After a four hour stint at the Glasgow Real Ale Festival 2015 (G-RAF), Lord Clive of Crawley and Hector took a timeous break. The New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) was a ten minute walk along the River Clyde from The Briggait, then south by two blocks to Nelson Street. Rashid was once again manning the operation, Qaiser was presumably out on delivery.
Clive and Hector have taken to having Lamb Chops when we dine together, a tradition started at The Downsman (Crawley). Lamb Chops at The New Karahi Palace number Four in quantity though the Unit Price is less. As Rashid wrote down the Customary Hector Curry, I took the opperchancity to reinforce the level of Seasoning and the Methi, just in case.
Large?
Normal.
After the Lamb Chops, this would be quite sufficient. Clive surprised The Hector by ordering Keema Mutter. Was this a throwback to last night at The Village’s Ramadan Buffet? Chapattis would accompany.
The Modest Salad was presented and remained untouched, however, the accompanying Hot and Spicy Red Dip was welcomed. This would complement the Lamb Chops.
Two sets of Couples entered and took the adjacent tables. Hector is not normally here at 18.30, it was good to see other people who clearly knew what they were after.
Our usual – said The Chap who sat to my left.
Did I hear the words – Half-kilo?
Sheer Extravagance, one would never find The Hector….
The Lamb Chops were Hot, Spicy, Meaty, Savoury, Umami! One could just sit and order Portion after Portion, but that would defeat the purpose of the visit.
Qaiser was back, Ayaz, Mein Host, also arrived, Rashid was therefore left to get on with what is his primary role, preparing The Curry. The Chap beside me had an air of familiarity.
You’re Friends of (Dr.) Stan – he asked rhetorically.
Ah, Glasgow University Physics Department. We met last year at Dr. Rick’s Memorial at the Three Judges.
Indeed, Clive was in town specially that day. Dr. Stan had told me of a former Colleague (Dr. Stan like Hector is Retired!) who happened upon the Curry-Heute Blog when the counter was at 2,828,282. Around April, 2015 by my estimation. This was Dr. Chris.
It was thanks to this Website that Dr. Chris first set foot in the New Karahi Palace. Like the millions who are not queued outside, he too had simply judged it by the exterior. This is now Dr. Chris’ Favourite Glasgow Curry House. He has tried Yadgar but did not have the Goshat Karahi. I affirmed that he must phone this in and try it.
Dr. Chris’ Lady had ordered Chicken Karahi. Such a Dish exists? There is no photographic evidence. Dr. Chris had ordered the Chicken Tikka Lahori Karahi. Even before it arrived I was given permission to record the moment. Hector would take a photo of a Chicken Curry?
The Real Man’s Curry arrived, Lamb Karahi topped with Fresh Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander. The Methi was in the Masala. Clive’s Keema Mutter came in a Soup Bowl, this was deceptive. The Chapattis were Piping Hot, Light and Fluffy, Magnificent. The First Dip…. Rashid knows…
Like his Namesake on Thursday, Rashid had prepared a Curry for The Hector which was right on The Edge. The Bitterness from the Methi was in the face, the Salt at the limits of tolerance. This would not be everybody’s cup of tea, perhaps I will have to turn this down to Eleven in future. The Lamb on-the-bone was Truly Tender. The Bones were a variety of Sucky and not. Just when the Pleasure could not be surpassed, Qaiser brought Fresh Chapattis… the Heat and Freshness from these kick-started the Total Curry Experience once again. The Masala-Mush was Thick with Tomato and Methi. Hector was in that Special Place.
Clive was making headway with what was a Mass of Keema Mutter.
There’s Potaotoes in here – observed Clive. Mince, Potatoes and Peas.
A Classic British Dish. Who would have thought that this most Basic of Concoctions would provide the basis for this most popular of Curry Dishes?
Chicken Tikka Lahori Karahi
Dr. Chris was served the Half-kilo. He explained that a Portion leaves him wanting more, the Half-kilo is probably excessive, somewhere in between would be ideal. When The Company tackle the Half-kilo it is always Lamb, and on-the-bone. We could not face a Boneless Half-kilo. Dr. Chris is setting new ground.
Those who have kept up with Curry-Heute in recent weeks will sense the Inevitability that Hector is fated to eat Chicken Curry in the near future, such is my current appreciation of Chicken Tikka as served in the Mixed Combo at Helensburgh’s Akash, The Hector has to admit that the Dish set before Dr. Chris looked very appealing. The same Masala-Mush was present, the same variety of Fresh Toppings. Suppose I liked it?
The Bill
£29.60. Two Starters, Two Mains, Four Chapattis.
The Aftermath
Back to G-RAF where the quantity of available Ale was now Minimal. Another success.
Well done, Jonathan, Howard et al.