The monthly RSGS lecture at the Victoria Halls is always preceded by a Curry, traditionally at the Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG), Helensburgh’s longest established,and still Finest Curry House. Sometimes Hector pre-orders one of the – Hector Specials, tonight I had Achari in mind, however the consideration of Methi would win out.
Steve said he would prevent me being The Lone Diner, his second Akash visit this week, what does that say? There are four sit down sources of Curry in Helensburgh, Masala Twist has been the busiest by far since it opened. In time people must surely start to drift back, Ashgar and Rashid have proved they can create ones heart’s desire. It is a Thursday, – order a la carte for £15.00.
Irfan was on duty this evening with a new Young Chap learning the ropes. Poppadoms were declined, space had to be left for The Starter. The Mixed Combo £6.50) has proved irresistible on recent visits, Seekh Kebab, Chicken Tikka and Lamb Tikka. The latter is always the highlight, so tonight I thought the simple Lamb Tikka Starter (£5.50) must be tried. Steve wasn’t bothered about a Starter until Irfan reminded him it was Thursday, offer available Wednesdays too. A Mixed Combo instantly was added.
Methi Rules
Steve ordered Methi Gosht Karahi, the root of The Hector Special #1. What is served is far removed from the first offerings on opening night. This Dish has become an Outstanding Attraction. I dismissed Achari in favour of Aloo Gosht Karahi, I need my Interesting Vegetable.
Can I have Methi sprinkled on this too please? Steve then asked for Extra Methi with his Methi.
A Mushroom Rice for Hector, Mince Rice and a Chapatti (£0.75) for Steve. Bread at weekends only these days, there cannot be too many calories in Rice… Rice with a Karahi? This is well offside.
Lamb Tikka: Four Pieces of Lamb with Salad, this Side impressed less visually than the Splendour of the Mixed Combo. The Lamb was on the chewy side, however the Flavours and Spice were intense. Chomp on. The varied textures of the Mixed Combo wins, one has the Lamb to finish on, experiment completed, I know what I like.
There was a sufficient gap between Starters and Mains, a Couple took seats on the Dias where I usually sit when dining alone. Four Seated Customers, however the Takeaway Trade was brisk.
Once upon a time Hector knew the Taxi Drivers of Helensburgh, a New Chap has taken over the Curry Run.
The sheer size of the Portion impressed, loadsa’ Lamb and Potato. Steve found his Birthday Curry to be too Salty earlier in the week, tonight the Seasoning was certainly how I like it. Curry needs Salt, else the other Flavours do not emerge. Surprisingly, it was the Mushrooms in the Rice which became the memorable feature of this meal. For over twenty years, Hector could not have conceived of Curry without Mushrooms. Today’s Mushrooms tasted of Mushroom, it is not often I can report that.
The Masala was not especially Thick and shrouded the Potatoes and again slightly chewy Lamb. The surplus Masala was absorbed in the Rice. The contrasting texture of Meat and Vegetable is what I try to secure, success. The Dry Methi sprinkled on top at the time of serving gave the required Blast of Flavour, this was Very Good. Rashid, in the Kitchen, had once again worked his magic.
Both Karahi and Plates were cleared, – pleasant – was Steve’s take. Our last Curry outings together were in Athens a fortnight ago, Pak Taka Tak has set a new standard. Steve was limiting his use of superlatives this evening.
The Bill
£35.00. £5.00 for Drinks.
The Aftermath
Rashid took time out of the Kitchen to have a chat. He stated that he has been following my travels
You pop up everywhere; you spend a lot of money on Curry. We discussed the certainty that my claim to have eaten at the Akash a Thousand Times cannot be exaggeration. QED.
Popping up everywhere is certainly true, and I do eat a lot of Curry, can’t think why. Anyway, look at the bargains that are available and the value for money in general. Have you seen the price of Takeaway Pizza?