Mark is over from New Zealand in the company of Jude who henceforth will be referred to in the highest of accolades – The Lady from Bradford. Alan and Tracy would complete The Company for the necessary visit to the Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG). Mark, Alan and Hector have eaten here a few times. I let Mark estimate how many visits he thought Hector could have made to this and the previous premises. Mark came up with 1200. Hector considers 1000 as a Realistic Figure, this number continues to increase.
There was a stop-off in the revamped Colquhoun Square to mark the CHORD renovations.
The town centre looks smart, a pity it took so long. The chewing gum stains are accumulating once more, time for those who should to consider this. For once, The Planners cannot be blamed.
Irfan and the new chap greeted us on entry, actually the ladies were in first, there was a photographic ritual at the door. It was good to see other customers present, the good people of Helensburgh appear to have overlooked what they have on their doorstep. Curry at the Akash has been transformed in the last couple of years since Ashgar and Rashid took over.
The order for Alan and Hector’s Curry was sent in yesterday – Achari Gosht on-the-bone. Mark, starting from first principles, chose Methi Gosht Karahi, the Dish that kicked-off the New-co Revolution on these premises. Tracy once more avoided Lamb – Chicken Tikka Spinach Balti – Hot. If Hector was to have a Chicken Curry this would be probably be it. The Lady from Bradford spotted – Lamb Mint Coriander Masala. I was able to tell her that Colleague Jamie has this as his Standard. Done.
Plain Naan, Garlic and Coriander Naan, Pilao Rice and finally a Keema Paratha for Hector completed the Sundries.
Herding a Bag of Cats?
There were hands waving everywhere this evening, hence the blurry photos.
A Pile of Poppadoms and Dips were brought in a flash, there was nearly a call for more Spiced Onion. One can.
Despite this being a Friday, it was believed we would be permitted to enjoy fixed price a la carte dining. Starters were therefore mandatory. Two Mixed Combos and a Fish Pakora, the couples would share, Hector would not. Marg had her Club Hockey Dinner this evening, I still would not have shared. The Mixed Combo is the best possible way to Prelude a Feast, the Fish Pakora looked fresh and Interesting too, still, one cannot have everything.
There was a sufficient gap between Starters and Mains, thankfully. The Mains were top quality. The Lady from Bradford put away her Curry no problem but not before she had marvelled at the size of her Naan. Has she not been to Omar’s? Everyone was happy with what they had ordered, perhaps individual comments may follow. Hector was too busy focusing on the wonder of the Hector Special #4 – Achari Gosht on-the-bone.
Topped with Dry Methi, the Masala was intense, Seasoned to perfection and not too-Spiced, this was remarkable. The Masala was truly Thick, Rashid had worked his wonders again. The bone content was imbalanced, Alan had next to none, the pile was growing beside Hector. Irfan was beckoned. He had already apologised for bringing a Keema Naan instead of Paratha, the offer to change it had been declined. Time to ask – I take it there is more of this in the kitchen? Of course there was and another portion was brought in moments.
This satisfied the Hector. Alan initially denied the need for more then helped himself. A Doggy Bag took care of the small surplus. The Keema Naan, a first for Hector, had the individual pieces of Mince spread across the interior – a true Keema Naan, not the Donner-like spread the majority of venues serve up. This was service of the highest order. What more can the Akash do?
The Bill
Unknown. Thank you, Alan. Consider yourself invited to – you know where.
The Aftermath
Mark and The Lady from Bradford took their leave. Alan, Tracy and Hector finished off their post-aperitifs. The statue on the window ledge amuses Alan. The folk who had been sitting there had now gone, a photo opperchancity.
Does this chap look like Lemmy?
