It has been a while since Hector and Marg dined in Helensburgh with Alan and Tracy. That it is only two days since Hector last dined at The Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) must say something positive about the Fayre on offer.
Ashgar and Rashid, the Joint Hosts, have made it clear that they will cook whatever one’s heart desires. With this in mind, the order for the Hector Special #2 was placed on Thursday with Irfan as I completed the first Achari of this weekend. Lamb Methi Karahi Achari on-the-bone is the order that was given. Alan desired Tandoori Lamb Chops to Start, Two Portions of Lamb Chops ordered. Done. The Ladies would choose on the night.
Alan was somewhat reticent about the idea of Achari, Pickle is not high on his list of Favourite Ingredients in Curry, however, he trusted The Hector.
With a table booked for 20.00, a quick phone-call, or two, had this put back. We were early for the 21.00 rescheduled Curry Spot.
Ashgar took the Ladies order: Chicken Tikka Spinach Balti – Half Madras – with a Garlic and Coriander Naan was Tracy’s choice. One suspects she has enjoyed this before, and not a Dish that will be encountered on every Menu. Marg always has the The Akash Vegetable Pakora, her all time Favourite. A Lamb Karahi with a Chapatti would be 
the Main Course. Lamb Karahi? This is where Hector came in on the Opening Weekend, this Dish has been tweaked a bit since then to create the Hector Special #1.
Lamb Chops
Ashgar was not sure what The Chaps had ordered in advance, Lamb Chops were in there somewhere. Alternative Starters were suggested, just in case. Alan opted for a Seekh Kebab, Hector the much appreciated Mixed Combo. For One. An Aloo Paratha was added too.
Cider
Being a night out in Helensburgh with this Company, normal CAMRA standards tend to be abandoned, Cider, The Wee Boys’ Drink. Cider Crisis. The Akash had run out. Alan offered to go and get more, I believe Irfan was sent across the road to a local supermarket. An elegant Sufficiency was purchased, the Price was also Right.
I’m a Great Big Sharing Old Hector
Here’s the Lamb Chops – said Irfan as he brought The Starters. For a moment I wondered. A Joke. – explained Alan.
Marg’s Vegetable Pakora had to be sampled, for Quality Control. This passed muster, always impressive. Alan and Tracy would share the Seekh Kebab, Hector’s Mixed Combo had Seekh Kebab, Chicken Tikka and Lamb Tikka. It was suggested that I offer Alan some Lamb Tikka, why? If he had wanted it he should have ordered it.
Sharing Starters is not Hector’s strong suit as the previous sentence insists. Still, knowing there would be Quantity as well as Quality this evening I parted with half of a Boneless Lamb Chop. Fear not, I had plenty left. This is a Wonderful Starter, Succulent and Spiced. If one is dining at the Akash on the A la Carte – Eat-all-you-wish Wednesday and Thursday, this is a must!
Being a Saturday Night, the Interlude passed quickly…
Lamb Chops Methi Karahi – The Hector Special #2
Ashgar brought The Mains and made reference to Yadgar, as in having to compete with.
As everyone must have guessed, the Lamb Chops were used to make the Hector Special #2. For once I didn’t count the Chops, there was a Sufficiency. The Chops were piled high and smothered in a most inviting Masala. Chef Rashid knows how Hector likes his Curry, the Masala was Seriously Thick. The Kick was as Intense as the Overall Flavour. The Pickle element was there but did not overwhelm, perhaps the Herb Content, the Methi, had balanced this? This was an Outstanding Curry, as good as last night’s, at Yadgar! Indeed!
The Aloo Paratha did its job too, well filled and not the soggy mass served in so many establishments.
As mentioned, Alan was not especially positive about the prospect of Achari, his mind has been well and truly altered. Alan knows Outstanding Curry when he encounters it, this is now available on his doorstep, no doubt he will add a few words…
Meanwhile The Ladies Dined
Tracy tore a slice off the Naan which was large enough to compete with the Alishan. Her Chicken Tikka Spinach Balti disappeared, thoroughly enjoyed also by all accounts. However, The Lady who famously eschews Lamb was seen sampling a Lamb Chop.
Things were going so well, it couldn’t last. Marg’s – Very Red – Karahi was found to be be – Too Spicy – for her palate. She tickled it. Ashgar offered to take it away and replace it with something less extreme. The replacement was tickled also. Only now did Marg admit to Match Teas having been consumed after her Hockey. The Pakora had filled her, Doggy-Bag.
The Bill
£80.45. Given the quantity of food, Cider and even Bottles of Cobra… Great Value.
The Aftermath
Ashgar suggested he would like to visit Yadgar. Hopefully we can find a date when he and Rashid can take the time off and accompany The Hector. Meanwhile they can take pride in the Quality of Curry being served at The Akash in Helensburgh.
Have I mentioned the nights are fair drawing in?
