Four days since India, four days without Indian Food, how has The Hector coped? Some suggested I would not enjoy the Curry served in India, like everywhere else, it was variable in Quality, plus ca change. Basically, the Generic Style of this cuisine remains my preferred Nosebag.
Marg knew there had to be at least one Curry in our short trip to Aberdeen. I had another venue in mind this Friday Lunchtime, a possible Prawn Chettinad variant was my aim. When Mother-in-law became part of the equation, ease of access became a priority, no stairs.
Shri Bheema’s Indian Restaurant (Balgownie Road, Bridge Of Don, Parkway Inn, Aberdeen AB22 8LX) consistently serves Quality Curry, but at Aberdeen prices, Kerching!
A Social Medium was employed to advise the venue of Hector’s imminent arrival, may as well.
Lamb Chops Balti (£17.99), only in Aberdeen. Hector has not had his Lamb Chops infusion for how long? When the Lottery Ticket comes up, perhaps, meanwhile one cannot help equate this to two Bradford Servings. Back in the Real World, Handi Masala Lamb (£11.99) was a more realistic prospect.
The Mother of Marg, to my knowledge, has never been to a Curry House. The Father of Marg served in India and returned to Blighty as a convert to the World’s Greatest Food. The Nasty 1960s Packet Stuff sufficed, I have been told oft. Mother-in-law may not have tasted Curry of any description for some twenty years.
Marg thought a Fish Curry would be ideal for her Mother given her propensity to eat Fish. Biryani – said Margery Sr. Marg replied with – Fish. It was agreed they would share: Makwali Fish Curry (£11.99) – Traditional Bengal fish curry prepared with cod fish in rich brown gravy with shallots, ginger, garlic, herbs and spices. Plus – Chicken Biryani (£9.99). It was fitting that our table would be graced with Biryani after our India Trip. (…which will be dropped in to every Blog at an appropriate opperchancity). Last time we visited this venue we had just returned from Maroc, so it goes. Where next?
The Paratha served at Shri Bheema’s is a Standout, one Plain Paratha (£3.99). Marg ordered her usual solitary Chapatti (£2.79). At this point, The Bradford Readers have fainted in shock, as is known, up to four Chapattis are inclusive with every meal.
Poppadoms were offered, the Margerys accepted.
The Order was given, about eight other Diners were present this session. The photo of the Taj Mahal raised a smile, wot, no scaffolding? It was good to take a photo of this fine building with the water in place also.
Hector!
Makesh, Mein Host, came over to greet us, it was his day off. Makesh and Sajid have looked after us very well on our previous visits. Introductions were made to Marg Sr. We were in India four days ago…
Shri Bheema’s is doing well as an operation. Anitha contacted me later to give more information on their new branches in England.
Makwali Fish Curry
The Makwali Fish Curry was Classic Fish Curry in a Strange Coloured Masala that surely must contain Coconut, Hector would never have ordered this. The Chicken Biryani came with some Masala and a second Dip, the British way. Chicken Biryani
Margery Sr. enjoyed the Fish – The fish was pleasant to eat. Marg had more to say – The fish was sweeter than I expected, very light and tasty. I took their word for it. I had the Hector Curry.
For reasons that remain unexplained, the Chicken Biryani was divvied on to two plates and a considerable quantity of Rice left in the bowl. The remnants were never touched despite Margery Sr. saying she could eat more. The Chicken Biryani was a great success.
Margery Sr. – Of it all, the Chicken was the most appealing. (She didn’t want Fish!)
Marg – The chicken was good, there was plenty rice with a wee kick, I didn’t use the sauce.
I cannot help but recall the Biryani Marg ordered in Tunis, where she encountered Masala-free Biryani for the first time.
Handi Masala Lamb
This Dish has been thoroughly enjoyed on previous occasions. Marg once described it as the Best Curry she has ever had in Aberdeen, nothing to live up to then. My Final Indian Curry was Fierce, this was Tame in comparison. More Seasoning for Hector please. The Masala is what makes The Dish. Indian Masalas, runny Shorva accepted, were not as Thick as one hopes to be served in the UK, today’s Masala was a Treat, Hector is Home. The Tomato content was a feature, Tomato Seeds were visible, this was a Rich Masala, with Quality Lamb one has Outstanding Curry.
Six, plus, Large Pieces of The Best of Lamb complemented the Masala. With a Perfect Paratha, this was great eating. The Yellowness of the Paratha puzzled, however, it was as Flaky as one expects at this venue. One Happy Hector.
Makesh was back, Coffee was required by the Ladies. Dessert was offered, Margery Sr. accepted Carrot Halva (£3.99). The coffee is wonderful – remarked Marg. Kimbo – Espresso Italiano. Akhtar at Mia -Sugar and Spice (Glasgow) asked me recently to recommend a brand. Hector’s coffee knowledge is restricted to Continental, percolated the old fashioned way.
The Bill
£52.72. Makesh had invoked a 15% Loyal Customer Discount. £44.81. Much better. Had I known in advance I may have tackled the Lamb Chops Balti.
The Aftermath
Makesh presented a ticket to a performance of Indian Musik at Holburn West tomorrow evening. Marg negotiated a second, we shall see who goes. Tomorrow Hector gets to eat Bradford Curry, in Glasgow.