Helensburgh – Akash – The Hector Special

July and August have come and gone, Hector has not set in Helensburgh since June, there was no need. Hector is not Ubiquitous, though Mein Host, Rashid, may believe otherwise. Tonight is The Big Night Out with Alan and Tracy, a Couples Night.
For 20.30 on a Saturday Night, the Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) was disappointingly quiet, three other tables were occupied. Irfan was at the door to give the customary warm welcome. A New Chap was also on duty, this was Haroon, Son of Rashid. We shall have to establish what has happened to Uncle Ashgar.

A Pile of Poppadoms and The Bits were brought without fuss. The order of Drinks was taken, Irfan could not believe I would eschew the customary Sparkling Water.
Marg loves the Akash Pakora but knows that she could not possibly eat a Main Course thereafter. Initially she asked for a Small Portion, however, Alan and and Tracy said they would assist. They would share a Mixed Combo, Hector had other ideas. One cannot come to the Akash and not have Two Pieces of Chicken Tikka, One Seekh Kebab and Two pieces of Lamb Tikka.

Chust Sublime. Who ate the last piece of Vegetable Pakora also?
We persuaded Irfan that a lengthy gap would be necessary between Starters and Mains. Twenty Minutes, at least.

Enter Haroon
We were introduced by Irfan, here we go. Haroon told us some of his life story, he will be here for as long as … His travels to the USA included an attempt to see Motörhead, cancelled. This was celebrated by Alan who has seen this Beat Combo a few hundred times. Guess who took Alan to his first Motörhead Gig at the Glasgow Apollo? The statue on the window ledge has been re-named Lemmy the Warrior. (Let’s hope Mr. Kilmister recovers his health soonest.)

Enter Sir Howard

Last reported to be en route home from Sheffield via Manchester, Howard turned up at his Local Curry House to collect a Takeaway. We never did establish what, however it could not have been as wonderful as Alan and Hector would be served.
Alan had requested The Hector Special on-the-bone earlier in the week – Methi Gosht Karahi, for two. This left Marg to have the straightforward Lamb Karahi (she prefers boneless) and Tracy to finally choose Chicken Spinach Balti.
Marg would stay with her usual Solitary Chapatti, for Hector it had to be a Keema Paratha. Across the table a Garlic and Coriander Naan plus another Chapatti completed the order. Can we wait some more please? Irfan finally asked – Now?

Sucky Bones
For those who still need convincing,  the Bone Marrow adds an extra dimension to the Flavour. The Methi was mixed through the Masala rather than being just a Mass of Herbs as served in a Saag/Palak. The Seasoning was right up there, too intense maybe for some. Alan had asked for Fresh Green Chillies to be stirred in also, Rashid had not held back on the Spice. With the Tenderest of Lamb and Thickest of Masalas, this Curry was nothing short of Perfect. The Akash are now creating – The Wow – as a matter of course. Excellent – was Alan’s verdict. It was.
Few venues serve a Larger Naan than the Akash. The Garlic and Coriander Naan was Fresh and Fluffy, however, Hector was busy celebrating the Keema Paratha. Those who saw Lord Clive’s bulging Paratha last weekend will appreciate the difference. Those were rich in Meat, but the method of preparation left it looking Donner-like. Hector’s preferred style is served in too few venues, – the Individual Grains – of what actually looks like – Mince. Brown, not Pink.

The Diameter and the Girth meant that no way could this fine Bread be finished, still with the Methi Gosht Karahi – total indulgence. We were here – To Dine.
Marg’s Karahi Gosht was the little brother of what we had been served. The Lamb was very tender, lovely – was Marg’s platitude. She also reminded me how much she had enjoyed her Favourite Pakora. Meanwhile the mystery of Tracy and Lamb continued. She now eats Lamb Chops, but not Lamb, so Chicken Curry it is. Very good as always.

The Ladies had Doggy Bags, Hector left a bit of Masala, Alan cleared his Karahi. Four very Happy Diners.

The Bill
£85.00 A lot of this was Cider, and not all consumed by Alan.
The Aftermath
Irfan related how a Chap waiting in the seating area at the door for his Takeaway asked – Is that Hector?

Indeed, he doesn’t live in Helensburgh, has retired, and still visits. It is good to be recognised! A challenge to any reader – Google – UK’s best curry blog.
Rashid
Mein Host came out of the kitchen to chat. He again marvelled at the coverage in Curry-Heute since my last visit in June, Morocco, France and East Anglia. Deutschland next week, anyone?

Will Hector set foot in Helensburgh again in 2015? Rashid will hope so, meanwhile one hopes the Discerning Diners of Helensburgh will continue to re-discover what they have on their doorstep.

Glen Fruin Farm

A new local attraction has recently opened, animals and cakes, Marg will be back.