There is Curry-Heute planned for later this evening, however, this is at the mercy of Mr. Stelios. A Friday without Curry, Hector thought he had better make sure and so a First ever Lunchtime Curry at Masala Twist (29 James St., Helensburgh G84 8AS) took the fancy. On entering just after 13.00 I estimated about twenty fellow diners. By the time the Main Course arrived just over thirty minutes later the crowd had expanded. More than thirty, more, hang on, I cannot see a table which is not occupied. Is this a normal Helensburgh – Friday Lunchtime Experience? It is maybe twenty years or more since I last dined out at this time on a working day. If this is normal at Masala Twist, they could consider offering the rather splendid looking Buffet I spotted in their Byres Rd. Shop on my First Masala Twist Encounter.
£6.95 for a Starter and a Main Course, as yet portion size unknown. We all know that some venues skimp and offer frustration rather than Curry. The Fish Pakora was an extra £1.00. Hector could not resist. Karahi Bhuna? Yes please.
Chicken or Lamb? – I was asked.
Lamb please, with a Naan (included).
Plain Naan?
Garlic is preferable. Would that be extra I wondered? Time will reveal all.
Wi-fi was advertised at the door. I was just about able to get the wi-fi from the Sir Howard Young next door. A waitress provided a complicated code. We now have wi-fi,
How many Curry houses have wi-fi? The Sparkling Water and the Trusty Samsung amused me for the duration.
The Fish Pakora arrived within a time that made me believe Curry in the Lunch-hour might be a regular occurrence. Six large pieces in a Spicy Batter and a Tangy Sauce to accompany. Very good indeed. When one considers the ridiculous price venues charge for three or four pieces of Vegetable Pakora, I felt I was quids in already. A modest Curry portion and Naan was now anticipated. Some ladies were brought Prawn Cocktail. This looked – Wow! Was it worth ordering two Lunchtime Deals?
Enough time had passed before the Main Course for me to realise that a Friday Lunchtime Curry would not work in a normal week where my time was restricted. Today, well…
The waiter brought the Main Course and a massive Garlic Naan. Last time here Marg and I demolished a Garlic Naan in moments and ordered a Second. This was substantial, fresh, moist, a winner.
The Lamb Karahi Bhuna was Capsicum-rich. I forgot. The penalty for choosing from the – Minimalist Menu. But then I remembered why I have not had this Dish here before – The Capsicum is already in the Karahi – I was told last time. Eating straight from the karahi, the plate became a dumping ground. Just how much of this undesirable Vegetable was there? It was spooned out but some contaminated the Hector Palate. There was Curry too.
There was no faulting the portion. At least six decent sized pieces of Meat. I say Meat because suspicions were raised. I do not now of any Lamb cut which is – Fibrous – in Texture and – Columnar – in Structure. The Masala was suitably Thick, but I still think a Bhuna should be Drier than this, too much Masala for my preference. With a reasonable – Kick – and an uncomplicated Flavour, the Curry was Mainstream, satisfactory? Well, it’s Curry so better than the blandness of my usual lunch.
The Bill
£10.60. An extra £1.00 had been added to put Garlic on the Naan.
The Discount Card is only valid on the Main Menu. Well I had to ask. Still, great value.
The Aftermath
Coming soon
1) The next new Helensburgh Curry House in the Old Teak’n Ash has revealed its name – Annaya’s.
2) Maureen has been in touch. The annual Fund-raising Night is on.
June 17 – Curry on the Hill