Eleanor, who represented Hector at the Curry Awards earlier this month, suggested a Curry for All before watching the beat combo – Slow Train – later at the Commodore. On the train down to Helensburgh, Hector met Curryspondent Kevin. One would be surprised if he does not appear in person before too long in these pages.
Marg, who had been passing time in a Coffee Chain, met me at the corner. At 18.50 we climbed the stairs to Helensburgh’s Longest Established Curry House, still The Best by far. The Akash (45 Sinclair St, Helensburgh, G84 8TG) is a Home from Home, though the front of house staff have all changed in recent months. They are still learning. Mein Host, Rashid, currently spends most of his time in the kitchen. One expects nothing but Outstanding Curry at the Akash.
We were offered a table for fourteen. I was surprised. Eleanor has lost count, why do people say they are coming, then not? When Eleanor showed we were but three so moved to a smaller table. Rumour had it, Jamie 2 may join us.
Auto Hector
Visits to Helensburgh are no longer a daily occurrence and so neither are visits to the Akash. The Hector Specials have evolved over the years since the New Management took over. Currently, the Achari Gosht is my Favoured Curry, though technically it is not on the Menu. Ask! Fine tuning has to be applied at the point of ordering – a Sprinkling of Dried Methi to be applied at the point of serving. Methi, Hector needs his Methi. The Parathas are how they should be, Flaky and Layered. To start there has to be the Mixed Combo (£6.50) which is among the most expensive Starters ever contemplated in these pages. It is worth it, usually.
Marg and Eleanor have found a Dish they both love – Mint Coriander Masala (£9.00). As ever Marg would have a single Chapati, Eleanor the Boiled Rice. They would share a Vegetable Pakora, Marg holds their Pakora in the highest esteem. Such are the expectations of the visit.
Eleanor was on the same India Trip as Marg and Hector, but two years previously. We had a lot to catch up on. The laborious, nay tedious, Awards Night was also described. Dinner was served so late, Eleanor had to leave for her last train before Dessert. I cannot report verbatim, however, Eleanor assured me that the video of the Curry Lover of the Year 2016 revealed that she – quite likes Curry... Hector could not attend the Awards, something to do with an India Trip…
The Vegetable Pakora was up to Standard/Expectation, the Mixed Combo is definitely shrinking. The Lamb Tikka Cutlets are the Highlight for me, they are smaller than previously, and more chewy. Still, very Tasty. A smaller portion means it is easier to tackle The Main Course, maybe they could knock a £ off, at least.
Jamie arrived, no sooner had he sat down than the Waiter was over, not just to take his Drink order but his Food. I asked for a Menu. The Young Chaps are still learning. Jamie subsequently ordered Onion Bhaji (which technically does not exist), Chicken Achari (which is on the Menu) and a Naan.
Jamie is in training, he is soon to cycle down the west side of North America, fundraising, of course.
A Group of Chaps came in, the table of fourteen. Other tables along the first floor windows were occupied. This is the busiest I have seen the Akash in some time. Annaya’s is still out of action after the not so recent fire.
Achari Gosht – customised
One could tell, whilst taking the photo, that this was going to be Something Special. Before me sat the Thickest, Minimal Masala I have seen in over a month. With the Dried Methi and Fresh Coriander on top there would be four distinct Sources of Flavour. The Pickle was Intense, the Level of Seasoning was – Brave. This might not suit some, however, IMHO, this is how this Dish has to be to extract all of the Flavour within – Tremendous.
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There was plenty of Tender Lamb, the balance between Perfect Paratha and Meat had to be calculated. One can leave Paratha, one hates leaving Meat/Masala. I should order the Mixed Combo to arrive afterwards, not as a Starter. (Once upon a time, Dr. Stan and Hector used to have Kofta Palak, to share, for Dessert.) Excellent Curry!
Mint Coriander Masla Gosht
This is really good – stated Eleanor almost immediately. The Mint Coriander Masala in Lamb is tried and tested. Tonight’s Dish was possibly different from the previous savoured. Eleanor was sure she could taste a slight Pickle Element, I was invited to confirm, true. The Masala was also darker, the advantage of photographic records. Amazing Curry! – was her verdict. Every grain of Rice was finished, the plate licked, figuratively. And why did we receive a portion of Pilao Rice that was not ordered?
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Achari Murgh
Jamie, eating the Chicken version of Hector’s Feast for the first time was most certainly impressed. Thanks for the recommendation – was his contribution. For Jamie it was the Naan which stole the show. How Big? Crazy. What’s more, having burned up the calories before he arrived, he was able to eat the lot. There is a place in Bradford where he could eat for free…
The Bill
£68.70. A couple of pints had sneaked in there.
The Aftermath
Rashid was fetched from the kitchen. He marvels at the miles that Hector covers, this was our first post-India meeting. I congratulated Rashid on the Quality of the Food served this evening. He was busy, the Akash was busy.
Slow Train rocked. In a few hours, Hector will be 60.