It was presumptious by Hector that Alan and Tracy would choose to dine at Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall St, Charing Cross, Glasgow, G3 7PQ). When the 20.30 booking was confirmed the decision was well received.
There was time for a Swift Half in the Bon Accord, Marg arrived first. Two visits to this Ale House in eight days, this is almost regular.
Mein Host greeted us at the door of Akbar’s at exactly 20.30. After a minute or so we were taken to our table, on the side section of the restaurant. Hector and Marg have sat here only once before, that night was a disappointment. Who believes in Omens?
Lamb Chops for three was a certainty. Marg would calm the staff by actually ordering a Poppadom with Mango Chutney. Now for the matter of drinks.
Alan’s desire: Two Bottles of Cider make just over a Pint, and at £6.00 a pair, a quick way to inflate The Bill. Hector stuck to Sparkling Water, Marg Soda and Lime, and Tracey a Bottle of Cobra. The latter I have found to be an unsatisfactory Bier, Bremen’s Finest – Becks – would titillate the palate later. 275ml, is that all?
Our Waiter this evening was Asfand who served us with great efficiency, was there when required, and was not intrusive as the staff were on occasion until the change of management last year. Asfand informed us that the Chops would be served in fifteen to twenty minutes, an Akbar’s Custom which is both efficient and assuring.
Four Lamb Chops served with a Salad, hold me back. Marg had been presented with Two Poppadoms, Two Portions of Spiced Onion and Something along with the required Mango Chutney. The Onions travelled west. Four Lamb Chops, Salad, oops Marg snaffled some of this, and the Spiced Onions. The Chops were cooked through – Durch – I told Asfand that these were the best Lamb Chops I had ever been served at Akbar’s. Succulent, and well Spiced, the quantity was enough to satisfy without fear of excess. Tracy doesn’t eat Lamb, so the story goes. She dispatched her Lamb Chops like a professional. Alan suggested that next time we dine at Helensburgh’s Akash she wishes to try the Lamb Chops Achari which we so enjoyed recently. Tracy doesn’t eat Lamb.
Tracy does eat Chicken and so Chicken Tikka and Garlic Balti was her choice of Main Course. Chicken Tikka Masala – said Asfand’s side-kick when he brought the dish. Hector shall refrain from further comment.
Marg still manages to surprise her husband. Karahi Fish! Fresh fish cooked with onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic & ginger to create a rich authentic taste. At £7.95 this is great value compared to Fish Curry Dishes served across the city. Marg is ahead of Hector in experimenting from the Desi Section of The Akbar’s Menu. A single Chapatti would accompany.
Alan followed Hector’s lead, the Karahi Gosht would replace the Roshan Lal which has been the order on the majority of our visits. A Paratta for Hector and a Garlic and Coriander Naan for Alan to share with Tracy. Alan asked for the Naan to be served in a basket instead of being hung, his preference. Extra Garlic was also sought for the Naan.
Desi, In the Asian Style – was asked for, all dishes. Asfand sounded as if he was warning us off – Spicy – he remarked. We want the Genuine Bradford Curry Experience.
Alan noted that Asfand did not give us a time for the Mains. It is a Saturday night, the place was stowed. The piped music was occasionally interrupted by Happy Birthday. Akbar’s for Birthdays.
We were in no hurry for The Mains, catching up and the admiration of all things Mercedes accompanied the simultaneous digestion of the Chops. When the dinner plates were brought Hector declined, eating from the Karahi – more satisfying.
Karahi Fish
Marg’s Karahi Fish looked the genuine Bradford Curry. The Fish was cut into small shreds, the Masala was Dark, Thick, of course I sampled this. That a Doggy Bad was necessary says something about the quantity. This has also given Hector a chance to appreciate the Dish. A wonderful Kick, the something special that Fish adds to Curry. Hector may be sneaking out for Karahi Fish soonest.
Karahi Gosht
The Karahi Gosht was a disappointment, yet so much of the experience was as desired. The Seasoning hit first, a plus. The Spice level was also spot on, so why the disappointment? The Bradford – Wow! – was not there. The Lamb was cut small, in the Bradford way. The Lamb was both Tender but slightly Chewy. The Masala was Dry and Thick as expected, dipped with the Flaky Paratha this was fine, but…
Alan was of a similar opinion. The Curry was good, it just lacked that something. The Menu describes the Desi dishes thus – Cooked in a traditional Punjabi style, in a thick rich dry sauce using green chillies, blend of spices, garnished with lemon & fresh coriander. The Karahi Gosht has the caveat – with a few bones. As regular readers know, bones can make all the difference, the Wow. I have yet to be served this dish with bones.
Perhaps the good, but less than spectacular was down to being so late in a busy restaurant. Strange, that both times Marg and Hector have been sat in the side of the restaurant, Hector at least has been disappointed. For the record, The Ladies thoroughly enjoyed their Curry!
The Bill
£92.95. About a third of this was Booze. The Curry and Starters remain great value.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given to Asfand. He had served us well.
Time for some Real Ale.