It was writing up the account of the visit to the Ahmed Indian Takeaway in Chester that prompted tonight’s visit to the Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG). Steve’s Mixed Starter ordered in Chester has had me drooling about the prospect of an Akash Mixed Combo, yes it’s that good.
There was also the realisation that Hector only has six more evening work commitments, Ever, in Helensburgh. Six more? As has been written previously, Hector has dined at the Akash a Thousand Times over the past Thirty Four Years. Even one visit a month takes me halfway to this total. Once a month? I used to be semi-resident here.
Irfan was managing the show this evening. He was quick to tell me that Rashid/Ashgar had been to Yadgar, and I was hoping to accompany them. They know the Anwar family.
The Sparling Water and Mixed Combo were ordered as I took my seat, time was limited.
I was told I should have phoned ahead and one of The Hector Specials would have been prepared. Again Irfan mentioned Yadgar. An Akash customer has read this Blog and took himself to Yadgar. This person then returned to the Akash and asked for a Hector Special. A potential new Curryspondent?
Methi Gosht Karahi and One Chapatti would be the Main Course. As it’s Wednesday I could have ordered even more for the Flat Fee of £15.00, even Hector has his limits, and time was short.
Whilst I waited I listened to the restaurant laptop tuned in to BBC1, The Six o’Clock News. Paris. Twelve dead, at the hands of two seriously misguided people. This cannot be tolerated.
The Mixed Combo came with suitable haste. Straight into the Tikka Lamb, Gosh! The Subtle Spice and the Seasoning. Two Pieces, I left the second to the end. I could eat this all night. Maybe I should just order this? The Seekh Kebab was Fine, not Outstanding. The Two Pieces of Chicken Tikka were Superb. The Moist Chicken, Succulent in the extreme. Hector enjoying Chicken? Back to the Lamb, oh yes.
The Karahi was piled high with Tender Lamb in the Thickest of Herb Masala. Spinach was the First Flavour to strike the Palate. Alternating between the generous helping of Lamb then Masala with the Solitary Chapatti, this was Fun. Suitably Spiced and Seasoned this was Good, but I know that the Hector Special #1 is even better, then the Lamb might be served on-the-bone by prior arrangement.
Time was against me, some Masala was left. Back out into the rain, it’s going to be a wild weekend.
The Bill
£16.50. Drinks are not included in the Flat Fee.
The Aftermath
Work. Five more nights after this, however these are stretched out over the next few months.