With two consecutive work related late nights in Helensburgh, the end of this week is facing up to becoming a Curry-Fest. Now that Helensburgh has a genuine choice of venues, it was decreed time to revisit the impressive Annaya’s Grill House (80-82 West Princes St., Helensburgh, G84 8XD).
Entering just after 19.30, Marg and Hector were greeted by Zak, Mein Host, who probably took a moment or two to focus on who this couple were. The Young Waitress, who was starting her first shift one month ago, brought both the pre-theatre and a la carte menus. It was after 19.30 and so this offer was appreciated, but declined.
The Karahi Gosht with Potatoes replacing the ubiquitous Capsicum really impressed last visit, time to try something else. The Achari looked a good bet but there was also the Gosht Makhanawala leading the list of Connoisseur’s Choices. A Milder Dish featuring Cream, the standard ingredients suggested a well composed Dish, bring in Marg. She was sold on this.
Zak came across to take the order. When I mentioned Achari he stated that he was expecting me to set him a challenge.
Here we go
The Classic Hector Curry was reeled off: Tender Lamb, Methi, Extra Seasoning and Potato.
I held back from adding Spicy or Dry and Thick. The Mash-Masala served last time had me well onside, unless one asks for a Mainstream Dish, one is not going to be served Soup at this venue.
You and your potatoes – was Zak’s immediate remark. Wait until he meets Mags.
What else can you tempt me with?
Zak mentioned they had just taken delivery of Fresh Spinach Leaves. I prefer Methi, but why not, as long as the Curry does not turn into Pardesi. I hoped Zak might mention Okra, but Potatoes it was.
Marg was congratulated on her choice. This dish has been selling well since Valentine’s Day we were told. By now Zak had clearly remembered our last visit and was able to quote parts of the Curry-Heute Review. The Tomato Soup reference had struck a chord, it was what Marg had expected given that she had ordered a Chasni. Marg got in 
her comment about Food Colouring, who has trained her in this way of thinking?
A single Chapatti (£0.90) and a Mince Paratha (£3.50) would be the Accompaniments. Hector has not been hungry enough to try the Keema Paratha Test lately.
We were treated to Poppadoms and Dips, as are all of Annaya’s customers. In fact, Three were presented, which really makes one ask again why other venues are profiteering on this nibble. Should I sample the Lime Pickle and risk killing the taste buds? I did and I may have. I was in an Achari mood, tomorrow.
It was pleasing to observe another half dozen diners present this evening. At least one couple were here for the first time, they made it clear that they would return. A group of three were here for the long stay.
Zak brought the Curry served in the Karahi with Lids, this maintains the element of surprise. Marg’s Gosht Makhanawala looked way better than Mainstream. Here was a relatively Thick, Onion-based Masala with a more Natural Colour and sat in a Circle of Cream. Thought had gone into this creation. I was permitted a sample, my verdict agreed totally with Marg’s dictation afterwards:
I thought it was lovely, a nice kick, a rich masala with a good texture. There was a slight sweetness, I thought there was cinnamon at first, but then, no.
The portion size impressed too, Marg had to ask for the Doggy-Bag. Hector may add a suffix later.
The Aloo Methi Gosht was certainly Dry and Thick. As before I had to dig beneath the more obvious Potatoes to find the Lamb, more than enough. I was distracted when the Keema Paratha arrived, was this in the Preferred Style?
Regular Readers will now that I have found only a handful of venues who do not present the Mince so poorly that it resembles Donner Meat. On opening the Paratha, a spread of Brown Granules of Mince covered the bottom layer, this looked Perfect. The First Dip in the Masala proved so, the Seasoning from the Paratha would compensate for the slightly Under-seasoned Curry.
Zak was over to seek comments. I had to congratulate him on serving such a Fine Paratha. He related how some venues add the Mince in its – Raw State, at Annaya’s and other worthy venues, the Mince is cooked first.
And so for the Aloo Methi Gosht. There was a Thick, Leafy Masala giving off an almost Musky, but certainly Earthy Flavour. The Lamb was served in relatively Large Pieces, although Tender, there was an appropriate amount of chewing required, far from the dreaded pulp. The Potato served sufficiently as the Interesting Vegetable, this was a worthy Curry to set before The Hector.
When Zak as ked later what I thought, I hit him with – Fine. He was hoping for a bigger response. Let the fingers do the talking. There was no – Wow. The Karahi served on the last visit was much closer to putting Hector in that Special Curry Place. This was a very good Curry, maybe more Herb than I had in my mind at the time of ordering. I should have stuck to Methi only, my fault.
My next challenge to Zak will be to serve Lamb on-the-bone.
Marg recalled how much she enjoyed her Coffee last time. She did so again.
Hot and milky … with chocolates…
The Bill
£26.25. A Discount on the food had been applied and the Soft Drinks and Coffee added at the end. A good touch.
The Aftermath
Home. Hector out this late on a school night?