The day has finally dawned, Hector’s last day of work, last day of school. It’s about time I left school. Work no more, well not until tomorrow when I volunteer to help man the Foreign Bar at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival 2015 (G-RAF), see you there.
Prize-giving done, the Commemorative Watch received, check the Big Blue Face. The afternoon was spent at the Sir Howard Young. A staff party – in school – ? No thanks, Hector has left the building.
Curry was always going to be how Hector said his Farewell to Helensburgh. The Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) the only venue to guarantee Quality Curry.
Liz who had thoroughly enjoyed the Formal Curry Night at the Sailing Club on Monday, was happy to go for more Akash Curry. That’s one new regular I hope. Steve and Louise were easy captives.
Irfan greeted we, The Four Happy Chaps, on entry around 21.30. Just enough time before the final train to Glasgow at 23.10. Why so early? Why no later train to Yoker?
Of course it was the Mixed Combo to start, this indulgence is now a Requirement, a Prelude to The Feast. The Variety of Flavours and Textures make this the Perfect Starter.
The Main Course had to be the Dish Hector was denied on Monday – Achari Gosht. One Lady had Lamb Rogan Josh, the Dish Hector has eaten at this Venue beyond all others – Respect. The other Lady ordered Chicken Rogan Josh, one out of two… Steve stuck with his now favoured Lamb Methi. Ah, Methi.
Keema Naan, Plain Paratha and Pilau Rice would be the Accompaniments. Hector and Company as recognised regulars are now granted the £15.00 fixed price a la carte whenever we present at the Akash, an honour, and much appreciated.
Liz remarked at the Spice level of her Lamb Rogan Josh – Much Spicier than Monday. When one caters for The Masses, Curry always has to be toned down. Only ordering on an Individual Basis can one order – Spicy – and have it.
So writes The Hector who had just been given one Belter of a Curry. This was – Close to The Edge. The t-shirt was apposite. The Spice level would have been OTT for many, this certainly made me take note. The Seasoning also was right up there, more would have ruined the Dish. The Masala had Pickle at a level of intensity never before experienced. This was a True Curry – the Seasoning, Herbs and Spices all working together – what Curry is! The Flaky Paratha as ever was the Perfect Foil, this is not a Dish for Rice.
The Meat was Tough compared to the Tenderness of Monday, which again reinforces the Top Quality Dish served to us at the Sailing Club. Rashid had given Hector a Curry to remember then too.
Irfan insisted on fetching Rashid from the kitchen as I left for the train. Tonight may well be my last Thursday Night Akash Curry for the foreseeable. Just how much Akash Curry has Hector consumed over the last Thirty Four Years?
Rashid has made an offer, hopefully soon….
Hector has retired!
