Glasgow – The Village – 4 Million Hits and counting…

In the small hours, the 4 Millionth click on Curry-Heute was passed. Thank you to all who continue to read these pages and especially to those who comment. Keep calm and Curry on.
There had to be a Curry-Heute to celebrate, Hector decided to return to his roots. The Village (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) is where the obsession with Curry was born. How this venue has changed in the intervening years.
Entering at my preferred eating time, 15.00 from the newer West Street entrance, I walked the length of the the premises to where the Late Lunch Diners were assembled. Mr. Baig, Mein Host, was at the till. He asked if I wished the Lunch Menu or the a la Carte. I’m here to eat. The Main Menu it was.
Before I had a chance to register my order, Mr. Baig was engaging me in conversation. He plans to revamp the Menu which has been the same since the refurbishment. I was asked what was missing. The Laal Lahori is one particularly Tasty Dish which disappeared. It was available to those who knew and asked, alas methinks The Chefs have forgotten the simple wonder that was this rival to the Signature Dish – Village Lamb Desi Korma.
I related how Hari at the Punjabi Charing Cross had introduced Venison (at my suggestion) but found the bone splinters to be a problem. The merits of Boneless, the possible Price, and sourcing Halal Venison were all mooted. Does our Halal/Kosher Meat not come from the same source as the Mainstream these days?
Following on from my last Curry at Ambal’s Restaurant in Aberdeen I mentioned the fact that I cannot get a decent Fish Curry in Glasgow, not since Cafe Salma. Once more the photo of the Fish Chettinad at München’s Indian Mango was shown. Mr. Baig’s reply was almost identical to what was stated in Aberdeen last Friday – it has to be served wet. Indian Mango have proved otherwise, the Ambal’s Prawn Dish – Karaikudi Yera Thokku – also supports an alternative view. That the Fish breaks up is not in dispute, Fish on-the-bone could get around this, thought Mr. Baig. I was given the impression that he was worried about serving Fish Bones to the Populace.

The Lunchtime Waitress took the order – Lamb Lahore Kirahi (£7.95) on-the-bone accompanied by Bombay Aloo (£3.95) and a Chapatti (£0.95). The Waitress verified I wished the Bombay Aloo as a Side, I was not aware of it served as a Main.

The Fish Chettinad Challenge continues
Mr. Baig returned having thought some more. He explained that Shorva is the accepted medium in which Fish Curry is served. Mein Host related that even with the skin still on, Fish tends to break up. The Bones are an issue for some, however, he was determined to accept the Fish Chettinad Challenge – serve a Dry Chettinad. Mr. Baig will source the Fish he best thinks will be fit for purpose. I shall contact Daughter – Irram and outline further guidance. Apart from the Dryness of the Indian Mango Fisch Chettinad it is the distinctive Chettinad Smokey Flavour and the Grittiness from Curry Leaves and Coriander Stems. Maybe in a fortnight?

The Waitress brought the Karahi and Chapatti, the latter was ample, one would be more than enough.
The Lamb Lahore Kirahi looked a bit on the – Wet – side, but the required Masala Mash was there.

Wet? When the Bombay Aloo arrived I had to re-evaluate – Wet. This was Potato swimming in a Classic Curry Sauce, why was Aloo Jeera not on The Menu? This was an Opperchancity to compare the Masalas served in a Village Curry with the Splendour that should be the Karahi Masala.
The Lamb portion was around the standard eight, a sufficiency. Had I wished excess I would have ordered the half kilo but no Side. Today I desired a Vegetable Accompaniment. The Masala was more than required but was bursting with Flavour. The Village Taste is unique, the Ginger-infused Masala is what makes the Lamb Lahore Kirahi the standout dish at The Village. It is also first in the middle at the top of The Menu.
The Spice Level was near the top end, I had accepted Spicy when the Waitress offered the Scale. The Bombay Aloo was not holding back either, it too had a fierce – Kick. The Flavour was lacking the depth that the Karahi Masala possessed. Fine, but it had no chance of demanding a – Wow.

The Bill
£14.00. With the Sparkling Water, this may have been rounded down. Thank you.

The Aftermath
I arrived at Hengler’s Circus to meet The Faither who was up in town early today. As I stood at the Bar, a Chap appeared beside me and said – 4 million. This was Curryspondent Eddie whom I have not seen in ages. Hector was well pleased that this day had been marked by another before I told the assembled Company as the evening progressed.