There is a tradition amongst my now Former Colleagues, that we have an Ale or two to commiserate, as the new term becomes hours away. Ian joined Hector today to (support) wind up Jamie and Steve, Dom, who has English holidays was just starting to feel that feeling of Approaching Menace in the pit of the stomach. For Hector this will never happen again, Ian begins his third year of retirement, two very Happy Chaps, three otherwise.
Hector is embarrassed that the Punjabi Charing Cross (157-159 North St, Glasgow G3 7DA) has not been visited this year. At least I turned up five-handed at 17.00.
Hari and Ram greeted us as if we had been here yesterday. They read Curry-Heute, so they know exactly where Hector has his Curry. Poppadoms and Dips were provided on a Complimentary Basis as all Good Curry Houses do, three pints of Foaming Ale were ordered, FYI, the Retirees had (Sparkling) Water.
Keema Padora
One each of this Mandatory Starter would have killed the appetite, three between five should suffice. The Driest of Lamb Mince, rich in Methi, presented in scoops on a Puri-like Bread. Immense.
The Mains
Lamb Gurmeet is not on The Menu, it is a combination of Lamb Karahi and Methi Gosht. Four of us would have this Hector/Chef Gurmeet example of Synergy, only Hector would have the authentic on-the-bone original. Chapattis, a Cumin Rice and a Plain Naan would accompany. Jamie went Mainstream. Sadly, until he tells me, there is no record of the Soupy Dish he had ordered, nor is the quoted Bill accurate. The Samsung has died, all recent notes have self-wiped. Fear not, Hector is feeling little stress.
The Keema Padora had the Mince piled High, such an impressive sight. Only Steve had experienced this before, three more converts today. The Mince is well-spiced and Well-seasoned, the Methi gives the Wow. Hector tried this as a Main, once, too intense. This is The Perfect Starter – to share!
If Lamb Gurmeet is so Wonderful, why is Hector not here more often?
As with the Keema Padora, the Flavours from this Tender Lamb Dish are so Rich and Intense one has to ration the Pleasure. Ian knows his Curry and does not hand praise for the sake of politeness. The Spice Level may have taken him by surprise, as one who is also less-hirsute, he found a sweat forming.
Ian was impressed by the Lamb Gurmeet. Dom was happy to have followed the Hector-lead, albeit Boneless. We’ll see how long it takes him to announce he has returned.
Steve appears to have enjoyed his first post-vacation Curry. The Cumin Rice was also Special.
The Cumin Seeds were Roasted before mixing them with the Basmati giving a Dark, Mysterious, Flavoursome Rice Dish. 
A Complimentary Plain Paratha was also provided. This meant a Single Chapatti each was sufficient at my end of the table, meanwhile Jamie and Ian made headway with the Naan.
Then there was Jamie’s – Soupy Curry. For those who enjoy that sort of thing, there is this… I thought Jamie had made progress in recent years, with less exposure to Hector inevitable, I fear for his Guidance. Curry INSET, anyone?
The Bill
£90.00 Approx. This included 3 Lagers.
The Aftermath
Normally, Hector has a lengthy chat with the staff about the recent travels and discoveries. A Table for Eight had just arrived, other tables were already occupied, the place was filling up.
Meanwhile, Dear Reader, can you cope with the New Hector Stress-free-Visage?