desi Karahi.
Towards the end, Marg thought she might be defeated by the quantity of Meat, instead, she abandoned the Naan. Marg:
First time I have ordered Lahori Kirahi – Lamb, on-the-bone. When it arrived it looked very appetising with minimal sauce and plenty of strips of ginger, in a rich red and brown sauce, full of coriander and chilli flakes. There was plenty of meat both on and off the bone, I decided to eat the meat on the bone first. Variety of sucky bones and I enjoyed the tender meat, which was practically falling off the bone. The spice level was perfect for me and I removed the black cardamom and smokey chilli, but savoured all the flavour which was in the dish. I used the Naan Bread to mop up the sauce, as well as pick up the succulent meat. A real feast. Overall, a wonderful dish. The Desi Chai came afterwards and completed the meal.
Indeed, Adam offered me Lassi whilst Marg was enjoying her Tea, declined. I explained my desire to maintain the taste of Curry on the palate for as long as possible. This was certainly achieved, the Citrus lingered long into the night.
The Bill
£46.95 Not that much short of the – Tawa for Two.
The Aftermath
It’s further to the Armadillo than I thought from The Village. A slow bus along Paisley Rd. West, then a brisk walk via the Squinty Bridge, had us arrive bang on 19.30. The show started at 20.00.
The War Of The Worlds
A chamber orchestra, stage right, a band stage left, and a screen onto which the progress of the Martians could be projected, were the fixtures. The – actors – who had minimal space to the front of the stage on which to perform, were on and off with almost comical regularity.
And so to the familiar Overture. However, it soon became apparent that unlike true Prog Rock, there was little progression in the music. The same theme would be played continuously. To return to a theme, fine, this was way too simplistic.
Was there a fluff after the Overture?
As for the story, I read the book by H.G. Wells after seeing the 1953 movie starring Gene Barry (Burke’s Law) on TV. Relocated to California, of course, the visual and audio effects were groundbreaking. Seeing it years later, by which time we had a colour TV, I have oft wondered why a remake was deemed necessary.
In The Sirens of Titan, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. outlines at the start, all that is going to happen, and not to the detriment of the story. H.G. Wells gives away the ending at the start of his novel, the first ever spoiler? No suspense then.
In the 1960s, I was often subjected to a particular long playing record – The Unforgettable Nat King Cole – with a commentary throughout by Alan Dell. Whilst I grew to appreciate the songs, the talking spoiled the album. Jump to the next decade and Rick Wakeman’s – Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, purchased on the day it was released. The narration, to me, makes the album almost unlistenable.
Add to that, some dubious vocals, and well, I do not play this album, ever. In Poznan I asked Damian if Rick Wakeman writes the vocal segments in keys that singers do not consider natural. With his strong connection to the Wakeman family, there was a politically correct answer.
Tonight, an eighty minute album, would there be an interval? Marg deduced yes, to sell drinks.
Damian launched into the first of the two songs I knew, thereafter his remit was pretty much narration. Forever Autumn, was also his. In fact, in the first half, songs were few. The story must progress.
The Martian Tripods, were a la cover of Jeff Wayne’s album. Simple, but repetitive animations. Whoever did the scene with the Cliffs of Dover lost all sense of scale.
The second half, did Damian actually have a singing part? Side3 – of a double album, often the weakest part, Physical Graffiti excepted. At last, a new tune, but wtf was this? For the second time this year, the Hector felt he was at a prayer meeting. Why did Jeff Wayne add this to the story? After all, everyone knows the ending.
The bacteriological ending duly arrived, followed by a second ending added by Wayne, with everyone off-stage.
Next week, The Time Machine, a much better story, and the Rod Taylor movie version (1960) did not need a remake either.
Outside the Armadillo, my third close encounter with Damian and Kimberley this year, more hugs. Quite a few locals knew him, impressive. After Damian Wilson leaves Arena at the end of this year, he will tour with his own band. Let’s have some early Landmarq, that is where I came in, way back in 1994.
The fourth and final Curry of this trip: the tried and tested in 
When I saw you come in, I knew you were serious about the food – you even know the names – Rihad acknowledged when I slipped in an – Aloo.
I had never seen so much Fish Curry in a Buffet, once focussed, four different types were identified.
Rui – was the first Fish, smothered in Onions, but seemingly no Masala (bottom left, top-middle). The adjacent tray appeared to have Aubergine and Potato, Baingan Aloo, but this was Pangash Aloo. Potato in a Fish Curry, the Hector was definitely not missing out on this. As for what looked like Fish Bait, bottom right, I would leave that until later.
I waited for Marg’s Samosas to arrive before joining the queue for Rice. Another chap, who was monitoring all, waved me back to my seat and placed a portion of Rice at my spot. Thankfully, not a Euro-portion. Despite this being a new batch of Rice just out of the kitchen, it was not hot. I was about to discover that nearly everything served at Rasai would be far from hot, lukewarm at best.
I was caught between – is that all – and – this is just the start – when a single piece of Rui was presented. Smothered in Onion, no Masala as such, clearly Bread would have been the better option here.
As I arranged the Rui on the Rice, so the next course arrived.
As much Potato as Fish, this time there was a hint of a Shorva.
No sooner had I decanted the Pangash Aloo when a plate with three Sides was presented. Aloo, a mash of Potato, Karela, the Bitter Gourd, a Vegetable I used to eat oft, plus what appeared to be a Tomato-Chilli combination.
Rui, I have had this before under the moniker Rohu, at the ill-fated 
A fatty Fish – was the first observation, then the realisation that I was tasting something markedly different, a new experience. The Fishy Flavour was complemented by Chilli, a wee – kick. There was a sight Sweetness, but not in a sugary way. Seasoning through Sweetness. White inside, and bony, fit for the Hector, not the Queen Mother. Still, lots of pleasure was being had here.
As I was about to tackle the Pangash Aloo, so a Naan was brought to the table. Served in four pieces, closer to Pitta than the glorious Bread had last week in
The Pangash evoked a Cod Steak, as Mother used to serve. A dinner endured, rather than enjoyed. Today was different. A less intense Flavour after the Rohu, but the mouth was on fire already. There could have been more to the Pangash than the receptors were registering. I liked the thickness, and integrity of this Fish, not one I believe I have ever encountered previously. The large pieces of Potato took me back to 
I went up to the Buffet and having sought approval, helped myself to the Tiddlers. Tiny Fish in a red Shorva, not particularly appetising.
I could just about tell I was eating something. Apart from a – wee kick – there wasn’t much happening here. I spooned out the remaining Karela, better, more substantial. 
Seasoning, I have barely mentioned. This was never an issue.
Modest in size, chunky, the photo reveals how well filled they were, primarily with Potato. Marg:
was one of the best I have ever tasted. I had a piece of freshly cooked Naan which was puffy on the outside but doughy on the inside.
I appear to have used those very words last time in this city. Apart from Hector, who could forget 
Research brought up Kashmir Grill Restaurant (Via Domenico Scarlatti, 11, 20124 Milano MI, Lombardia, Italia), a block away from 
Arriving at 14.000, there was a display of Curry, Rice, etc., on display. So far so good. The young serving chap was keen for us to take a seat and read the menu. The Hector was keen to have the contents of the three main trays identified. The Chicken Curry was described as – Korma – and – Spicy.
We took a small table in the main room. A smaller room to the rear was less attractive. A young lady brought the menu.
The Naan, needlessly quartered, was risen, puffy towards the edges, but still a bit peely wally. Without burnt blisters, one deduced Tawa-cooked, not in a Tandoor.
Five pieces of Chicken, served on-the-bone, sat in a thin, Shorva-esque, Oily Masala. A Masala, quite the antithesis of what the Hector sought for many years. Tastes change, the knowledge base develops, this was how a Desi Qorma should appear, but sadly, there was no Citrus aroma.
Having hacked apart many a Chicken, partial thighs was my best interpretation of the cut. A solitary bone protruded from each piece of Meat. Once separated from the Bone, I effectively had Meat into double figures. 
The discoloured exterior of the Chicken confirmed the maximum absorption of Spice that this poultry is capable of. Cutting into the Chicken confirmed the self-fulfilling prophecy. That was it, forever more, the interior would simply taste of Chicken.
The Masala was well Seasoned, in time the Spice Level built. No Citrus, a split Green Cardamom was revealed, or was it just a small piece of Bone?
Beneath the Ginger Strips, the Sucky Bone stood out, prominently, proudly. The Masala oozed quality. One could tell just by appearance, that this was a genuine Desi Karahi.
Marg – We waited twenty minutes for the food to arrive. On my first taste of my Mutton Karahi, I had a real blast of cinnamon and a – wow – sensation. There was a good spicy kick with sharp lemon and ginger bursts throughout the dish.
Did you enjoy the food? – asked the waitress as she began clearing the table.
With a grand Greek meal planned for later today at one of our favourite venues in Plaka, Curry #2 of this trip had to be comparatively modest. 
After a leisurely morning, though Marg might suggest that her step count and coffee intake may prove otherwise, we left our apartment, a matter of metres from 
Entering the Curry Cafe, who should be sitting, middle table, just inside the door?
Yes, it’s only two Meatballs and a hard-boiled Egg, but when encountered, it has to be considered.
The Meatballs were cut into four. Later, even these 
Adding the Interesting parts of the Salad provided another dimension. Further variations in Texture, and the inevitable question: why do Tomatoes not taste this good back home?
I’ll just have a Samosa – an announcement made so often in this scenario. Somehow, Marg always manages to make a meal. She did have her own Salad/Raita, plus purloined Bread to hand. 
It is fifty years since Hector first set foot in this city, and just for one day. This year, five nights in 
Marg and Hector had a 14.00 rendezvous with Steve, who is also here to enjoy the many delights of 
As expected, there had been a price increase since 2024, a whole 20%, main courses now cost a whopping €6.00! As 
The TV was showing yet another movie from the Indian Subcontinent: endless singing and dancing, no cavorting. Hang on, Hector, that background looks familiar. Behold, Goredale Scar, the gorge adjacent to Malham Cove, 
A basket arrived with two Roti, the Keema Naan would arrive much later. How this Bread comes under the moniker – Roti – I know not. 
Topped with Coriander Stems, what a mass of Mince and Potato. The Oil was separating towards the periphery. Marg insisted that I sample it. 
tempted. Marg:
A Ginger Strip and a modest sprinkling of Coriander topped the mass of Meat and Minimal Masala. Again, the Oil was collecting around the Curry. I estimated that the Meat count was into double figures, and the pieces were 
not small. 
Ginger Strips topped the karahi-ful of mostly Vegetable Mash. The Potato pieces stood out. I had to start with borrowed Bread, else I would have been watching my karahi go cold.
I started with the Aubergine, as soft as many hate it, there was enough Flavour emanating from this Vegetable to justify its inclusion. The Cauliflower too was well on the soft side, but giving off its own distinctive Flavour, plus the Spices from the Masala Mash, things were becoming interesting.
It was Marg who spotted the open day at Gurdwara Guru Granth Sahib (37 Albert Drive, Glasgow G41 2 PE). Initially, she assumed it was the Gurdwara in Kelvingrove, however, for 
We were scheduled to arrive at the Gurdwara at 11.30. In addition to a tour of the building, the primary reason for the visit was the hands-on Chapatti demonstration. As has been featured previously in these pages, Hector can make a fine dough, but when it comes to cooking Chapatti/Paratha/Naan, the outcome leaves a lot to be desired. Actually, the outcome ain’t desirable at all. 
This was our second visit to a Gurdwara, having visited 
A lady led us to the kitchen. We assembled around a large hotplate whilst she got to work. White Chapatti Flour and water, no more, though the addition of Salt and Oil was approved. A second lady did the dough stretching.
The outcome was almost competent, but the Chapattis being cooked today were still brown. Not Wholemeal Flour, but far from the light, thin, traditional Chapattis still served in 
Invented, as all religions are, some five centuries ago, this commentator shall describe Sikhism as a blend of Hinduism, Islam and Socialism. Hector doesn’t do religion, and whilst admiring some, often questions the splendor of the architecture.
Now after noon, the array of food on offer had expanded. Somehow, the Hector accepted an extra spoonful of Rice, to go along with the Chapatti. The serving lady must have been from mainland Europe.
Raita, Daal and a Mixed Vegetable Curry occupied one half of the tray. To complement the Plain Rice, I took some Sweet Rice, plus the aforementioned Sweet. A bowl of Spiced Apple was an optional extra, on it went. I sat with the ladies, all the other men were on the far side of the room.
Rice and Bread, it became a matter of eating Curry how I was brought up, and then alternating with a dipping fest. Cumin in the Rice enhanced the Flavour here, so I began with a combination of Rice and Daal. At first glimpse, I had hoped the Daal was – Makhani, alas, a much simpler affair. A Chana Daal, in a Shorva, and giving off a surprising level of Spice, a – wee kick – here.
Hector and Marg find themselves in Birmingham, primarily to see Jon Anderson (Yes, Jon & Vangelis), accompanied by The Band Geeks, a Yes tribute band he considered to be so good, he joined them. Our visit to Symphony Hall is related below, as ever, there had to be Curry afore.
It is ten years since Hector last set foot in Birmingham. Four venues have been reviewed in the formative years of 
The first customers of the day, we had a choice of tables. The brighter area nearer the window felt like the better option. Marg was immediately impressed by the décor, certainly unique.
Our lady hostess brought the menu. Desi Karahi – Lamb On the Bone (Full) (£37.50) was quickly agreed at a – medium-plus – Spice Level. Marg raised an eyebrow, but she should know by now, unless one asks for something silly, a Curry is not going to cause discomfort.
The menu suggested a thirty minute wait for a Desi Karahi. Being the only customers, there was no surprise when our food arrived after twenty.
Sliced Bullet Chillies, Ginger Strips, and Coriander, topped the kilo. A mountain of Meat, but we had starved ourselves in preparation for the moment.
On serving, the abundance of further Bullet Chillies cut lengthways, became apparent. I assured Marg that these do not have a kick, but still, the majority would 
Minimal Masala, clearly Tomato-based, some Meat Pulp was in there too. The lack of Oil on the base of the karahi was noted. However, once my first helping was secured, there was no escape. One needs Oil, therein lies so much Flavour.
In 2008, Jon had to leave Yes because of throat problems. All down to dry ice, but that was diagnosed years later. Why he never returned remains an unknown to this commentator. Never the most powerful vocalist, compared to say Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio), his style is his own. Unique, for once is appropriate. It was clear from the off this evening, his voice was fine, and with daily gaps in the touring schedule, recovery time built in.
The Band Geeks, from 
always got away from Steve, as it literally did once on
Awaken (Going For The One) kicked off the second set, the piano intro, almost a call to prayer. This album, I purchased on the day of its release in 1977, quickly recorded, it was then played on a portable cassette player as the sun set in the Campsies. Hector was guarding a Roman Fort, the set for the BBC’s – The Eagle of The Ninth. The midges must have loved it, they left me alone.
Back to the tried and tested. One could walk from Antwerpen Centraal to
Negotiating my way through the throng of masked chaps on bikes to access the rear of this humble Curry Cafe, I believe there was a nod of recognition from Mein Host. The fourth visit, I keep coming back. The food here is nothing outstanding, just simple, honest fayre at attractive prices.
It 
Chatny? – asked Mein Host as he pointed to the Raita (0.50) on the menu.
Shorva-esque Masala with the red-oily sheen, I have come to like this. Strands of Herb, Coriander assumed, had been cooked in. There was no aroma of Citrus, or Flavour when the Naan was first dipped. Bisto, can be a common Flavour evoked in such a Shorva when packet Spices are involved. This was 
How do I always manage to leave the more chewy pieces of Meat to the end game? Do they hide on the plate?
The five venues reviewed on this trip have featured previously in
Not every Buffet is like the Salad Bar at Pizza Hut, one hopes. Still, the customer cannot tell how long the food has been on display, how many times it has been reheated, and how many of the unwashed have stuck their fingers in it.
My flight home is in two days, time enough to recover from any adverse condition, not that Indo/Pak food ever affects me in that way, unlike a Pizza Hut – Salad Bar which guarantees a disrupted sleep, and a series of short walks.
There was no Bread in the tureen when I started my trawl, a pity, because freshly made Naan arrived soon after I had committed to Vegetable Rice. No Lamb Curry until the evening, I was advised, unless … and no Kofta which was a feature of their publicity seen afore.
Hector, why? I have long established that one cannot do a Curry justice by overloading on Starters. But there was Seekh Kebab, albeit the Chicken variety. And no way had the Vegetable Pakora come from the Cumbernauld (Scotland) factory, one assumed.
Seekh Kebab
With a thick batter covering, too much Gram Flour, it was difficult to ascertain which Vegetables were present. 
Saag/Palak
Mixed Veggies
The Thick, blended Masala again looked the part. However, there was no Citrus aroma being emitted, no Citrus Flavour, hence no sense of this being a Desi Qorma.
Approaching the counter, the pret a manger was on display. Two trays st
Mutton Qorma (€10.00) and Chicken Qorma (€8.00) 
I took a seat at a table in full view of the room. One diner sat at the other window side, he was tearing in already. A stream of people arrived for Takeaway, one chap gave me the nod as he departed. The only standout face in the place, and with the bib in situ to avoid the seemingly compulsory Turmeric stain on the white t-shirt, the Hector may have come across as Caspar Milquetoast. Who cares, the washing lady will thank me when I get home.
A thriving business, after all Mithu da Dhaba was not serving Restaurant Curry.
Last year, having ordered 
The Aftermath