The Aberdeen In-laws are in Town.
Actually they have been here for a while, on and off. Meanwhile Hector was Bouncing Back in Pastures Foreign. We are gathered here on the eve of Ryan and Beverley’s departure for Oz. Ryan (how can I write this without – air – ?) is reportedly a Curry Aficionado. Hector knows nothing of the Australian Curry Scene, yet. Ryan wished to sample Glasgow Curry. The Village (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) sells the Best of Glasgow Curry in a Salubrious Setting. Beverley glanced at the Dessert and Drinks Menu, no Bier.
Welcome to the World of Sparkling Water.
Marg and Hector arrived at The Village moments before the 18.00 booking. Umair, who has only met Hector a few times, gave a smile of recognition and showed us to our Table. We would sit – In-the-round – the reason for Prior Booking.
Menus were brought, Poppadoms and enough Spiced Onion for Seven were provided without a word.
The Aberdeen Navigators had realised that The Village shows up at different addresses. They entered from Nelson St, so last year. Drinks were sorted. Scotland’s Other National Drink was represented.
What to have?
With days to consider, Hector decided to turn back the clock. The Lamb Lahore Karahi has been the Standard Fayre since the Reincarnation of this Venue. Having enjoyed Goshat Karahi at Yadgar, and Lamb Karahi (Hector-style) at the nearby New Karahi Palace in recent days, comparisons would be inevitable. That would lead to ranking. The number of reviews gives a big enough clue to Hector’s preferences. The Akash, Helesnburgh, aside, Hector has eaten most of his Curry at The Village. The Village Lamb Desi Kourma is The Dish that made Hector become Resident here some Six/Seven years ago, the Antithesis of what Hector currently seeks. Special Rice too. When did Hector last order Rice in Glasgow?
The Starters
Starters were mooted. Beverley announced a Mixed Pakora early, to share with Ryan. Australian Curry Houses sell Bhaji, not Pakora. (I must get the Pakora Recipe posted…). Graeme was determined to choose something different from his Aberdeen Sources: Mazadar Machli Tikki, Fish Cakes to anyone else. With the – something different – in mind, Hector decided it was Quail Day. Bataira was described as having Herbs and Crushed Black Pepper. Mmmm.
Barbara sneaked in a Starter, Roasted Paneer is what it looks like. If it was cheese, the Pieces were Large. There is no further information on this.
The Mains
Top of the List of Signature Dishes is the aforementioned Lamb Lahore Karahi. Ryan chose this. Next on this List is Pesh(a)wari Lamb Chops. As with the Karahi, this is available in Three Portion Sizes. Why Hector has not had this before is inexplicable. With Lamb on-the-bone, The Village Pedigree surely guarantees quality. Marg and Graeme opted for this, a Standard Portion. Graeme added a Side Portion of Bombay Aloo.
Machli Taree for Barbara, no Meat then. Cath spotted the Chicken Ginger Handi. Now, if only this was available on Lamb… Butter Chicken, said Beverley, oh dear. Cue The Soup: indeed, as Hector added Village Lamb Desi Kourma..
Rice Variants, Chapattis and Garlic Naans would be the Accompaniments.
Adam, welcomed me back as he began noting the above on his Pad. Bataira is only available with Twenty Four Hours notice. No Starter for Hector. Now I am intrigued, next time.
Umair came over a few minutes later to ask if I would prefer my Lamb to be on-the-bone. Somebody at The Counter was alert.
The Poppadoms and Spiced Onions soon disappeared. People were wary of the Lime Pickle. Hector has not ordered Achari for some time, note to self. So many Excellent Curry Venues, so much choice of Fayre.
The reasons why we were assembled at The Village was explained. As Curryspondent Ahmed says, we were here – To Dine.
Beverley, sitting on Hector’s right, carefully halved the Pakora Bits which were not Duplicates. Vegetable, Chicken, Aubergine, these were enjoyed. Graeme described his Machli Tikki as – … not particularly tasty. The Bits which accompanied caused concern. He didn’t like the Sauce, or want Salad. Why Lemon? he asked. Fish, Dear Chap!
With everyone programmed not to describe their Dishes as …. the majority did initially. Time to utilise the Linguistic Skills.
Marg’s Peshwari Lamb Chops looked Perfect. Six Pieces, she believes, is a Decent Portion. The Masala was Thick and Minimal. Hector will indeed be having this soon. A Good kick – said Marg. Tasty .. with Tingling Lips, a Good Choice, a First. Of the same Dish, Graeme added – Succulent, Flavorous. A new description, this Blog enjoys playing with Language. Graeme found the Bombay Aloo to be – Too Tart for my liking – compared to what is served in his Aberdeen Local. Hector was permitted a Sample. This has what I call the Classic 1960s Curry Taste. Very Familiar, a Good Distraction, and of course the inclusion of – The Interesting Vegetable – is always welcomed.
Barbara’s Machli Taree was in essence a Piece of Haddock in a Shorva-style Masala. A Thin Soup. It wasn’t Fishy, a little bit Spicy. It’s difficult to establish if this was positive or negative. It is not a Dish Hector would order.
Cath was describing her Chicken Ginger Handi long before the Trusty Samsung appeared. I can taste the Ginger, a Kick.
Beverley’s Butter Chicken was the Classic Creamy Masala with smothered bits of Chicken, a Ladies’ Special. There was a Sprinkling of Ground Almonds on top. Quite Nutty, Thick and Creamy, quite Heavy – was her verdict.
Ryan, who had chosen wisely said of the Lamb Lahore Karahi – Tender Lamb, Exotic, get it intae’ ye. How long has he been in Scotland?
And so for The Village Lamb Desi Kourma. Where have you been? What Colour is this? Having had issues with the Quantity of Lamb in the past, a quick count. Fine, a Proper Portion. The Ratio of pieces of Lamb on and off was appropriate. With more Masala than I look for these days, this Dish is The Exception. The Special Rice works better than Bread, mopping up the Moisture. A Sensible Quantity, this featured Mushrooms and Peas, different from Times Past. There was a Serious Kick, the Seasoning was Perfect, the Blast of Citrus unequaled by any other Venue. One day a Citra Hop Curry. This Dish Packs so much Flavour the memories of eating it Twice a Week came flooding back. As I used to say to Mr. Baig when I paid across the road, – I’m unhappy now, I’m leaving.
A Half Kilo of Lamb Desi Kourma next visit.
Mr. Baig came across to ensure all was well. I introduced the Aberdeen Fraternity and highlighted that Ryan wished a Glasgow Curry, this was his First. I congratulated him for the Array of Curry Dishes that were on offer in the Ramadan Buffet, in particular the Karela Gosht which is not on The Menu. I was assured that Fresh Karela is always available, One must simply ask. I shall.
On my last visit, Adam outlined Plans to introduce a Last Thursday in the month Buffet. Mr Baig confirmed this is still in the Planning Phase. He accepts that he can rely on the Mass of People who descend upon The Village at Ramadan for the Feeding Frenzy. He has concerns about whether People would show in sufficient numbers to justify the mass preparation of his Quality Dishes. With Social Media, the Local Populous can be made aware easily. I hope this Happens. Unfortunately, I have a clash for Six Last Thursdays each year. Two more years.
Coffee
This is not a Coffee Blog, yet for the second time this week, Hector reports – Extra Hot Coffee that impressed both participants, Marg and Cath.
Adam came over as we watched the Coffee Drinkers and asked if I would take a photo of The Staff. There has been quite a turnover, with lots of new Youngsters present. The Family Baig excluded themselves, as did Umair.
The Bill
£116.20. Seven Diners, Soft Drinks, Three Starters, Coffee, One Side, Seven Mains.
The Aftermath
Meeting up with The Chaps later at The State, Kenny and Stewart declared their desire to be included at tomorrow’s Lasani Grill session. Hopefully the message was relayed to Khalid.
The Staff Photo – August 2014
