Glasgow – Yadgar – #80 – A Very Special Day

Back in May, Shkoor, Mein Host at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) invited Hector to choose Three Diners to help celebrate The Hector Retiral. Today was The Day, apologies to those who do not feature.
16.00 was the rendezvous time, Alan was early, resplendent in winter woollies. He soon discovered that Yadgar’s recent renovations included the installation of more efficient heating. Dr. Stan, Howard and Hector entered Yadgar punctually. Spiced Onions and Poppadoms came almost immediately, thereafter the Starters would be a Surprise. Hector had left it up to Shkoor to select what followed.

First to appear was Fish Pakora, there had to be Fish! Tasty, Spicy. Next were the Mysterious Patties, Vegetable-based, but what else exactly? Earthy in Flavour. Then came the Big Surprise – Chicken Biryani.
There is an oft quoted statement in Curry-Heute that there is no such thing as – Chicken Curry, this was Biryani, a Dish Hector rarely orders. Totally Dry, Perfect. The Flavour from the Small Cut Chicken was Potent, Unexpected. Had there been a Masala this may well have dissolved away the Impressive Flavours. Chicken Thighs – observed Alan. Hector spotted the stone from an unidentified Fruit. Plums were mooted. Shkoor confirmed this – Dried Plum, that’s what gives it a slightly sour taste. Who would have thought of adding this?

The First Kilo

Hector’s Guests were kept in the dark as to what would follow. A new plan for Four Diners had been conceived. Rather than us overdose on the same Main Course, we would share a Kilo of one Karahi and later a different one. Tres Gauche!
Two weeks ago Hector spotted the New Yadgar Menu. The Namkeen Karahi was described such that it had to be – The White Karahi – that Waris has been cooking for us in the past year. Bill translated – Namkeen – as Salt, then Flavour for us last week in these very premises. Howard and Dr. Stan were well pleased when the Namkeen Karahi was set before us. A first for Alan.
The Flavour is Rich, but simple. With a Slight Creaminess, – Yoghurt – we all agreed, the Lamb on-the-bone looked very Pale. White, nothing Red had been added, no Red Chilies, Paprika. We wondered if there were Onions and Tomatoes, The Menu lists these. Salt and Pepper were therefore the Spices, Simples, yet full of Flavour. Magnificent.

Hector put it to Howard that he and Tracey will be heading here – Soonest.
Alan was not so taken. I wouldn’t order that, not my taste.
Dr. Stan – Very enjoyable.
Howard – Excellent level of spice in the Starters and depth of flavour, a stunning White Karahi.
Mr Anwar Sr. addressed The Company. He described the importance of the Meat being cooked on-the-bone, only in this way can the Full Flavour be achieved. Shkoor insisted I had savoured the White Karahi on these premises once before. He quoted the particular evening, however, The Hector still challenged this. In the light at Yadgar the photographic evidence appeared to suggests otherwise.  Curry-Heute wrong? Shkoor was proved to be correct.  Hector has enjoyed Namkeen Karahi at Yadgar!  How could Hector have forgotten?  There is even a description as to the Ingredients as told that evening.  Hector should read his own Curry Blog more often!
We will have this again, a superb complement to the Yadgar Repertoire.

There was a Break
The table was cleared, we had asked for time to digest what had been eaten, a full twenty minutes was granted. Howard and Hector reminisced about our first visit to Yadgar, an hour spent in each other’s company without Food or a Bier on the table. That was five years ago. Tempus Fugit.
Howard wondered if we would be presented with a new round of Poppadoms and Spiced Onions.
There was speculation as to what was coming next. Lamb Karahi was the Popular Choice. Just as well Hector was in tune with his Fellow Diners, or was he?.

The Second Kilo

At 17.20, Shkoor brought out the Karahi, piled high with Lamb Chops – Lamb Chops Karahi. A Hector admission – this is not what was expected, but it is what I had ordered. I had Lamb Chops Achari in mind, but I did type – Karahi – in the order, my fault. Hector is not omnipotent. Perhaps given the above, this was just as well. The Lamb Chops were of the Chunky Variety, no skimping here. Smothered in the Yadgar Masala which we now believe is Tomato-based, the anticipated Depth of Flavours were present. Again Rich, Filling. Always a Treat.

It creeps up on you – was Alan’s verdict on the Spice Level. Dr. Stan had been emitting a series of his customary – Mmmms – throughout the session. He did conclude with a new utterance.
Aaaagh – followed quickly by another.
Still we were asked if any more could be done for us. The Chaps had Dined.

Thank you, Shkoor et al.  Pity I cannot retire again.  Howard might, one day…