A few weeks ago, Danny Singh of Southside Takeaway fame contacted Hector to extend an invitation to the Grand Opening of his new Restaurant – Danny Singh’s Gandhi (441 Victoria Rd, Glasgow G42 8RW). Postponed from earlier this month the Invite was confirmed for this evening at 19.00. Unfortunately Marg had a clash in her Diary, and so Hector entered the premises alone, but was not alone for long.
Jai greeted me at the top of the stairs. The Calling Card was my introduction, I had only ever met Danny at Peter’s 65th Birthday Bash, Jai was a first encounter. A few others were coming up the stairs to the vestibule, however there was word of cutting a Red Ribbon – at the doorway – downstairs. Fortunately this was a bright, light spring Glasgow evening and as the mass of invited guests assembled, news of the arrival of a celebrity spread.
A drummer broke into rhythm which at times complemented the piper on the roof. A stretch-limo finally managed to park and what Hector deduced was the entire Singh Family emerged.
The last to alight was a Barefoot Chap wrapped in the simplest of cloth – Gandhi.
There was an extensive photo opperchancity before the formal opening. One tried not to be intrusive, I suspect I may well appear in many Photos – that’s me, Hector!
Maureen and Kevin had been introduced to Hector outside on the pavement. Shown to a table in the room to the right which housed the Bar, we were soon introduced to and joined by Jim who bears an uncanny resemblance to…
And so were for the next three hours. Hospitality or what? Why did I bring my car?
Straying from the Hector norm, a glass of Champagne was accepted before the Sparkling Water came into vogue.
The Staff were in for a busy night as they ensured that all glasses were topped-up. Better planning on my part and I could have arranged a lift home.
Poppadoms and Dips were brought to the table along with the Menu for the Grand Opening. The Starters were already causing a stir of expectation. They arrived on two laden plates. The Meat Plate was placed between Hector and Jim, the Pakora Plate opposite between Maureen and Kevin. Good judgement on the Waiter’s part.
Such Politeness
Hector spotted the Lamb Chops sitting proudly on top of Chicken and Lamb Seekh Kebabs plus Chicken Tikka. Maureen took one Lamb Chop, Hector another, Two were left. Maureen’s first reaction was to comment on the Spice Level of her Lamb Chop. Indeed they were Spicy and Tasty, Wonderful Lamb Chops. Somehow we had the remaining two between us also, success. I missed out on the Chicken Seekh Kebabs but the Lamb version too packed a Kick. Worried about being full for the Main Course we were slowing down. I still managed to try the remaining piece of Chicken Tikka. It is years since I have sampled this Mainstream Favourite. Never has Chicken melted in the mouth of Hector. Unsurprisingly, the Chicken and Vegetable Pakora were very Fresh. A great spread of Starters, Two Seekh Kebabs remained. I did suggest that Danny Singh’s might do a Takeaway? More Sparkling Water.
The decision to offer Table Service rather than have everyone queue at a Buffet was certainly appreciated. The Service was much more personal. We were looked after by Waitresses and Waiters alike. Our order was taken for The Mains. Once again we were very conservative. Three went for the Chicken Karahi, Hector had to sample the Karahi Gosht. Aloo Gobi completed the List, a Side? T-Bone Tandoori Steak? When I eventually did a tour of the premises I found much more food had been ordered at other tables. The Desi Rice and Peshwari Naan were the Accompaniments.
We had been on the premises for two hours when the Mains were brought to the table. In no way is this a criticism, I may have mentioned how well we were being looked after. Meanwhile Hector’s car was depreciating on Allison Street.
The Karahi Gosht was on-the-bone, this was unexpected and welcomed. The Spice Level was not in-your-face (compared to the Starters) but there was a Kick. The Ginger strips gave a welcomed Crunch, slowly the palate appreciated that what was being consumed was impressing more with each mouthful. The Rice was more Plain than I had anticipated given the – Desi – appellation. The Rice also soaked up the Masala which commendably was not excessive. A good Onion base and not too Oily, the Masala oozed quality. What felt Mainstream at the start was certainly impressing by the end. Is there any more?
We were offered more. Suffice to say the generous offer was not taken up. Hector did spot that at the adjacent table The Chaps were enjoying the T-Bone Tandoori Steak as well as a Curry proper. Chips, who eats Chips?
After the eating, I took my camera for a walk. Jai was up for having his Photo taken with – Everyone! Others had spotted some minor celebrities and some who looked familiar. Lots more photo opperchancities.
Danny was busy ensuring all his guests had been well looked after. I handed over my camera finally for the required Hector+Danny Photo.
The Diet resumes on Sunday.
On leaving I took time to study the Menu displayed in the doorway. Nihari and Paya were listed. It would appear that Danny is determined to serve the more Traditional Indian Subcontinent Dishes as well as the Mainstream. I shall return.
The Invitation to the Grand Opening was much appreciated. Hector is always available for such events and is willing to travel anywhere, within reason, to eat and review Curry. Its a Curry-Heute thing…