Wha’s Like Us 2 – suggests there was a Wha’s Like Us 1, but probably it was just called Wha’s Like Us. There will be a Wha’s Like Us 3. In no way does next year’s published lineup at this Glasgow Prog Rock Festival match the quality we had the privilege of attending today at Drygate Brewery.
A new combo – Machinary, headlined, featuring former members of Pallas (Aberdeen), Abel Ganz (Glasgow) and Comedy of Errors (Glasgow). Comedy of Errors had to feature tonight, along with Long Earth (Glasgow) reviewed recently in these pages, as are all the aforementioned over the years. From south of the border, and given second top of the bill, was John Young of Lifesigns, doing a solo set. A pity, Lifesigns live performances are rare. Marg and Hector saw Lifesigns a few years back, locally, but as no Curry was had that day, nothing was ever written in Curry-Heute. Who mentioned Curry?
Thanks to a bar which has burst on to the Craft Beer scene, Hector has spent more hours in Dennistoun this month than the cumulative total for the last fourteen years. This can be stated with precision, it is that long since visit #1 to Nakodar Grill (13 Annfield Place, Dennistoun, Glasgow G31 2XQ), Glasgow’s only East End Curry House until one reaches Ballieston on the boundary. Given that the people of the East End may have dubious tastes in football, why should they expect Desi Curry? Having written this, the realisation, Ibrox/Govan only have two such outlets.
Nakodar Grill is very much an Indian Restaurant as the male attire, table cloths and big prices testified. Not only are main courses priced a la Merchant City, what is being charged for Sundries is bewildering. East End overheads cannot be the equivalent of the city centre.
The Lunch Menu (£15.95) might have been bearable, be aware, throughout the menu, there is a £3.00 surcharge for Lamb.
If the diner wishes to pay over the odds for Indian Beer, so be it. The local brew is priced reasonably,
Cider drinkers, stay away!
As no large bottles of Sparkling Water were available, today we had tap water. There is an excellent bar across the street.
Steve, whose express train had got him to Bellgrove a few minutes ahead of us, was waiting for the 12.30 rendezvous. Two couples sat on the front window side of the restaurant. Another couple would arrive soon after us. That was it, I had hoped for a t-shirt parade of obscure Prog Rock bands.
There was a momentary hiatus before the waitress realised our presence and took us to a table.
The menu showed no sign of the Lahori Style Lamb enjoyed last time, despite the on-the-bone being mythical. Today, Capsicum nearly everywhere, this would severely restrict our options.
Marg declared first: Lamb Mint Yoghurt (£18.95) with a Rooti (£2.50).
The most expensive item on the menu – is how Marg identified this Curry.
The Hector was still considering the Lunch Menu plus another option when Steve announced: Traditional Curry (£13.50) plus £3.00 for Lamb. This meant the Lamb Bhoona (£16.50) became Hector’s fallback. What was the Staff Curry (£11.95/£13.95)? The waitress didn’t know, she went to find out.
Mince & Peas.
I half expected Marg to jump in here, but she did have the best Keema Mutter in Glasgow last week at Curry Cottage. Lamb Bhoona for Hector with a Plain Tandoori Naan (£4.95). Steve completed the Order with a Garlic Nan (£5.95). He asked for his Curry to be – above medium. This the waitress announced as – hot.
These are London Bread prices. It’s just flour and water, though I suppose there is the upkeep of their marvellous Tandoori ovens front of house.
As part of my walk, I did capture the near empty premises. Our last visit was in the evening, much busier.
A turbaned chap, with a keen sense of humour, brought the food. Marg declined a plate, she would eat straight from the bowl. Steve and Hector took a plate, to use as a larger base…and not make a mess of the table cloth.
The Roti, served whole, looked to be somewhere between the traditional white Chapatti and the Wholemeal Flour version which is taking over. I didn’t see it turn to crisp, it didn’t last long enough, so possibly more Chapatti than Roti.
The Naan were presented in baskets, in bits, no fun here at all. The point of the teardrop was at the top of the pile, my favourite part of a Tandoori Naan. Risen puffy, burnt blisters galore, presentation aside, this was how a Naan should be.
At one point I thought I might manage all, even with Marg’s help, there was a bit of Naan left over.
The Garlic Naan had the distinctive green Garlic paste spread across it. Steve managed the lot. Typically, Steve can have Rice and Bread, not at these prices.
We are not in Bradford any more.
Bhoona Lamb
The thick, viscous Masala was instantly pleasing, a deep red colour, but not unnatural in appearance. No Whole Spices, this was not Desi Curry. One piece of cooked-in Tomato stood out, as did the Herb content. Everyone noted the size of the cuts of Meat. Counted into double figures, there was a lot of eating here. I was now able, partially, to come to terms with the cost of the Curry.
Tangy, and Tomatoey, evoking the surprisingly wonderful Achari had at Balti BLVD (Crawley) recently. Alas, today’s Curry lacked the depth of Flavour. I marked the Seasoning as – fine – initially, then on further consideration decided it was not even at that level. The Spice Level I took to be – above medium, no issues there.
The quality of Lamb was variable, markedly so. The softer pieces were enjoyed, after too many chews, the limitations of Mainstream Curry Houses were once again highlighted. Having not absorbed the Spices and Flavours from the Masala, apart from its own Meatiness, the Lamb was giving nothing back. Its presence became incidental, most pleasure was being accrued from the eating the Naan and Masala.
Meat & Masala, is the Hector approaching an impasse?
Determined to finish the Lamb, as one feels obliged to do, the remaining Naan and some Masala had to be abandoned. This tactic needs to be reviewed.
Lamb Mint Yoghurt
Apart from the missing piece of Tomato, it was difficult to tell this Cury apart from the Bhuna, a similar consistency. The camera caught a lighter hue, the added Yoghurt the likely cause. In a departure from the norm, Marg had a Soupçon of my Masala and pronounced it to be – more Earthy. More from Marg:
I ate from the decorative dish and found the lamb in large pieces, with the sauce full of flavour. A blended mixture, with coriander tomatoes, and a tangy flavour. I was expecting a strong taste of mint. I had to break up the large pieces of lamb which were tender and tasty. I used up all my Rooti when eating this meal, and with the abundance of sauce, I also took some of Hector’s plain Naan to scrape the bowl.
A very enjoyable meal in a lovely setting.
Traditional Curry – Lamb
Was the whole Green Chilli just a means of differentiating the three Dishes? Steve set this aside. With a seemingly identical Masala, this could well have been the base from which the above two Dishes were created.
Steve – A tomatoey Curry, heat as asked for, in the old fashioned style.
I found most of the meat to be chewy.
The Naan Bread was perfect.
How I would love to go back to 1965 and once again taste a – Traditional Glasgow Curry.
As she cleared the table, the waitress asked the customary question. Steven and Marg gave the usual responses. The Hector stayed schtum. As the reader must realise, there was much more to be said than a few homilies.
There was but one stain on the table cloth. No surprises for guessing where. QED.Fourteen years ago, Nakodar Grill was way better value, and had a greater array of Curry styles. Today, too Mainstream, the Hector seeks better fayre.
The Bill
£65.35 Kept within acceptable parameters by having tap water.
The Aftermath
Minimal formalities, then the short walk west to Drygate Brewery.
Wha’s Like Us 2 : The All Scottish Prog Fest
Marg and Hector had only been to Drygate Brewery once before, immediately after visit#1 to Nakodar Grill. I only became aware of the existence of an upstairs music venue in the following years. The size of the room impressed as did the provision of seating. It was going to be a long day, there was seating for all. However, the Hector had pre-empted any discomfort by arranging for three seats to be set aside through being a long standing acquaintance of Joe Cairney (Comedy of Errors / Grand Tour).
On checking in, the ladies at the door said our seats would be at the front, Marg headed off, she found them easily, without disturbing The Snake Temple Kings who were close to the end of their set. An Aberdeen Prog Rock band, another one. Hector awaits the release of their city contemporaries, Pallas, possibly final album. More on Pallas later.
The Snake Temple Kings
As we took our seats, the vocalist tested our mettle by inflicting some throaty grunting on the ears, not my style, and the reason why I have never listened more to Opeth. As this dissipated so the true sound of The Snake Temple Kings came across, quality Prog with a flautist who evoked early Genesis.
This is a band I shall certainly go and see again. The audience were thanked for listening, so who knows where they have had to play up north. Marg immediately bought their cd – Sunchild – whose cover mentions – sax – but not – flute. The joy of having our designated seats was that we were able to move about between acts, no numb bums.
In the ante-room, I caught up with Joe, we had matters Maltese related to discuss. Thereafter, our trio was joined by Renaldo McKim (Long Earth) who addressed me as – The Curry Man. He had read my review of their last Glasgow gig at the end of June. Honest as ever, I questioned whether Maaike Siegerist’s gentle vocal style fitted their music. As today’s show would once again promote their new album – Towards The Sky – earlier material might not be conveyed so well.
I also dropped Marg in it by repeating her observation that onstage, Renaldo is in full concentration mode and has little interaction what the audience, or other band members, Maaikke in particular.
Give her a hug – I proposed, knowing that was well out of order. To Marg he promised a smile.
We’ll be sitting right in front of you – was my final comment as we returned to the hall to see Scarlet INside.
Earlier, I had spotted boxes of Tunnock’s biscuits at the check-in desk. That these were gratis was not previously realised. Marg and Steve took Tea Cakes, Hector is a Caramel Wafer / Log man, but was still enjoying the afterglow of the Curry. My pint of soda water was all that was required.
*
*
Scarlet INside.
Scarlet INside, another name I had not encountered until today, turned out to be a duo. The main man, Kevin Kennie, I discover is a Glasgow musician, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Today it was guitar and vocals. A series of albums have been released since 1986, all with EXtra capitalisations, who does THat? The musical styles of Scarlet INside cover Prog, Jazz, Folk, World, Ambient, and experimental – kitchen sink sounds. Why have I never heard of this outfit?
We were treated to a not too long set of well performed compositions. With no rhythm section, a somewhat limited sound, so how was this Prog?
Long Earth
Long Earth were set up the opposite way from when we saw them last. This meant that Renaldo was not standing right in front of us, Mike Baxter (keyboards) was even further away. By now, we should be acquainted with Mike who is the friend of an erstwhile colleague.
It was Seahorses, with a big Proggy synth motif that kicked of the Long Earth set. Having played the cd – Towards The Sky – a few times, tonight’s set would be familiar. Only – Moscow – from – An Ordinary Life – was from outwith the current album. So here is where Hector has an issue with the female vocalist, hers is not the voice that made me take note of Long Earth. I guess I arrived too late.
With Marg and Steve on either side of me, in the Gerry Rafferty style, both commented on how good a singer Maaike is. As with the much missed Tracey Hitchings (Landmarq), I did come to accept her replacing Damian Wilson (Landmarq/ Arena).
Kenny McCabe on drums was also providing backing vocals. As for his drumming, excellent. Steve also made a point of highlighting this.
David McLachlan on Bass, once again handled the introductions. So keen was he to tell the story of next song, he did so at least three too early. And finally…
Marg reckoned she got a smile from Renaldo, the momentary lapse in concentration cost him a note, – a jazz note – was how he described it afterwards. Renaldo can play, so one wonders why it has taken until 2026 for our paths to cross.
I can see us attending many more Long Earth gigs. There was a ninety minute break before the evening show. Time to get some food at the main Drygate Bar. Smart people had booked tables, we joined a solo chap at a table in view of the football on TV. As ever, Marg had life stories sorted by the time we went back upstairs to see Comedy of Errors.
Before the evening session, I cornered John Young who actually recognised the Hector alias.
No band, but backing tracks – he assured me.
Comedy of Errors
By all rights, Comedy of Errors should have been the headlining act. For reasons known to Joe, he did not want this. Bruce Levick, now of Machinary, was filling in on drums after his replacement in Comedy of Errors had to pull out at the last minute. So minimal rehearsal time.
I had asked Joe for a heads up on which songs to brush up on before this weekend. He nominated the first two albums: Disobey (2011), Fanfare & Fantasy (2013) and the most recent album – Threnody For A Dead Queen (2023). How apt was that title for the event of that year? Additionally, on stage, Joe announced that only once have they not played – The Student Prince – so tonight parts I and III, but not necessarily in that order.
I purchased – The Student Prince – mini album immediately after finding them by chance performing in a basement bar in Bath Street. Comedy of Errors split up thereafter, to reform without Joe, and play a different style of music. In the end all was well, as it was this evening.
Jim Johnson on keyboards, the only ever present member, and composer extraordinaire, kept a low profile stage left. His music, satisfying enough to perform it live.
Tonight I saw Steve Agnew for the first time on guitar, also John Fitzgerald on bass. The latter was inspired by seeing Jaco Pastorius with Weather Report. Assuming it was a Scottish gig, I was there. Looking back over previous lineups, Mark Spalding, now of Machinary, on guitar, used to be the bass player. Steve had reacquainted himself with Sam McCulloch (Oscar Cordoba, MacFloyd) who I must have missed seeing with the Comedy of Errors. So much talent in the Glasgow area.
John Young (Lifesigns)
John Young split his set into two parts. Starting with his solo material then playing material from Lifesigns: Different, Impossible, Shoreline, Fortitude. The quality of his singing was never in doubt, the complexity of his backing tracks caused great discussion. Steve would have preferred him to have just used a piano accompaniment, but that would not have sounded like Prog. That John had to mention Dave Bainbridge whenever a standout guitar break came up, did feel a bit silly. Lifesigns karaoke? Not to hear the big organ crescendo at the end of Fortitude would have been nothing less than disappointing.
Maybe some of those assembled this evening will go out and explore Lifesigns albums, and even the final Greenslade album on which John Young appeared?
Machinary
I don’t think I’m going to like this – whispered Marg when Machinary kicked off their set. As the fairly routine sounding Machinary compositions gave way to a homage to Pallas, she was definitely onside. Who originally played that – asked Marg before realising that the bulk of the set would be Euan Lowson era Pallas.
Alan Reed, Euan’s successor in Pallas, was invited up on stage, followed by Martin Jakubski to add further vocals. I have seen seen Martin perform with StillMarillion, such an accurate rendition of Fish it confirmed why I have long preferred the Hogarth era. Martin also provides the vocals in Steve Rothery’s (Marillion) band. In time, Joe was also onstage.
Four singers might have seemed enough, alas, the chap behind us decided that he had to join in every Pallas song, much to the detriment of our pleasure. Not one for listening to lyrics never mind learning them, I too realised that after forty years, I still knew every word.
Crown of Thorns, Shock Treatment, Cut and Run, Rise and Fall, East West, Atlantis – the strength of composition in Pallas’ formative years astonishes. Pallas should have been huge, and much later – The Cross and The Crucible – confirmed they still had it.
Euan used to employ props and costumes to dramatise the lyrics, this evening his voice and facial expressions were all that were needed. Genuine emotion. Apart from popping up occasionally on stage with Pallas / Comedy of Errors in Glasgow shows, the Scottish audience has been denied his talent for too many years.
Bruce Levick on drums, Mark Spalding on guitar, Huw Montgomery (Abel Ganz, Grand Tour) and Allan Kerr on bass, did a fair rendition of the Pallas arrangements. Ronnie Brown (Pallas) was in the audience, he too should agree that Huw’s keyboards could have been more prominent.
Grand Tour
The stage emptied leaving Joe, Huw, Mark, Bruce and Allan on stage. Allan as guest, this was the first live performance of Grand Tour – live. The Horn of Plenty – a memorable moment.
Arrive Alive – concluded the evening, everyone on stage including the compères and Bela the producer of today’s festival.
Marg declared that she had thoroughly enjoyed the day. Steve had left before the end, trains were a mess. Finally, as we made our way to the exit, a quick catch up with Jim Johnson.
I don’t fancy the lineup for Wha’s Like Us 3, a pity.
A Vegetable Patia? Never been had previously. 
Vegetable Patia
With the reheat completed lid-off, the Masala had reduced to a suitably viscous Texture. Plenty of solids, appreciably more than one would encounter in a straightforward Meat & Masala Curry. Diversity, an array of Interesting Vegetables.
The Potatoes had cooked through. On dissecting, signs that some absorption had been attained in the permitted three hours. Leaving the Curry overnight would certainly have increased the level of penetration.
As for the presentation as a Curry, at the start of every meal, I let Marg start first, just in case it’s horrible. With four Green Chillies in the brew, I awaited the universal comment. It was not forthcoming. The Spice Level was therefore acceptable. Only my serving had the added Bullet Chillies. 
Marg – the house was full of Curry smells, Hector had started to cooking early. I was looking forward to a homemade Vegetable Patia. The large pot was ready to serve a family of six, I was worried that my dish was going to be huge.
Yadgar Kebab House 
The pret a manger was studied, the last two Chapli Kebab would be mine. Today Aloo Gajar Mutter was the Vegetable (£6.00) – Daily Special. Marg and Hector had already agreed that two portions of this would be ordered. 
We hardly had time to take in our surroundings before the food began to assemble. Sitting facing the window for once, I did study the splendour of the Langside Library across the street. Calder Street ain’t too shabby. 
Zaytoun, a Salad featuring Black Olives, was duly presented, along with three small servings of Raita. 
The red Chilli Sauce makes it. Chicken Burgers like no other. Today I found unusually large pieces of Onion in the patty mix along with Coriander leaves.
A good level of Spice, extraordinary Flavours. One Chapli is almost satisfying, two are a treat. The system: the second Chapli was used to add Meat to the Vegetable Curry.
Ginger Strips and Coriander topped the mass of Vegetables. Carrots must have been on offer at the wholesaler, they dominated the Dish, perhaps overwhelmed. Their Sweetness to the fore, the Potatoes and Peas had to struggle to be noticed. 
Eating without Bread, the Chapli provided the extra bulk, a tried and tested combination.
Marg gave her account of the day.
We met Howard at 
A modest portion, but then look at the price. If one was really hungry, order two.
The dish combined three elements: a Spicy Shorva, Lamb on-the-bone, and Potatoes. The Shorva was excellent, but hadn’t imparted flavour to the other elements. This was not a problem as the lamb tasted of lamb, which is sometimes not the case. The potatoes had little flavour but still good to have in the dish. In a previous Curry elsewhere, the potatoes stood out. They too hadn’t absorbed flavour from the sauce but had been peeled and seasoned well. It does make a difference.
We were not finished, this is 
The 
With the cost of street parking in Glasgow well beyond a joke, we availed ourselves of the Cambridge Street car park. This afforded a different perspective of 
Furthermore, a lady assistant entered, freeing Pratap to work in the kitchen. Before he disappeared, I did remark on the number of people present. No football in Glasgow this weekend, lots of chaps at a loose end? 
Keema Aloo and a Whole Mill Roti (£1.95) was a given. Whole Mill, aka 
I had to ask permission to intrude mid-room, in order to capture today’s Specials. Goan Fish Curry (£21.95) is not what I wanted, and certainly not at that price. Lamb Kofta Palak (£14.95), yet to be sampled here, would be my fallback.
To accompany, a Plain Naan (£4.50), and a 750ml bottle of Sparkling Water (£5.50). In one sentence, £10.00 added to – The Bill. The waitress suggested Poppadoms, no way, Pedro.
The Garnish was a work of art, the drizzle of Chilli Sauce just sufficient to make its presence known, not intrusive. Too often I have seen this creation drowned in Raita and Chilli Sauce, the result: soggy Pakora. Not today.
The Pakora looked different, the Pakora tasted different. The prominent Seasoning and bigger – kick – set the mind thinking. This was not from the Cumbernauld Pakora Factory, this had to be made in-house.
Visibly larger pieces of Potato, the 
On the large soup plate, the portion size was not overwhelming, a sufficiency. Visible Potato, no peripheral Oil, a threat of a Masala, and as before, coarsely-cut Mince. If there was Methi in there too, Marg didn’t comment. She did offer this:
It has been a long time since my last visit. 
It’s what I asked for, sort of. The Side of Potatoes I took to be a variant of Chips / Fried Potatoes. That the Masala sat on top of the abundant Fish, brought the ad hoc creation of Chicken Tikka Masala to mind. A veritable plateful of food, but was it – Curry?
This must be Haddock! – was an early proclamation. The size of the Fish, the thick cut, its distinctive – fishiness. Five minutes later, I was doubting myself. The Texture, the integrity, the firmness, this was not like Haddock. Was it pink? Haddock is not pink. The ambient light could well have been creating this illusion.
Plenty of Fish, the Potatoes provided complementary distraction. Naan proved to be the ideal accompaniment, nowhere near enough Masala to have Rice.
The Bill
On a certain day at the end of April, the Hector celebrated a 
Apart from a lady waiting for a large Takeaway,
Abundant, 
Back in the corner, the booked table was now occupied, a high chair positioned as close to Hector’s seat as could only occur in a bad dream. 
Colin and Margaret shared the Rice. Mid meal, Colin called for another portion. Hector was amused. Who were these Euro-diners who sought more Rice? 
No Toppings, fresh Coriander and/or Ginger Strips would probably 
Lamb Pathia
Namak Mandi, not just
No surplus Oil, nothing – red – here, but not as – grey – as a Namkeen Karahi which is just Salt, Pepper, Chillies. The Tomato-based Masala, proportionally Minimal as it must be: thick, viscous, simple, and oh so tasty. The Seasoning was rich, the Spice Level, Chillies aside, hardly testing. Colin accepted that this was within his level of tolerance. Only a Caspar Milquetoast should fear a Karahi Gosht.
Marg – 
Three days after Hector’s 
I’m here for your Desi Qorma!
We settled, in gentlemanly, companionable silence, for the wait. However, a little brat had a different idea.
Lamb Shank, always served on-the-bone, everyone should try this. With a Ginger Strip garnish, the full portion, sat in a traditional Shorva-esque Gravy, a meal in itself. I once witnessed three chaps sitting with a pile of Naan to share one plate of Nihari. Today, Dr. Stan would have to manage with just the two Naan, which were part of the Special Breakfast.
The Naan was magnificent. Served whole, as risen as any Naan ever seen, study that central blister. Light, fluffy Bread, there was no complaint when the Hector helped out a bit. The Naan had its own distinctive Seasoning. Between us, we managed to leave only one half. This is not the end of the Bread saga.
A breakfast in its own right, behold two Puri accompanied by Aloo Sabzi, Chana Masala, and Halva. The Potato and Chickpeas were soon dealt with. Dr. Stan had not encountered Halva previously, I warned him it would likely be Sweet. He tackled the Halva carefully, then left it to the end, Dessert. Just the two Puri to accompany the Curry elements. Anda (sic) there’s more.
Was it the Omelette which had first caught Dr. Stan’s attention? Sat beyond the Naan, but not to be ignored. How many Eggs? A fine example of a freshly made, Spicy Omelette, a classic component of Desi Nashta. 
Dr. Stan – 
This was special, and Clive told me later that it is his go-to Curry at Balti BLVD. I can see why. Served on-the-bone, Sucky Bones too, thus the Masala was enhanced.
The first dip of purloined Naan produced the definitive – wow! – moment. The Seasoning, the Spice Level, spot on, glorious Flavours. Yet, in terms of Achari, there was but a light tanginess, I could neither see the customary Pickle elements, never mind taste them.
Eight pieces of Meat, a standard restaurant portion, with just the right amount of chewing. Importantly, the Lamb had been totally infused, and was therefore giving back the Flavours from the Masala, complementing its own meatiness.
Friday, a day out in – that London. 
A return to aforementioned venues could have caused people to be caught 
Our Bread order could not be accepted because the dedicated Chef was not on duty. The restaurant was busy, who was producing the Bread? Was this not an admission that all Bread being currently served would not be up to scratch? 
Normally, the Hector would eat straight from the karahi, determined to see what was actually in it, the decision was made to decant.
A coloured, watery residue drifted to one end of the plate. This looked less like Oil, more Spinach water. Assuming, this had Flavour, it was duly mopped up, watery indeed. This interpretation for this Saag/Palak was midway between the two classic Curry styles. With the Herb Mash prominent, there was still more than a hint of Masala, as proven by the presence of Tomato Seeds. A decent kick, the Seasoning was at a low level which can be typical of a Saag/Palak. The well-Seasoned Naan came to the rescue here. Otherwise, the hoped for Earthy Flavour was at a minimum.
Nine pieces of Meat, most of them large, a decent portion, not forgetting the mass of Spinach. The Lamb had a fibrous Texture, one day I shall identify this cut. Some Meat was decidedly chewy whilst others were super-soft, on the edge of turning to pulp. A working pot then, being replenished as necessary.
That was poor – I said to Dr. Stan – too watery, the Meat was incidental.
How many Seekh Kebab had been used to create this shall remain an unknown pro tem. The sheer volume presented must surely impress. Seekh Kebab smothered in Keema. Reviewing from the perspective as a Keema Karahi, this ticks the boxes: the Dryness, the absence of peripheral Oil, Minimal, if any, recognisable Masala. Add to this, the visible well-fired extremities and the presumed Herb content of a Lamb Seekh Kebab, then this creation has it all.
A very good level of spice – was an early remark by Clive. He later added:
Yet another waiter cleared the table, he raised a smile, the only sense of a welcoming acknowledgment throughout our visit. Even the chap who took payment was sullen.
After The Eclipse 
Having watched today’s near total eclipse via a pinhole in a 
There is no truth in the rumour that the three amigos had partaken in ye olde English banquet earlier.
Spice Spree was first encountered 365 days ago, the first time our collective visited Canterbury. The somewhat rundown exterior gives way to a large dining area which may or may not be palatial. An Indian and Pakistani restaurant, the menu posted in the window enticed. The Hector had resolved that if there was a return to this historic city, Spice Spree would be investigated.
After the eclipse, it was 20.15 when we entered the empty restaurant.
After yesterday’s Lamb extravaganza at 
Aloo Gobi (£6.50) and Saag Paneer (£6.50) – Indian Style – would be accompanied by a Keema Naan (£3.95). Potato and Spinach, but separately. Maggie chose Saag Aloo (£6.50), Potato with Spinach. Having heard all the best parts of the menu, Clive went for his fallback: Chicken Dhansak (£12.95), plus a Keema Naan. 
Liquid seemed incidental. Once again, the Hector would expose himself to some English tap water, not that they have too much of it currently. Can nobody extend the aqueduct from Kielder Dam beyond the Tees?
The wait was longer than expected, better than fast food.
Timed to arrive with everything else, the Samosas truly were as described. Maggie took a nibble, regular readers know what comes next – Too Spicy!
Samosas were now up for grabs, however, the rest of us had enough food. Clive wrapped three in a napkin, for later. Maggie:
Served whole, risen, puffy, with big blisters and ample Coriander, this ticked many of the boxes for a quality Naan. It was then a matter of appraising the filling: discrete grains of Mince, or a Donner-like slab of Meat?
An empty Naan? In a manner of which Euripedes would have been proud, I pulled the Naan apart. At the far end, a blob of Mince, definitely in the Donner-like category, and tasted as such. What’s more, the other two Naan on the table were the same. Clive had given Maggie half a Naan, he had the Meaty end, Maggie the plain. A veritable tragedy.
Indian Style – is a Spicier version compared to – Mild Creamy – the next item on the menu.
The same Mash of Spinach, a much more wholesome creation, Potato does absorb the Flavours of whatever it is sat in. Less protein than Paneer, but surely more enjoyable? Maggie:
Hector’s turn to have Potatoes. The Oil collecting on the periphery, and the slice of Tomato were noted. The Potatoes had been well cooked, as is required, the Cauliflower was way too soft. Cauliflower needs a bit of firmness else it becomes too close to mush, and the Masala Mash in which it sits. Other than its innate Flavour, the Cauliflower was giving nothing else back.
In the excitement of analysing the Keema Naan, Hector was missed out in the round of ritual photos. Never fear, A-One (sic) to the rescue.
No series of Curry outings with Clive would be complete without a Dhansak. A Curry I cannot recall ever having eaten, perhaps in this period in the avoidance of overdosing on Lamb, it might make another appearance soon. 
Unremarkable, pleasant as a Dhansak should be.
Possibly the only – true Curry – on the table, one may deduce that the Cauliflower here was also cooked beyond its ideal level. An Aloo Gosht might have been a better option, but then one would be on the receiving end of a Mainstream Curry, not the Desi – Aloo Gosht complete with Shorva which pops up occasionally in
The Bill
Whilst Marg’s – Masters World Cup – continues on the outskirts of 
Modern and bright, complete with a bar that does not appear to have much in the way of alcohol, though the Hector was not studying the cocktails that closely, Tandoo’s seats around thirty. On our arrival, two other diners were in situ, we soon had the place to ourselves.
Lamb on-the-bone was spotted, but maybe the Hector was somewhat relieved to find this only under the Biryani banner. Biryani rarely appears in these pages, that it did so three days ago at 
Last time here, Maggie had the half kilo of Lamb Charsi Karahi (£24.50) and was intent on repeating this. This is an outrageous premium for the half kilo, and so the Hector, in a moment of simple logic, had this changed to the full kilo at £38.50.
Maggie added Mushroom Rice (£4.95), not so competitively priced, to the Order. Rice with Karahi? The Hector will have to work on this. At least Maggie has overcome the impatient need to order a Starter, then to only nibble at her main course. A kilo between two? A challenge for us both, typically I only partake in this volume with three mouths.
A litre bottle of Still Water (£3.50) was already on the table, I would capture some photos elsewhere, quite an array. Nobody reached for the Still. A glass, with ice, saved the day.
Quazi said something along the lines of, the next one will follow as he placed a substantial karahi between Maggie and Hector. Ever the gentleman, the Hector let Maggie have Karahi #1, except she didn’t touch it. The Mushroom Rice was being enjoyed alone. Everyone was eating except Hector. Quazi was consulted, Karahi #2 would follow once we had dealt with Karahi #1. Maintaining hot food, a great idea, but not the visual impact of the full kilo.
Fear not, the actual karahi was comparatively small, the contents large; both Meat and Bones. The Masala did not resemble any Charsi Karahi previously reviewed in these pages, nothing Thin and Tomatoey here. The first dip revealed all:
The Masala was much Thicker, and the Flavour was decidedly Punjabi, not Afghani. Quazi would later confirm that Chef’s origin as Pakistan.
The Lamb was a joy. Tender, tasty, and giving of Spice in addition to its own Meatiness. Sucky Bones, yay!
With a red tint and a more Soupy edge, plus visible, thick Tomato pulp, hard to believe this was cooked by the same hand. Closer to the anticipated Charsi, but still way better.
The Flavour seemed to be less intense, but maybe the palate had adjusted, but Maggie and I both knew that Karahi #1 was the standout.
The distinctly dark smear of Masala was a departure from the norm. Large pieces of Potato stood out, the Cauliflower beneath. That the Good Doctor knew he had the appetite to deal with this and his main course was a function of the lack of food afore. Had the Hector not been fully comitted to the Karahi, no doubt a Soupçon could have been secured. 
Topped with a threat of Coriander, the Masala here was even thicker than Karahi #1. With Meat protruding, this had the appearance of a very fine Curry, no Soup here.
Dr. Stan – The Lamb Naga was rich and highly spiced, with a good blend of flavours and tender meat. The Aloo Gobi was spicy as well, though so not so much as the Naga, but the flavours came through providing an excellent complement to it. A fresh, crispy, Paratha finished off a really good meal.
Here, a topping of Coriander and Syboes with the Peas spread across the classic Keema. This was a proper Keema, minimal Masala, thick, and no surplus Oil 
collecting on the periphery. Added to this, whatever Chef was using to produce the Garlic Chilli element. Later, I would see – The Big Pot.
The Bill
We shall definitely be back. 
Complex cooking was not part of the plan for today, however, a bowlful of Tomatoes had other ideas.
For the protein, Lamb, of a sort. Spotted recently in my local butcher, what Mother used to purchase for Curry, a cut called – skirting. The apprentice butcher who sold it, had not heard of this term. 
Three Potatoes were cut into wedges. Adding raw Potato to a Masala, brave Hector. Instinct told me to add some water. 
Spinach, Methi and Coriander, the Herb content was prominent, yet I could take comfort from the knowledge that Onions and Tomatoes were in there too. This Masala had a consistency I could be proud of.
Duly plated, surplus Oil from frying the Mushrooms and Rice, was the only down side. Everything else was a plus. The appearance of the Masala was as good, nay better, than than I have seen for sometime in