‘Tis the time of Birthdays. Marg’s Birthday period has phased seamlessly to Hector’s Mother’s. That we all manage to reach 83 is something never to be taken for granted.
Mother was collected from her domicile, it was only then that it was revealed that Hector’s Sister would be joining us. At this point, The Man from Bradford will sit up. Elaine was across from Fife which has yet to feature in Curry-Heute. Curryspondent David assures me that the Eastern Touch in Anstruther is worth a visit, one day.
The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) was the chosen venue today, Lunchtime Choices are limited for Quality Curry. This was an Opperchancity for Hector to return to his roots. I virtually used to live there, back in the days of the original Curry Cafe. Now we have the much Posher Restaurant, though at Lunchtime the Cafe Atmosphere is preserved by sitting the Diners towards the Takeaway Serving Counter.
Entering from the new entrance on West Street, we were walked back towards the original Nelson Street entrance where the Takeaway Business maintains. There were about a dozen fellow diners this Wednesday Lunchtime, one Chap I recognised from visits to Yadgar. Sshhh.
Hector had one Curry in mind – Lamb Desi Korma (£7.95) – the Dish that both Tantalised and Satisfied for many a year before The Hector went down the Karahi route. Mother was happy to follow her Son’s choice. I had highlighted the Lamb Lahore Kirahi (£7.95) to The Sister as probably The Village‘s Finest Dish. Elaine initially was up for the Desi Korma when it was explained that it was nothing like a Typical Korma, but changed to the Lamb Lahori Kirahi when she realised we would otherwise all be eating the same. She did not have sharing Curry Portions in mind, did she? Hector may sweep up the Detritus, but share? That is for food originating from further East, surely?
Mother still assumes the concept of Curry and Rice, and so Boiled Rice (£1.95) would be her accompaniment. The Special Rice (£2.75) back in the day of the Original Village was Rich in a Variety of Interesting Vegetables, Mushrooms and Peas is as – Interesting – as it comes currently. Elaine mentioned Naan, and so a Plain Naan (£1.95) completed the order. Mango Chutney. Mother always asks for Mango Chutney. This was noted.
Mr. Baig, Mein Host, was at his post at the till. He acknowledged our presence and was no doubt aware of how infrequent my visits are. Bring on the Ramadan Buffet! Elaine asked how well The Hector is known in Glasgow Curry Houses. Only in the ones I visit regularly.
The Village Lamb Desi Korma is the antithesis to every Curry that Hector seeks in this era, it is Soup! I am not convinced that what is served in 2016 truly resembles what was served in 2006. The Masala is Darker, though if I came back tomorrow, another Chef may make it lighter. The Tawa is served on-the-bone and is not dissimilar. It would interesting to order both for comparison purposes.
Rice is required for the Desi Korma given the Thinness of the Masala, one can imagine the Splashy Mess Chapattis would make. But hang on, did I not end up dipping the Naan? Elaine asked the difference between a Roti and a Naan. Rotis are thin and go crispy. Having said that, the Naan served today was not particularly Thick, or Fluffy, not the Best.
The Tender Lamb was spread across half of the Special Rice, Double Figures! Curryspondent John expressed his annoyance at receiving a handful of Meat Morsels a while back, the risk of the Lunchtime Curry. We had dismissed that Menu and asked for a la Carte. I suspect sometimes the Chefs are not given clear instruction
for the Larger Portion. Today I am sure I heard our Waitress relay – Large. What felt like enough Sauce was spooned over the Lamb. The Residue was then dipped with more Naan. This all felt quite alien, not the The Hector Curry of 2016.
The Flavours from the Desi Korma have long since been the attraction. The Citrus is but part of what one experiences. The Seasoning and Spice Level were Perfect. The Soupy Masala was Onion and Oil based, remote from that Watery Sauce served at Mother India’s Cafe on Sunday. The Desi Korma was a wonderful Change from my norm. Total Enjoyment.
Mother immediately remarked on the (Large) Quantity of Boiled Rice which arrived. When the Waitress suggested she take the Rice Plate as her dining plate, she was bemused. The temperature of both plates was checked, a Mother Obsession, all plates must be Hot! No further remark, we got away with it.
Delicious – was Mother’s verdict. Less than half of the Lamb remained in her serving dish. Strange things would occur…
The Lamb Lahori Kirahi looked Splendid. Again, I could see a Decent Lamb Content, Meat shrouded in a Thick and Minimal Masala. I shall have to come back to reacquaint myself, the Half Kilo?
Although Elaine enjoyed her Karahi she admitted that she has little to compare it to. Having been to India twice, she knows Authentic Cuisine, maybe this is not available in Fife? The Fresh Ginger Strips were noted, Elaine had only previously experienced this in East Asian Cuisine. In Glasgow, this is Standard.
Somehow the remnants of Mother’s Desi Korma was swopped with Elaine’s Lahori Kirahi. An Opperchancity for Hector to sample the Karahi. Wow! A Tang, but not a Citrus one, Tamarind at a guess. This was bursting with Flavour. Mother was full, more Karahi came my way. Joy. Meanwhile, Elaine polished off most of the Lamb from the Desi Korma, Mother had consumed all of the Masala. A Traditional Curry with Rice, just what Mother seeks. Mango Chutney, it never came. Mother announced it was not required. The Village Desi Korma has more than enough Flavour.
The Bill
£33.40. Today we had Sizeable Portions at an Agreeable Price. There is Hope.
The Aftermath
I have forgotten how wonderful The Village can be, how? Recent visits have mostly been for the Outrageous Buffet served at Ramadan. There will be another visit here soon.