It is a late Friday afternoon, Hector is traversing the Squiggly Bridge, there can only be one destination. Time was The Village (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) was Hector’s second home, such was the frequency of visits. The Downstairs Café as was, sold Wonderful Curry at a price to sit in that rivalled any Takeaway.
At the birth of Curry-Heute, The Village was therefore very much Hector’s Favourite Glasgow Curry House. Much has happened in the intervening years, reports from Friends who visit remain mixed. Dining here in large numbers can be frustrating, the wait for everything to be ready simultaneously. Better to dine alone, or with just a couple of friends, though they are set up for large groups. Hector was long overdue a return. This week of Daily Curry is the perfect opperchancity to show my face. With Marg in Aberdeen for a few days, Hector is not cooking for one.
Irram, the son of Mein Host, congratulated Hector two days ago on the Fifth Anniversary of Curry-Heute. What better time to announce my imminent return? There were only Four Fellow Diners in the Restaurant as I entered, far too late for Lunch, too early for Dinner. This is perhaps the perfect time to visit. The Young Manager showed me to a table, he remembered my visit last year with Ryan and Family but was probably too busy (then) to remember Eid Mubarak. For those who have never been to the Buffet at The Village, this is a Rare Treat, an array of Desi Dishes like no other. When is Ramadan?
The Classic Village Desi Kourma is what Hector was here to devour. Special Rice would accompany. The Masala requires Rice, this Curry is now far removed from the Karahi that is now Hector’s Staple Diet. On-the-bone? asked The Waiter. He knew to ask.
The Colour of the Desi Kourma has varied through time, depending on the Duty Chef. Today’s was heading towards Brown. The Karahi was too hot to handle, so was the Bowl of Rice. 
The Rice with Peas and Mushrooms was spooned on to the plate. Special Rice? Ah, the memory of the Vegetable Rice in the Old Days, a Mountain of Rice, Cauliflower, Potatoes, whatever was available, a meal in itself. It is probably this that set me on the path of The Interesting Vegetable.
The number of pieces of Meat served at The Village has been an issue over the last few years. When I reached double figures I stopped counting. This was a Curry Portion fit for The Hector. The Masala was spooned, then finally poured over the Meat and Rice. Soup – is how I have come to describe this. Hector would not have described this Masala as such at the birth of Curry-Heute.
The Seasoning was the first feature to register. Gosh. This was certainly going to be a journey down Memory Lane. The Kick was Appropriate, just sit and let the Flavours Flood across the Palate, the Citrus. The Aromatic too, as a Clove was encountered. The Almonds provided the Varied Texture. I used to eat this at least twice a week. I can see why.
Working my way through the Lamb, there was the realisation that only two bones were on the plate. The Rice soaked up the Masala, a Magnificent Blend of Flavours.
The Village Lamb Desi Kourma
The Bill
£12.45. Still affordable, this included the Sparkling Water.
The Aftermath
Mr Baig, Mein Host, came from the rear of the premises, time for a chat.
Ramadan is in June and there will be another Legendary Village Buffet on offer with new dishes. This is not to be missed. My plans for the future were announced concluding with a trip to India. Mr Baig had suggested that Lucknow is a city I must visit, just to experience the Flavours of the Local Cuisine. This is why I am going to India, before then is Morocco, and maybe a few more trips in Europe too.