From the Banks of The Mosel to the Banks of The Clyde
There was no Curry-Heute on The Main yesterday for The Hector. The combination of a landslide between Hatzenport (Mosel) and Kobern-Gandorf plus Deutsche Bahn’s technical problems at Koblenz meant it was get to Frankfurt Flughafen, or else miss the flight back. Marg knew Curry was mandatory this evening. I offered the choice of Giffnock or Greenock, the latter was chosen.
Curryspondent James recommended Priyas Palace (2 Robertson St, Greenock, PA16 8DB) a couple of years ago, tonight was the second visit. Having ordered a la Carte last time, The Buffet was planned for this visit. What had been observed last time had impressed, visually.
A few tables were occupied as we entered the upstairs premises sometime after 18.00. We had timed our arrival right, others arrived, the Buffet would be replenished with some regularity. £13.50 per head, matching the Standard Price which Hector expects to currently pay for a Main Course and Sundries.
The waiter brought a Buffet Menu, a good idea, One now knows what to expect. This venue is not all bland Chicken Dishes, Three Lamb Dishes on offer is quite a Rarity.
The Starters included Seekh Kebab, the expression – We’re on a winner – came to mind.
Having consulted a well-known and reliable Curry Website, I discover the Buffet Menu has not changed since my last visit. On this occasion I was pleased, but does this suit the regulars?
A plate of three Poppadoms plus five Dips were presented immediately we decided on The Buffet, Drinks too. In time we were invited to go up for the Starters. What two diners might potentially eat was set out, this is much better than having piles of food on display to be played with by passers by.
The Vegetable and Chicken Pakora were fine, the Chicken Chat is something Hector could overdose on, not tonight, there was Seekh Kebab. Unfortunately there was a dryness to the Kebab that spoiled the moment. Time to employ more of the excellently Spiced Onions. Marg found these too OTT, they were certainly to be savoured. However the star attraction in the Starters was the Garlic Mushroom. A Creamy Yoghurt and Garlic Sauce accompanied the Mushrooms, again wonderful. The Malai Chicken Tikka was Interesting, white, we like White Curry.
We all know what Outstanding Starters mean, don’t we?
One always tries to have a decent wait between Starters and Mains. Failed again. The Waiter asked about our Bread requirement. On the last visit a well above average Paratha was presented, time for something different. A Garlic and Coriander Naan was prepared to order, and so we waited for this to arrive before going up for The Mains. For once we hoped for slower service.
The Lamb Saag Wala was the main attraction for Hector. The Waiter was behind the array of tureens to aid with serving and outline what each Dish was, a good touch. No labels to add clutter. Marg fell for the Chicken Dishes, Hector skipped the queue, of one, to the far end where the Lamb was. Modest portions were considered to be the best option. The Lamb Saag Wala stood out from the other Lamb Dishes, the Subzi Miloni would accompany. This is their Vegetable Curry, the contents looked Diverse and did not contain the Dreaded Green Mush.
Unless it’s The Village Buffet, Curry with a Kick is not going to be served in a British Buffet. The Masala in the Lamb Saag Wala was not a million miles from the Palak Gosht served in Bernkastel recently. The Spinach Speckles were through the Creamy Masala, however, this had a much earthier flavour than the German version. With near limitless Lamb on offer, One could have binged, as if… The Lamb was a bit of a let-down, not just in this Dish but in all three as it turned out. The Lamb served at Priyas Palace was not the best quality: far too Dry, Chewier than one hopes for, and gristle featured in too many pieces sampled.
The Subzi Miloni was excellent. With Cauliflower, Chickpeas, Peas, Potatoes and Tomatoes, served in a Minimal Masala this was a pleasant surprise. I would recommend this Dish.
The Garlic and Coriander Naan was very good when it arrived but became a bit Soggy as time passed. In fact, there was one and a half, so plenty for both of us. Presumably more was available on demand.
After another short break I went back up to sample the remaining Two Lamb Dishes. The Delhi Lamb was too Mainstream for this palate. The Lamb Hyderabadi featured Carmelised Onion and Cream, potentially a bit Rich. I only took a Soupçon, just as well, the first piece of Lamb was inedible, too much Gristle. Time to stop.
Marg enjoyed the variety, the Starters in particular, and also the Chicken Dishes. No further comments from me.
The Buffet included a choice of Vanilla Ice-Cream or Coffee. Marg fancied both and so Hector had neither. A small price for dragging Marg to Greenock on a Monday evening.
The Bill
£30.40. This has to be Good Value.
The Aftermath
The Waiter who had dealt with us most was shown the Curry-Heute Blog entry. He remembered where I sat last time. Having introduced myself I felt it was appropriate to take more photos of the restaurant’s interior.
