It takes skill, or three months, to manage four diaries simultaneously, hence the time lapse since Alan, Tracy, Marg and Hector last dined together. The rendezvous was The World Famous Bon Accord due to its proximity to one of Charing X’s finest Curry Houses – Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall St, Charing Cross, Glasgow, G3 7PQ). It was The Helensburgh Couple’s choice to return to the Bradford Curry Chain in Glasgow. Outstanding Curry was anticipated.
The booking was for 19.45, we were punctual which does introduce the risk having to wait for our table. A familiar face greeted us, Imran, the original Maitre d’ is back. We were shown to our window table immediately. Danial introduced himself, our Waiter for this evening.
There would be Lamb Chops (£3.95), these are a must at Akbar’s. Three Portions, Marg would have a Poppadom whilst we indulged. The latter would be charged. Sometimes they are Complimentary.
Hector had two Dishes picked out. The Outstanding Roshan Lal (£9.95) has been enjoyed here on a few occasions. On a previous visit my Tweak was denied – It’s already in. The Karahi Gosht (£7.45) is a worthy fallback. Danial summoned Imran, Mein Host declared it was nonsense to state that the Roshan Lal was not available without Capsicum. QED. A Plain Paratha (£2.50) would accompany, Parathas at Akbar’s are Special.
Alan chose the Karahi Gosht, Tracy – Karahi Chicken Palak (£7.45), both would have Chapatis. Marg went for Karahi Gosht Palak (£7.45), note, no extra charge for Lamb. Marg too would have her customary Chapati. £2.00 for a Chapati in a Bradford Chain? Shocking.
Normally the Waiter would state how long it would be for the Mains to arrive. Either this Ritual has been dropped, or has become meaningless when one orders a Starter.
Important!
At this point in Akbar’s, one has to make the Waiter aware that one does not wish to be served the Bland Glasgow version of their Fayre. One must ask for – Desi style, or Asian style. The Food will be served Spicy, this way one can experience a true Bradford Curry.
We are here – To Dine
When one is out with Alan and Tracy, this means the Sparkling Water is abandoned. Having accepted the Blandness of Kingfisher in India, drinking Cobra is no hardship. Maybe a Hops Overdose with Curry would be excessive. Though Rowing Jack with Curry in Warszawa was a Treat.
Alan is a Ciderman. Akbar’s do not have Draught Cider, buying Two Bottles to make the Pint is therefore extortionate. A Deal was done. They would bring Pints and charge at the Pint of Bier Rate – £3.95. One or two Pints would be consumed, as is the norm.
Lamb Chops
A Portion is Four, or Three by the time Marg has invaded my territory. The Three Portions arrived, Tracy sent hers back momentarily, they were decidedly underdone. Very seasoned– said Marg of her stolen Chop. The three Chops were Well-seasoned, the Spice on the tip of the tongue had – The Wow. When Tracy’s much improved Chops were returned – Very tasty when well fired. Marg received two Chapatis. All was well.
Best in Glasgow
During the interval, Hector was invited to take a photo of the trophy won by Akbar’s in the recent Curry Awards in which Hector was a Finalist for – Curry Lover of the Year. Akbar’s did win – Best Restaurant in Glasgow. What does this say about about the rest of Glasgow when a Bradford Chain wins? It may confirm my belief over the last twenty years, Bradford Curry is Best. The reality may be down to how the Curry Houses are chosen, or promote themselves. The Best Glasgow Curry Houses-proper are not put forward. are not put forward. Politics. Marketing. Sponsorship. Hector does not win Awards.
Karahi Chicken Palak
The Minimal Masala, the fact that the Spinach is strewn through the Meat, rather than the Dark Green Mass, made this Dish appealing even to The Hector. One day. Tracy enjoyed her selection – Absolutely tasty, I’m looking forward to breakfast tomorrow. Indeed, the Portions are deceptive, Doggy Bag required.
Karahi Gosht
This looks like a Bradford Curry, Small cut Meat, Thick Masala. As well as ‘complaining’ to Danial that there were no Rose Petals on the table, Alan has been allowed one further indulgence. It is nearly his 50th Birthday, and so he is permitted to describe his Meal thus – It was …. Nice. – a once in a lifetime indulgence. It lived up to expectations. A Restaurant can do no more.
Karahi Gosht Palak
Dark and Mysterious, this Dish was served too Spicy for Marg. Very rich, the meat was succulent, small bits, I liked that, but a bit too spicy for my taste-buds.
Roshan Lal
This I consider to be Akbar’s Signature Dish. This Dish was Seriously Spiced. The Masala was so Minimal, Thick, Dry, Classic Punjabi Cuisine, and nothing like anything served to Hector during the India Trip 2016. The Lamb was cut Bradford-small, the Meat went on forever. If the initial Dip of the Perfectly Layered Paratha impressed flavour-wise, then this was noting when one uncovered what lay beneath. The Bradford Taste emanated from the Base of the Karahi, others may not believe this, but Hector Loves Curry, this year, every year.
The Chapatis had Coffee (£2.50), The Chaps had other Liquids. Doggy Bags were arranged. Hector admits to adding some of his to Marg’s not dissimilar Dish. We had one full Karahi and one Empty Karahi at the end. The Portions at Akbar’s are Substantial. How can people eat a Starter and finish a Main Course?
The Bill
£88.90. £30.00 of this was a Drinks’ Bill, disgraceful. Still, without – The Cider Deal – it would have been worse. We were charged for one Chapati. Fair dos.
The Aftermath
Danial was praised, he had looked after us very well indeed.
Farewell to Imran, it is good to see him back. I hope he stays, Akbar’s Glasgow needs him.
Later at The State Bar
Alan and Tracy have signed up for the Wolf Strassenfest later this year. Their Co-traveller will be Mags, what were the chances?
28 Days Later
The Remnants of the Roshan Lal and Karahi Gosht were mixed and reheated. The Spice Level was at the top end of the scale. How did Marg eat any of hers?
