How many years does it take for Tradition to evolve? On the last day of the Summer Vacation, Marg and Hector have taken to going for a drive, a day out, with Curry as the conclusion. Ayr was chosen as the end-point, Balbir’s Route 77 (38 Kilmarnock Road, Symington, South Ayrshire, KA1 5PW) for Curry-Heute on the return leg.
The last visit here was four earsy ago when Curry-Heute was in its infancy. Today there was better research. The Banquet as served at Balbir’s is available on weekends only. The Sunday-Thursday Menu is labelled – Early Evening Menu. This is is distinctive by a slightly lesser range, however Half Portions feature which encourages Sampling. Hector had made his selection already.
The same grey sky as featured in May 2010 hung over this rural idyll. With animals grazing in the adjacent fields, the setting here is somewhat different from the norm.
Who comes here, and how often?
Only one table was occupied when we entered. By the time we left the place was half full. Impressive for a Wednesday evening. We were shown to a Table for Two in a different corner from last time, still at the window. More cows in the distance.
Mein Host took the Order for Sparkling Water and gave us a few minutes to make our selection. Marg fancied Pakora, but at the same time as her Main which would be Chicken Chettinad. A Chapatti at an unbelievable £1.55 would Accompany. Imagine ordering Three or Four…
Lachha Pratha – I had to ask. Mein Host, Gerry, an easy name to remember, described a Paratha but the meaning of Lachha remained unclear. Sources suggest – Layers – Mein Host mentioned – Flaky– enough for Hector. Bring on the Flaky Paratha.
Lamb Masala was the only on-the-bone Curry. Mince Palak Methi could not be resisted. The inclusion of a Daal Makhni completed the Order, all Half Portions with the Meat options around the £5.00 to £6.00 mark.
One of the Two Young Waitresses did the Napkin Ritual. Black Paper versions were provided on request, all was set.
The Pakora arrived First, Eight Pieces for £3.85, Twice the value witnessed of late in Angus/Aberdeenshire. The Pakora was remarkably Fresh, Hector restricted his intake to Two Pieces as this was Marg’s selection. We were halfway through the Pakora when the remainder of the Dishes were brought out.
The Paratha had been scored into Quarters but was still intact – Yay. However, it did look a bit overdone and was not at Thick and Flaky as hoped for. At least it was not as Limp as some that have been set before me. The First Dip into the Lamb Masala gave a Blast of Flavour – Impressive. There were Four Pieces of Lamb with One Sucky Bone. The Masala was Dark and Rich and Well-Seasoned. This was Very Good indeed, but not Sensational.
Across the Table, Marg was celebrating the Daal Makhni. She has had this before and not taken to it, tonight there was no holding her back. Rich, Creamy, Nutty. She realised that a Whole Portion would be too much, but this to share was ideal. She left me some. It acted as a good break between the Two Meat Dishes.
The Mince Palak Methi lacked Seasoning and would have benefited from more Methi. Keema Mutter is part of Hector’s staple diet, this disappointed. Café Reeshah still sets The Standard.
Marg pulled the Large Dark Red Chilli from her Chicken Chettinad. Classic South Indian Cooking. The Masala was Dark and again looked as Rich as the Lamb Masala. The Chicken content was Ample.
Spicy, with a Peppery Black Bean Flavour, Enjoyable.
Coffee for Marg. Her Third consecutive Pleasingly Hot Coffee in a Curry House.
Overall, this was a Very Positive Experience. The Tablecloth was still White at the end which is more than can be said for Hector’s Polo. The Service was Excellent, with a Sincerity that was appreciated. It was good to see the place so busy when we left.
The Bill
£34.90. Pricey Bread, but no problems with the rest.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to one of the Young Waitresses – I’ll give it to Gerry.
Gerry came over and sat beside us. He was shown the Website and the length of the List of Venues Visited. A Verbal Précis of the above was given. A Pleasant Chat.
Gerry expressed his Thanks for our coming out this far. He related Plans to introduce Sole and Goat to the Menu in the future. Goat Curry, it has been a while.
Hector is no longer on holiday…