The New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) is where Hector eats most often, currently. After the monthly trip to The Staggs, Musselburgh, would-be Co-diners were not forthcoming. Two stops on the Subway from Queen St and Hector was walking in just before 21.00.
Knock-Knock
The place was empty, the staff were through the back. A Chap emerged, who he? In fact he may have thought the same. No Rashid, no Ayaz. Lamb Karahi was requested. The Chap looked puzzled when I said – No Capsicum (as if). A Lady appeared who muttered something I could not understand, I think she knew my preferences. I took my seat and waited.
Ayaz may have been out delivering, he was soon back. I checked that The Chef knew what I was expecting, all was well. The Salad came and remained untouched. Without the Raita it doesn’t do much. Rashid is on holiday – Ayaz told me. Holiday? Outrageous, who has holidays?
Sizzle
One always hears the Karahi before it leaves the kitchen. The taste-buds turn themselves on in eager anticipation. Usually too Hot to eat on arrival, the Chapatti strip is torn off, a Dip, Wow! Where have you been?
Given that this Karahi was not prepared by the hand of Ayaz or Rashid this was remarkable. A bit more Methi and Seasoning are The Hector Tweaks, this was still bursting with Pleasure, though Rashid does it better.
Hang on, the bones are piling up. Ayaz came over to ask the Customary Question, I pointed to my Discard Plate – Too many bones. You want Half Kilo? I gestured a Modicum More with my fingers. The Chef was set back to work. Before I could finish what was left a small bowl of Boneless Lamb was set before me – Superb! This is Service. There is no point being asked – The Question – and not giving an honest answer. Now Hector was in that Special Place.
The Boneless Lamb did not have the Intensity of Flavour that its on-the-bone counterpart possessed, QED. I sat wondering who first thought of Fresh Ginger Strips? How they add to a Dish, the textured Crunch at the Top contrasting with the Oily Base Masala. Heart attack on a Plate? Who cares? The Chapatti had cooled, not surprising giving the plummeting temperatures outside. The Supplementary Lamb had the heat.
The Hector was sated. How I have looked forward to this.
The Bill
£8.60. No kidding! One can afford to eat here – often!
The Aftermath
The wait for Marg at The Laurieston. I dropped in to Yadgar later to see Shkoor, is he on holiday too?