Ramadan Buffet at The Village

Arrive Alive

We’re heading for home before the dawn comes…

It was a long day, The Lake District and Back. The Summer Ale Festival at Staveley, home of the Hawkshead Brewery, is now established in the Calendar. Of the Potential Curry Eaters, Dr. Stan disappeared at Oxenholme, Jonathan and Steve at Glasgow Central. This left Neil and Maggie to walk across the Clyde with Hector to Tradeston, home of The Village (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA).

Despite the above lyric it was sunset we were waiting for. During Ramadan The Village serves up the Best Curry Buffet that Hector has ever experienced. Not The Bland Fayre typical of the Mainstream Buffet, but proper Curry Dishes cooked to the High Standard expected of Glasgow’s Premier Curry House.

There was a buzz about the place

Tonight would be the busiest I have seen The Village since their renovations. It is for nights like this that the extension was conceived. The Locals were dressed in their Finery, the Trusty Lumix would be busy this evening.

Lots of new, young staff had been brought in for the occasion. Mr Baig and Kasif were busy putting the final touches to the Starters. We had timed our arrival to perfection. Mein Host took the time to greet  Hector. There was mention of an even Bigger Feast at the end of next week. Alas, Hector will be elsewhere.

The Array of Dates marked the beginning of The Starters. With Samosas, Pakora and some Baked Bits on display, Temptation reared its head. Overdosing on Starters means Minimal Curry. But there was a Platter of Chapli Kebabs, and the Fish in Batter looked enticing. The Mains were unveiled in their Tureens. Karela Gosht! This I have never seen at The Village, it is not on The Menu. I suggested to Mr. Baig that he have the entire Bucket sent to our table. Where to Start?

Bits of Chicken Tikka found their way on to Hector’s plate along with the Freshest of Pakora. A Samosa too, just to keep up the habit that has been acquired in recent weeks. All were Fine. The Chapli Kebab was a Treat, more Chicken. The Battered Fish Spikes were the stand out.

The Spice and Seasoning were Spot-on. I could have just eaten this for the rest of the visit.  This re-defined Fish in Batter in the same way that Babu’s Bombay Street Kitchen re-defined Omelette.

Last Train from Glasgow Central

The late start meant that there was a time limit to the pleasure. Neil had the furthest to travel and so missing his train was not an option. Basically this meant the Break between Starters and Mains was curtailed. This should also reaffirm the Quality of the Starters.

The Mains

Naan Bread was available, so was Lamb Pilau. On any other day a bit of these would have been sampled. The Array of Mains was astonishing – Chicken-T-Pasta!      No!

No more Pasta for Hector.

There was something for Everyone – Black Chana Curry, Aloo Mutter, Daal Mash, Chicken Karahi, Chicken Palak, Lamb Curry, and Karela Gosht!

In all my years of going to The Village, I have never sampled their straightforward Lamb Curry. I had asked Mr. Baig about Daal Makhani and was reminded that they do vary their Dishes every night. Tempting. The Black Chana Curry would be the Non-Meat Option. Karela Gosht completed The Feast. For Once the Photographic Evidence confirms Excess in Moderation.

I still prefer Chickpeas ground and turned into Falafel. I can eat Chickpeas and enjoy them on occasion. This Black Chana Curry was a knock-out. Spiced and well-Seasoned with a Texture which complemented the plateful of Meat. The Karela Gosht was everything I hoped it would be. In fact this was the most Seasoned Dish I have ever been served at The Village.

Mr. Baig came over to ask the Customary Question. I had to tell him that the Karela Gosht was Outstanding both in Flavour and for it being High on the Erlangen Scale for Salt Content. The Bitter Vegetable should be served more often.  Now here is the confusing bit. Black Daal was how Mein Host described the content of the Black Chana Curry, or was he referring to Makhani.  Whatever, I hope to have a Side of this on future visits.

Kasif’s Sister, Irram was also in attendance. I hear you do a Good Lamb Curry – was my comment as she cleared some of the table. On-the-bone, this would surely impress anyone who has only ever experienced The Mainstream. A step towards the other Fine Dishes on offer at The Village.

The New Manager, Andrew’s Replacement?, advised us that there is a plan to have a Regular Village Buffet on the last Thursday of the month. On the assumption that this Array of Genuine Curry Dishes was on offer, oh yes, what a Wonderful Idea.

The Bill

£35.75. £2.90 for a Large Bottle of Sparkling Water. £10.95 for The Buffet.

Yes, that’s all!

The Aftermath

The Exit was efficient. A Most Satisfying Visit. I could be tempted back….