In anticipation of a celebratory evening in the State Bar, Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall St, Charing Cross, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) was the venue for The Curry Club. Arriving first at 16.30 I was asked to take a seat at the draughty doorway. Why? Only two tables were occupied, but then the start of a group of twenty started walking in, they took priority, fair dos.
Kenny and and Dr. Stan arrived moments later, a table, finally. Hopefully Mags would arrive such that our order would get in before The Mob. No fear, they took ages to get sorted. How much would the Poppadoms be on their bill?
When offered Poppadoms there was an emphatic – No. We’re not paying for Poppadoms. 
The message was received, and unlike previous visits there was no panic when another waiter would spot our table bereft of the Crispy Starters. We did receive The Dips, Spiced Onions, Kenny was pleased.
Lamb Chops
I’m having Lamb Chops. Kenny’s eyes had feasted on his last visit, tonight he knew. Three orders of Chops, one Gosht Shami Kebab. That’ll be ten minutes. Fine.
Ten minutes later the Portions of Four Chops and a Pair of Kebabs were presented.
The Chops were moist, more-so than usual. Hector was on his Third Chop before the Blast of Charcoal hit the palate. Now we’re talking. These are irresistible, unless your name is Dr. Stan who made short work of his Gosht Shami Kebabs which were overflowing on his plate. The Salad was different this evening, not the Painted Plate, but a modest blend of Onions with Olives on the side. The Dips also helped. Good touch.
Kenny – I’m glad I chose The Chops, slight charcoal around the edges, but tender inside.
In all of Hector’s visits to Akbar’s, the Roshan Lal (without) has been my choice of Main. Last time The Waiter suggested that Karahi Gosht was the better option, tonight I would find out. Kenny stuck with the Roshan Lal but did not make any exclusions. Mags as ever found her potatoes – Gosht Potato Karahi. Dr. Stan, who never jumps on any bandwagons surprised us by ordering Karahi Keema & Matter. Their spelling of Mutter, and not the Aloo version. All – In the Asian Style. One has to order this way or you do not receive a Bradford Curry.
A Plain Paratta for Hector, assorted Roti and Chapattis for the others.
Ten minutes – said Haseeb, our Waiter as he cleared The Starters. The Mob would not impinge on our schedule. The place was filling up and it was just after 17.00.
Cutlery and napkins were replenished. The Staff have not got it right, less intrusive than under the previous regime. For once The Waiter brought the Mains solo, no accompany fanfare from the Kitchen.
This is Serious Curry
From the First Dip of the Perfectly Flaky Paratha, the Seasoning sang out, then The Bradford Curry Taste hit the palate. This is why Hector was here. Absolutely Magnificent. The Tender Lamb was cut small, the Masala Minimal, Thick and Tasty. I’m sure there was Methi in there too. A Glorious Curry, and so much. The Portions do not look huge, but ten minutes into eating one has barely scratched the surface. After about two thirds of the wonderfully Flaky Paratha was devoured it had to be abandoned. Enough already. The Karahi would be cleared, this took all of one’s Curry eating skills.
Dr. Stan’s Keema Mutter was served not by the Kilo but by the Tonne. A slight exaggeration. Sitting on my right, Dr. Stan ate, and ate, in silence. No Mmmmms.
Across the table, Mags again made reference to the fact that this was not a Village Portion. She declared defeat just over halfway and set the remainder aside for a Doggie Bag.
I was amused to observe Kenny avoid the majority of the Capsicum, still, his Roshan Lal was going down well.
Kenny – Flavour from the start, but the spice built up. It was exceptional, too much for a man of my insignificant frame – said the 6′ 3” Chap.
Saint Stan was eating long after we stopped, there was a sudden outburst – Oh good. There was no stopping The Quiet Man now…
Good, substantial and spicy, filled a hole quite nicely, my only meal of the day. For Dr. Stan, this was verbosity, and I’ll even let him away with using the n*** word.
Haseeb gave the customary check and then left us alone. Mein Host appeared as we concluded to check all was well. They’re getting it right.
The Bill
£60.50. A Starter, a Main Course, a Soft Drink. See how modest The Bill can be without Poppadoms and Bier?
The Aftermath
And so to the EGW, by taxi… So much for going to The State Bar. Two people have retired…