She brings the rain, it feels like spring
Magic mushrooms out of things
She brings the rain, it feels like spring
She brings the rain
Hector’s Space is being invaded by Mushrooms. Malcolm Mooney’s lyrics speak of Spring and Rain. It is a Glorious Autumn here in the West of Scotland, the final days of sunshine and daylight before the Equinox and the headlong plunge to Winter Darkness.
This evening’s Curry at the Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) was conceived during the last visit, six days ago. Lamb on-the-bone was ordered though by the update on Tuesday, this was for Hector only. The Lamb Chops Madras Achari Methi, aka, The Hector Special #2 was considered by Steve to be better without the Bones. Really? Jamie would order from the Menu, Dr. Alan was a late addition, the Menu for him too.
Arriving moments after the early kick-off timed for 17.00, Hector was Fourth of Four to arrive.
The Poppadoms and Dips were already on the table, 
though the Photographic Integrity was maintained. The Curry Camera was restored two days ago, alas, it has acquired a new problem (in transit?) and will have to be sent back to the camera hospital. Photographs are possible, just…
The Chaps chose something Yellow and Fizzy, Hector is not a Helensburgh Resident and so Irfan brought the Sparkling Water without a word. He knows.
On a Wednesday and Thursday, One can order a la Carte for a Flat Fee of £15.00. Did this inspire Hector to order a Shami Kebab and Jamie the Lamb Tikka? At least we stopped short of the Tandoori Platter.
Hector and Steve’s Main were pre-ordered, or so Steve thought. Jamie was on for another Mint Coriander Masala in Lamb, Dr. Alan the Lamb Bhuna. The Accompaniments were Mince Rice, Chapattis, a Naan, and the much anticipated Keema Paratha. The latter looked just the job as served on Friday.
The Lamb Tikka was, em, Red, and so Hector did not accept a Taste. The Shami Kebab was Dry, Well seasoned and had an Earthy-Herby Flavour.
During the short wait for The Mains, Jamie announced he has plans how to make the Curry-Heute Website more Flashy. He is determined that this Website should pay for itself, and Hector’s Curry. I believe Jamie wishes to be a Co-Diner, regularly.
The Hector Curry was first out. This looked Stunning. Dry would be an understatement, Thick Masala misleading. I had to wait patiently whilst all the other Bits arrived, the Keema Paratha was last but one. Steve looked at his Boneless equivalent, there was no resemblance. He had to ask why. Something had been misunderstood. Ashgar immediately offered to withdraw this Dish and have the much needed Methi added.
The Lamb Chops Madras Methi Achari, re-arrange the words and one will still be lucky, was a – Seriously Demanding – Curry. The Lime Pickle permeated the Dish. The Masala was so Thick this was Perfect. Oh. The Citrus Bite from the Pickle so far removed from the Curry I couldn’t Finish a couple of weeks back. No Karela included here, but it was headed there, Magnificently Bitter.
I have never heard you make a noise whilst eating before – remarked Jamie.
This is my equivalent of the Dr. Stan – Mmmm.
This Dish was a Delight. The Chops numbered Four or Five, they were Chunky, not the Skinny samples presented in the majority of Venues. The Paratha revealed a layer of Discrete Mince Pieces, not the Pink Donner version that too many places serve. Again this as Top Quality. The Combination was a True Feast. This was a Happy Hector.
Steve’s #2 Curry arrived, behold the Transformation
Steve was so impressed by his Dish he had already decided he would have to order this again. At the end he asked Ashgar if there was a name for this Dish. There still wasn’t, but they know what they cooked and can probably do it again. A Methi Bhuna is how Hector noted this Creation.
The Lamb Bhuna looked typically Mainstream, The Mint Coriander Masala looked a cut above. The Verdict:
The Mint Coriander Masala was described by Jamie: – It was Hot, I could taste the Mint, it wasn’t overpowering, an Excellent Curry. Having tasted everything else on the table, it was as good.
Dr. Alan’s Lamb Bhuna was described thus: The Lamb was Succulent, the Sauce was a Good Consistency, an Airy Naan, a fulfilling Chapatti.
As Fulfilling as The Company. Did he really say this?
Ashgar came across to ensure all was well.
We might come back…
The Bill
£79.00. A Social Evening.
The Aftermath
More Mushrooms. I wonder…