There was a near Total Eclipse (95%) this morning visible in the West of Scotland. Lord Clive of Crawley had advised us of this Celestial Phenomenon some two years ago. Visible?, just. There was an After-Eclipse Party, well done, Sir Howard and Lady T. Marg came to do the decent thing and decant the House-guests and Hector. A Helensburgh Curry was foremost in Hector’s mind. As we sped South-East so a Glasgow Curry was mooted. Clydebank it would be then.
New Cafe Punjab (18 Alexander St, Clydebank, Dunbartonshire, G81 1RZ) is Hector’s Local, the Fayre is Fine, but as the history shows, most of Hector’s Curry intake is elsewhere.
A Buffet is on offer here Seven Days, we would be the only customers, so had we been that way inclined this would have created an interesting scenario. A la Carte is the way to go, or is it?
Marg and Maggie ordered from the Menu, Tikka Pasanda Nawabi Chicken and Lamb Pakora respectively. The Special Rice would accompany the Chicken – Mushroom, Fruit and Peas.
I had Clive down for Chicken Dansak, his Faithful Fall-back, however he took my lead. The Menu listed The Mainstream, having concluded that Mainstream generally means – Below Average – in this Blog, there had to be The Hector Challenge. The Waiter was happy to note what makes Hector Happy – Tender Lamb, Extra Methi and Seasoning, Dry, Minimal Masala and no Capsicum! No Fresh Methi? Then just sprinkle Dry Methi over the top.
Clive’s Off-Menu choice was Keema Mutter. This was accepted without fuss. There was however, much discussion at the kitchen door, presumably on how to create The Hector Curry. I may visit New Cafe Punjab sporadically, I am known. Mein Host has been known to read Curry-Heute. Mein Host was not visible this evening initially but was encountered later. There was a question I had to ask concerning a Takeaway establishment a few doors down.
Clive has been ordering Aloo Paratha as his Accompaniment for some time, good enough for Hector.
The Waiter returned to ask a question – would we like our Parathas to be served crispy? Wow, Plain Paratha lends itself to this, it must take great care to achieve this in a Stuffed Paratha.
Curry for The Ladies
Maggie described her Lamb Pakora as being – deep fried tender lamb served with salad. A sauce drizzled over the top would have enhanced it. Instead, only the classic Pink Yoghurt was forthcoming. Lamb Pakora is certainly different, needless to say it disappeared, quickly.
There are times Marg orders Demanding Curry, she is just as happy with the Tame. The Tikka Pasanda Nawabi Chicken was certainly in the easy league. Very light and fruity, but not spicy – was the verdict. Well, it’s what she ordered.
Curry for The Chaps
Were we well looked after? Indulged – may be a better description. Served on an Iron Skillet, The Hector Curry was evidently a Stir-Fry but was not served Sizzling. Dry? One could not imagine a Drier Curry. I was in raptures from the moment it arrived. The Fresh Green Chillies would add the Bite, the Dark, Rich, Herb coating to the Tender Lamb was Spectacular. Large pieces of Onion were present but there was no Onion-overkill. Look at this! Sheer Joy!
More Seasoning – was the only the only improvement I noted. This was a Great Curry, enhanced by the Herb-Rich Paratha.
Had someone consulted a well known and reliable Curry Blog in the kitchen? Hector was a Happy Chap. Dear Reader, become used to the spontaneous smiles that have not been a feature of Curry-Heute over the past Five Years. The Easter Vacation approaches, my last ever. Curry from a most unusual destination will hopefully feature.
Meanwhile, across the table, Clive had rediscovered his appetite. Having eaten virtually nothing all week due to a mystery bug, Clive was overdue a feed. His Keema Mutter was well received. Why is this not on The Menu?
The Bill
£36.00. Four people dining, soft drinks only, this is excellent value.
The Aftermath
Hector wanted to ask The Big Question. Marg considered it more apposite to leave the interrogation for another day.
In whose kitchen is the Curry served in the adjacent Hot & Spicy cooked?
Update – May 2016
New Cafe Punjab is no more. The premises are now selling the unmentionable other – C – word.
Cafe Punjab is now back in the original premises, Curry being prepared at the adjacent Kebab House – Hot & Spicy (18 Alexander St., Clydebank, G81 1RZ) .
This is a Takeaway only.