This morning Hector was in München, just something that has to be mentioned in passing. That was the Indian Mango overdose completed for another six months. The Rickmeister, aka The Man from Bradford, is up in Glasgow prior to some Friendly Football Match against The Auld Enemy, tomorrow. Marg dropped Hector at the EGW where The Chaps had assembled. No sooner had Hector taken his seat when a 20.00 Curry was announced at The New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ), the choice of The Rickmeister.
At the chosen time four of us set off for the Karahi Palace. Mr Boyd and The Rickmeister headed for a bus even though the nearest suitable stop was blocks away. Young Mr. Holden, Chris, who gets to call Ricky – Daddy – joined Hector in the more direct walk across the Clyde via the Squiggly Bridge to Nelson Street passing The Village en route. How many times has Hector walked past the New Karahi Palace to get to The Village, that was then…
Chris and Hector took the middle table and waited, patiently. Meanwhile Three Chaps entered and took the other window table, Rashid, The Chef, had to switch on The Turbo.
Ricky arrived, alone. The Laurieston had seduced Mr. Boyd. Ayaz, Mein Host, came over to take the order. Ricky was insistent that there would be – … none of this extra salt nonsense. I asked if Half Kilos were possible, Ayaz consulted Rashid. There would have to be a mixture of Tender Lamb and Lamb Chops. The Best of Both Worlds.
And so Three Half Kilos of Lamb Karahi on-the-bone, one Hector-style: Extra Seasoning and Extra Methi, two otherwise. Chris followed Hector’s lead and accepted that a Single Chapatti each would be the best Accompaniment, more to follow if required. Ricky insisted he have a Naan. With no Mr. Boyd he could have sneaked in a Rice.
Chris was starving and considered a Starter, Daddy said this was not appropriate, he would – Be Fed. It would take time, longer this evening due to the Three Chaps who had hijacked The Chef. A Kilo of Chicken Karahi and a ridiculous quantity of Bread was brought to the adjacent table. They were sated. Now Rashid could get started on our Modest Order. Chris contented himself by nibbling on The Modest Salad. No Raita this evening.
Hector’s Karahi was brought first with the Chapattis. The Portion looked Substantial and of course was all mine.
A second Karahi followed moments later with the Naan. Was this – to share? Ricky studied the portion, he studied Hector’s, was there an equivalence, was another Karahi imminent?
Ricky had just about convinced himself that the second Karahi was – to share – when Ayaz brought The Third.
From this moment onwards Ricky could not contain himself. He has eaten here a few times and knows how wonderful the Karahi is, a Whole Half Kilo (sic)!
The Man from Bradford has the finest Curry served in the UK on his doorstep but he is appreciative of The Best of Glasgow.
I hate to say this, but this is as good as it gets.
When Ayaz came over for the customary check – Wonderful – said Hector.
It were better than that – added Ricky.
Just how far up the Ricky Curry Ladder is this compared to his normal most positive statement – It were alright. Son Chris was having his first Karahi Palace Experience – It’s not going to get better than this. The sentiments were relayed to Rashid who looked up and smiled.
The Best of Both Worlds
The Tender Lamb served did give the appearance of being the end of the stock, one or two dubious bits, however this was still the Tenderest of Lamb. Each portion had a couple of Tandoori Lamb Chops mixed in to make up the required weight. Lamb Chops – Mmmmm. Now consider the Wonderful and Minimal Methi-rich Masala. This was once again the Sheer Joy of the New Karahi Palace. The intensity of Flavours, the anticipation of scraping the Chapatti along the base of the Karahi to reveal even more. A Third Chapatti was brought – to share. Chris was no longer starving.
Being November there was a chill in the air. As we approached the End Game it was apparent that some form of heating would have increased the Pleasure Rating further, a candle-type arrangement to keep the Karahi Hot whilst the Food is devoured? Remember where we are, this is The Land of The Curry Café.
The Bill
£43.00. No Sides, No Starters, No Drinks.
The Aftermath
I must shake the hand of The Chef – declared The Rickmeister, who headed behind the Counter much to the amusement of all. Rashid emerged from – his Spot – and was happy to accept the praise.
Next time a Full Kilo each – I suggested. Ayaz said we could come at Lunchtime and spend the afternoon eating Karahi. Now there’s a thought.