How much Meat can Five Eat?
The Date had been in the Diary for some time. Waris’ White Karahi as served at Lasani Grill, June 7, all welcome. The plan was for a mass collective of The Friends of Hector to descend upon this recently discovered venue. A chance visit to the Desi Curry Palace (144 Allison St, Glasgow, G42 8RP) revealed that Waris had moved on. A single table had been added to the Takeaway plus a bench with four stools. The Company was advised, people withdrew thankfully. The original Lasani Grill Four plus Dr. Stan could hopefully squeeze into the limited accommodation. White Karahi for five was prearranged on Hector’s previous visit, Waris’ Special Curry.
Mags, Dr. Stan and Hector arrived together to find Howard and Tracey installed on the window side of the solitary table. Mags managed to fit herself opposite, the fourth chair could only be occupied by someone of diminutive stature whose head would not bash against the shelf at which Dr. Stan and Hector were now seated. Very cramped, however, this means that the Desi Curry Palace could possibly claim to be Glasgow’s Smallest Curry House. Howard provided the technical details about this not being a Grade 3 Category something or other. In other words, it is still a Takeaway, and toilet facilities ain’t going to happen.
Ikram greeted us on entry and had already introduced himself to Howard and Tracey. Waris, the Celebrity Chef for the day, appeared from the rear kitchen. The Five were assembled, here we go.
The table and the shelf had a platter of Ornate Salad, somehow today I thought I might minimise my Vegetable intake. Still, the Chickpea dominated Salad topped with the Raita was a suitable distraction until the promised Starters.
Two Jugs of Chilled Fresh Orange were supplied, bottles of Water too and cans of Fizz. The latter were hardly touched, the Jugs would be topped up later, Great!
The Starters
More Salad, with Pickled Green Chillies. Chicken Pakora, one or two pieces. A mountain of Chicken Drumsticks in Spiced Breadcrumbs. Waris’ Lamb Ribs in the same style as the White Karahi. Not just one platter, but two! Those at the table gasped when the platter of Starters was set before them. The Geography of the moment was such that Dr. Stan and Hector anticipated the arrival of Platter #2, oh yes… How can we eat all this, AND eat the Main Event? We may as well try.
The Ribs were somewhat buried and so the Chicken was devoured First. This was way better than anything served in KFC or wherever, excluding Nando’s. The Ribs were so well received last time at Lasani Grill I had made sure these would be presented again. Boiled Meat on-the-bone, cooked in Black Pepper and Salt. How can so much Flavour be achieved in such a simple cooking style? We were making good progress and had found a decent pace when Waris brought out a Pizza. Pizza?
I have been amused for years at the sight of our Asian Brothers visiting the Glasgow Curry Cafes and ordering Pizza. The Pizza was cut into six. Two pieces were later boxed for Takeaway along with three pieces of Chicken. Who didn’t sample the Pizza?
It was not yet 15.30.
Is that us? asked Dr. Stan after his conveyor belt method of eating drew to a close.
No, there’s the small matter of the Curry.
We needed a break. It was agreed the White Karahi would not be served before 16.00.
Rain was forecast for this afternoon. It was chucking it down outside. The door was closed, the heat from the Donner Grill was heating up the room. This took me back to Hilpoltstein and a certain Breakfast Bierfest where we were grilled along with the Chickens.
The premises were rarely empty. Ikram showed my Calling Card to some chaps. They enquired as to my – business here. More Calling Cards issued, spreading the awareness.
A good time to record all the fayre on offer for those choosing from the Menu, there was quite an array of food on display.
An opperchancity to hear – The Long Story – as to why Waris was no longer at Lasani Grill, however, he was not up to revealing it. One day, perhaps. Ikram did fill me in on the movements of Chefs around the Southside Curry outlets, complicated.
Who owns all these venues?
White Karahi
Five plates of Lamb on-the-bone served in a Greyish Masala, accompanied by halved Rotis. Tracey was once again in another place. No Red Chillies or Spices used in its creation. Tracey marvelled at the Butter content. The Spice Level was not OTT, but the Black Pepper sneaked up on the palate, there was a kick.
The Lamb was sooooo Tender, the Seasoning was Perfection.The Toppings of Fresh Green Chillies and Ginger strips gave an alternative Texture – Crunch!
Hector knows of no other venues in Glasgow outside of Allison St. serving anything like this style of Curry. If you wish to savour this, try the Desi Curry Palace and talk to Waris. Ikram thinks he cooks a Karahi which is as enjoyable. That is for the future, this the now. For the moment The Friends of Hector are more than impressed with Waris’ creation.
The Bill
£50.00. The Tip was substantial. In no way can we be made to 
feel we are taking advantage, but do realise that the overheads must be much lower in these modest premises.
The Aftermath
The appreciation was expressed. Back out into the rain. No phone signal for two hours, where is everyone else?