Glasgow Mela? Now in its twenty fourth year, this was Hector’s first visit. Eh? Maybe this event has needed more publicity. Posters? Never seen one. But then Glasgow is looking remarkably clean and fresh this year, something to do with a Sporting Event next month. It was word of mouth that took me into Kelvingrove Park today, I was already planning a visit to Woodlands Rd. today to visit KRK. Tomorrow is Curry Lesson Day 2014, #1. Today, the chance to try some Street Food.
Yesterday, Mela would have been a washout, today showers were intermittent. Marg had to hold the umbrella as Hector took the initial photos at the Festival. Various stalls sold cloth and clothing. An application for a Kidney Donor Card was accepted, something else which is long overdue. Rubicon were giving away samples of their fizzy Mango Drink. We tried to buy a two litre bottle later but they couldn’t sell us one. I have never seen this available in the shops either. Breaking Bread (no fixed abode) selling Lamb Kofta was clocked on the approaches to the stage areas. What would a Festival be without mud?
The Dhol Foundation were banging their drums on the Maharaja stage. The Temple of the Tooth at Kandy – I said to Marg, the last time we witnessed such a musical cacophony. We spent some minutes watching Magic Man Jaardu, however Curry was calling.
Rishi’s Indian Aroma, with branches in Aberdeen and Glasgow, and previously reviewed in Curry-Heute, had a significant presence. Lahori Karahi and the Banana Leaf also had major stalls. Lots to choose from, but Curry-Heute has a tendency to support the smaller venues, few are as small as Babu Bombay Street Kitchen (186 West Regent Street, Glasgow, G2 4RU) which I believe started here as stall in Glasgow’s West End.
A familiar face was serving. Two Big Curry Pots were on the go. One had Vada Pau a Vegetarian Curry, calm, and Keema Pau. On my first visit to Babu I had a microscopic portion of the Keema Pau, they had effectively ran out. This had impressed. Today it had an Alien Flavour which marred the pleasure. I hope it was alright.
Marg had the Vada Pau which meant I managed a sample. Fine, but Hector has had enough Vegetable Curry to last another quarter century this weekend. Both were served in a Scottish Roll heated on a hot plate with Garlic Butter. Garlic Roll? £6.00 a portion.
Our wanderings continued. Marg had to see the Ducks. They were oblivious to the throng in Kelvingrove Park. The sun came out, briefly. Time for snack #2.
Breaking Bread, an irresistible moniker, a van. Lamb Kofta served on a Puri with grated Carrot and Yoghurt. £6.00 a Portion. I appear to have written that before.
Well Spiced, Cumin Seeds to the fore, a bit more Seasoning and those would have been up there. Still, fine. The grated Carrot reminded me of my theory that I should try including this in the creation of a Masala, one day…
We’ll be back next year … for some of this…
