Hector has become aware that the Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) tends to be open before the advertised 17.00. Yesterday I popped in before 16.30 to ask if they could guarantee being open for business at this time. There was a demand for Early Curry so as to get to the Helensburgh Ale Fest (at The Sailing Club) on time and get a seat.
Dr. Stan, Steve and Hector walked up the stairs at 16.25, a Chap was already coming out with a large Takeaway, we’re definitely Open.
Irfan looked at me, he expected me in at least another hour. Why?
They’re making something for you, it is not ready. It was established that another forty five minutes was required for Rashid to create his Dish. What was being prepared was not forthcoming. By the time we have our Starters this would be perfect timing.
Poppadoms and Dips were brought, enough for Five. Jamie and Iain arrived moments later. By this time Irfan had confirmed that – The Dish – would be Lamb on-the-bone and there would be enough for Three. That was Dr. Stan Steve and Hector sorted, the joy of being punctual.
Iain, on his first visit, had to find his way through The Menu. Lamb Karahi was his choice. How would this compare to that which was served initially and then evolved into The Hector Special #1? Jamie repeated his order for Lamb Mint Coriander Masala from our previous visit.
Irfan offered us Lamb Chops as a Starter, a First! Steve took up the offer, however Hector had images of the Mixed Combo flashing through his mind all day, it had to be. Dr. Stan and Iain followed the lead, Jamie the reduced version – Lamb Tikka.
Plain Paratha, Vegetable Paratha and Mince Rice were ordered. Hector asked for – Vegetable Rice with no Capsicum. Normally it is Mushroom Rice that is presented, this was an attempt to see if they would take up the Challenge and bring something radically different.
Anticipation is Everything
The Mixed Combo is One Seekh Kebab, Two Pieces of Chicken Tikka and Two Pieces of Lamb Tikka. The Spiciness from the Seekh Kebab Titillates The Palate. The Succulence of the Chicken Tikka complements this. The Intensity of Flavour from the Lamb Tikka brings this Starter to a Wonderful Conclusion. Jamie demolished the Lamb Tikka, without the build up it’s not the same.
Steve was given Four Good-sized Lamb Chops. Two had Big Bones, two Small. Tasty! Next time. We were on the £15.00 eat a la Carte Deal despite it being a Friday. Cheers, Rashid!
Technically, it isn’t Friday, yet.
A Day without Curry is Incomplete
The Mains and Sundries were brought @17.15, on schedule. The Lamb on-the-bone was Topped with Dry Methi as has become the Akash Norm.
So what is this? I asked Irfan.
The Hector Special.
This must be Hector Special #4. Dry Masala, Thick with Methi. Rashid is a Regular Reader of Curry-Heute, he knows.
Enough Vegetable Rice for Two, it contained Sliced Carrots, Cauliflower and Peas. This was a Splendid Accompaniment. The Curry was carefully arranged on top. A Paratha may well have been a better Sundry for the Quality of Curry set before us, however, this Vegetable Rice provided the much sought after Array of Textures.
The Seasoning was less intense than has been served previously, Steve was glad. The Spice Level was at a Killer Level. The Tenderest of Lamb had minimal Bones in the Hector Portion, some in Steve’s, Dr. Stan took the brunt. This was Excellent Curry but still a bit short of – Wow! The Good People of Glasgow’s Yadgar, and Bradford even know something I do not.
Dr. Stan uttered his appreciative – Mmmm – as soon as he started. Fantastic, rich and spicy – was his eventual conclusion.
That was rare! – remarked Steve. The Meat was amazing. This man used to eschew Lamb on-the-bone. The Extra Flavours Lamb cooked in its bones add to a Curry have oft been recorded in this Website. Every Curry House should offer this.
Iain’s Lamb Karahi was close (I think) to the Hector Special #1. The overload of Spinach as first served in the early days of Akash New-co have laid to rest. This looked just the job.
Excellent, just hot enough to have a kick. This was perfect. He’ll be back.
Not a fan of Mint, Hector will never order the Mint Coriander Masala, so Jamie’s verdict is crucial – Splendid. The Mint made it cool but it was spicy and tangy.
Five Very Satisfied Customers.
The Bill
£78.00. 5 x £15.00 plus Two Soft Drinks. Outstanding Value.
The Aftermath
We made a sharp exit. Winter has returned to Helensburgh. Tim, a regular reader of Curry-Heute, was in charge of the Festival Ale. At least there were no worries about it being warm.