Hector meets Mr Snax @ Lazeez – Curry Reported in Edinburgh

As reported a couple of weeks ago, Ian, better known as Mr Snax – contacted Hector. In the interim he was crowned Curry Lover of The Year – again. Some are born great, … some never win anything.

We had to meet, to eat Curry and discuss our mutual appreciation of the Food of all Foods. Ian suggested his Favourite Venue in Dalry Rd, Edinburgh, though never named it. Research led Hector to conclude this had to be Lazeez Tandoori (191 Dalry Rd., Edinburgh, EH11 2EB), a Punjabi Takeaway with Minimal Seating, A Curry Café in the true sense. Opening time on a Sunday should guarantee seat availability, it is also the only day Marg and Hector would both be free to drive to – The Far East.

Only in the last couple of days did Snax reveal that Lazeez was not his Preferred Venue, but the Chain across the road. As Lazeez was in keeping with spirit of the great Glasgow Curry House – Yadgar – he was more than happy to try it. Neil, who first steered Hector to Yadgar, has been frequenting Lazeez for some time. Expectations were high.

Mixed Pakora

Snax called The Starter, Two Portions of Mixed Pakora were summoned. When they arrived they proved to be the least impressive part of the Lazeez visit. It appeared that the Pakora had been re-heated, not cooked from scratch at the time of ordering. The Vegetable and Chicken elements were Fine, Good Portions, however, the Mushroom Pakora felt and looked a bit – iffy.

The Mains

Methi Gosht was declared by Snax, with Extra Green Chillies. Hector turned to Marg – from this Menu which Two Dishes would I order? Methi Gosht was confirmed as was Lamb Karahi. If we were going to appraise the Curry at Lazeez we needed to eat more than One Dish. I suggested we both have Methi Gosht and order a Karahi to share. Like minded, this was instantly approved. Marg then announced she would have Lamb Karahi too.

Snax does not share our revulsion for Capsicum in Curry but was happy to have it excluded. The Menu suggested the Karahi would take time to prepare, I envisaged being well through the Methi Gosht before their arrival.

The Sundries

An Aloo Paratha for Hector, Chapatti for Marg and a Garlic and Cheese Naan for Snax.

The Aloo Paratha was just short of – Flaky – was well filled and was a decent size.  No reason for complaints here.

Snax appreciated that his Naan had both Garlic and Cheese.

Methi Gosht and Lamb Karahi

The Two Portions of Lamb Karahi arrived first, so much for my plans. We waited for the Methi Gosht which was along momentarily. Snax and Hector both love their Methi. This Dish was Thick with Herbs.

Needs more seasoning – was Snax’s immediate comment in the direction of the Young Waiter. More Seasoning? How many times has this expression appeared in Curry-Heute. Snax should visit Erlangen.

The Waiter had boasted that the Portion Size was Large, he wasn’t exaggerating. How would we ever tackle the Karahi? Snax would have his sample of the latter on completion of his Methi Gosht. Hector had to sample both Mains whilst still Hot. This had the Seasoning bang on.

The Lamb in both Dishes was Suitably Tender, – Succulent – is Snax’s preferred nomenclature. A pity that Lamb on-the-bone was not on offer. The Masala was Suitably Minimal and the Chef had not taken the easy route of – Capsicum withheld = Onion Overdose. This was Impressive Curry.

Marg was full quickly, there was a Mass of Karahi sitting before us, only one thing for it… Hector may well further review the Lazeez Lamb Karahi at a later date.

The Conversation

The longer we found ourselves in each others company, the more Venues we found we had in common, not just in Glasgow but Bradford (Kashmir) and even Inverness (Rajah) too. The Green Gates in 1960’s Glasgow rated a Special Mention, Hector’s First Non-Domestic Curry. Of course Snax had been there.

The lack of a particular Belgium Yellow Fizz was referred to more than once, München Bier too. Cue the plug for the Indian Mango, Hector’s First Port-of-Call on any München Visit. Curry before Bier.

Between us we have covered many Curry Miles. Snax had heard of Lahori Dera in Manchester but has yet to visit. I had to admit to only recently discovering Shabaaz in Aberdeen having shunned Rose St years ago.

There was a tacit acceptance of the damage Snax and Hector could do. Imagine The Tour Bus….

Our appreciation of the Asian Community was discussed. Snax had his stories of people bringing him Curry. I had to relate the wonderful evening when Shahed’s Mother, Zora, invited Hector and Co. to the Family Home for a Truly Memorable Feast.

Dessert

Marg went in search of Ice-Cream. Someone had switched off the freezer.

What other Desserts do you have?

She returned with Rice Pudding. Happiness is…

Hector and Snax have been separated by Longitude for decades. Our Parallel Paths were always due to converge. We have plans.

The Bill

£51.38, Three Hours, Four Portions of Curry, Two Starters, Breads and copious Rubicon Mango and/or Guava, One Dessert.

The Aftermath

Snax was up at the Counter enquiring if they would deliver to his neck of the woods. This suggests the Curry was found to be Favourable. Hector’s experience of Capital Curry is Minimal. Lazeez Tandoori may now be Hector’s Edinburgh Curry Venue for the next Twenty Five Years.

Meanwhile, there is a Glasgow Curry House we shall have to enjoy together. Will Mein Host cope?