Somebody told Hector about the Ayr Spice (The Old Minishant Memorial Church, 22 Ayr Rd, Minishant, Ayrshire, KA19 8EX) last year. Despite the inclement weather Marg and Hector headed off to the Ayrshire Coast this afternoon. Troon was the First Objective. As we parked near the Front, a chance meeting with Duncan, Author and Astronomer, and his Lady sent us to the Chit Chat Coffee Shop. They were celebrating their First Birthday. Food was declined, Curry was planned.
Ayr Spice is about 10km South of Ayr on the A77 towards Maybole. The Venue is well signed as one approaches Minishant. Plenty of space to park. A converted church, there is so sign of it being so as one enters the Dining Room.
We were the First Diners of the day but were joined soon afterwards by Two Chaps and a Wean. The walls are adorned with Testimonies and even an extract from the Guinness Book of Records. Celebrity Chef Mafiz served Curry from the World’s Largest Curry Pot.
The Waiter brought the Menu, Aloo Palak Pakora? This had to be tried. The Aloo Palak Pakora (£4.50) featured Sweet Potato, Spinach and Methi. The Stand-out Main Course was the Lamb Handi Bhuna (£10.95). Marg decided to have this too. One Chapatti (£1.75) and a Stuffed Paratha (£2.25) were the Accompaniments. An Expensive Chapatti.
The offer of Poppadoms was declined. The Curry-Heute Philosophy – Bring the Poppadoms and Dips as a courtesy.
A Bit of Confusion
The Waiter emerged from the Kitchen with a Tea Light Plate Warmer. On this was placed the Chapatti and the Paratha (Quartered). What happened to the Pakora?
The Breads were withdrawn. Dips were brought and eventually the Pakora. Five Pieces. Five for £4.50?
The Aloo Palak Pakora was Stunning. The contents were a Mash of Potato and Herbs. The Seasoning was Significant, a suitable Kick, Very Tasty. Five more pieces would have been welcomed.
Hot Bread
The Plate Warmer was brought back. The Chapatti and Stuffed Paratha were placed on the Heat, interesting. Normally the Curry is placed here.
The Pricey Chapatti was Standard Issue. Neither Large or Thick. I would have required Two. The Stuffing in the Paratha was Subtle, not too Heavy. I had to drop the final piece on the plate, it had retained its Heat thanks to the Plate Warmer. Excellent Idea!
Sound Effects
Our Chap brought a Large, Flat wooden Dish with an Iron Interior. The Sound of Sizzling was most impressive, I should have made a Movie, but I don’t know how to post them. The Platter was sat on the Tablecloth beside Marg. Is this for us to share? Marg considered as we waited to see if another was coming. Moments later The Waiter brought another Sizzling Platter. Impressive or what?
There was no need to count the Meat content, this was a Serious Portion. Leaves and Cinnamon Bark were visible, the Cardamom less so. On my First Dip I remarked upon the Sweetness. This was not just a Spicy Curry but an Aromatic Dish too. Far from anything I have sampled in a while, no Karela or Methi in this Dish. The Hector Palate was being adjusted when Marg declared – This is Wonderful! I cannot recall Marg ever being so direct with a Curry Pronouncement. When The Waiter came to make the customary check, he had to be told. Marg was certainly impressed.
The Lamb was Plentiful and Tender, One Chewy Piece was registered between the Two Portions. The Masala was Thick, a Perfect Mash of Oil, Onion and Tomatoes. Marg was also pleased that the Onions which were visible were cut Small, they were not Ballast. The Lamb Handi Bhuna was Full of Flavour a very Rich Dish. The Spice Level and Seasoning were Spot-on.
Such is the Wonder of Food from the Indian Subcontinent, one can take the same Ingredients and create something as markedly different as this Curry.
A New Young Chap was now on duty. He brought the Coffee and a Couple of Marg’s Favourite Mint Chocolates.
The Bill
£37.85. £4.45 for Two Soft Drinks. £4.50 for Five Pieces of Pakora did seem extreme.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to the Young Chap. I could not show him the Website, no Signal in these premises. You can give this to your Boss – I suggested.
Meet The New Boss
I suppose I am The New Boss – was his reply. Javid introduced himself. I had to ask what became of the Famous Person referred to throughout the Restaurant – He is my Father.
And so the – This is Wonderful – was repeated. A Photo Opperchancity presented itself. Javid insisted on Two. That we had driven down from Glasgow to visit Ayr Spice was appreciated.
On the drive back, Marg reaffirmed that the Lamb Handi Bhuna had been above her level of expectation. If the Sun ever shines, don’t be surprised if Marg suggest another drive to Ayrshire.
This was indeed – Excellent Curry.
Update
In 2017, Hector was advised that Ayr Spice has closed.