Saturday, April 30 1956, as I recall, nothing much happened on that day. However, tonight Sixty Years later, there is a Big Party at The Staggs in Musselburgh. Prior to this, The Hector has to be fed.
Marg, who still works, finished her Saturday Duties in Kilmarnock just before noon. Hector was there to collect her. Try having Curry in this part of Ayrshire on a Saturday Lunchtime. Balbir’s Route 77 has been re-branded/sold and is not open as sources suggest at this time. We went to check it out, how does one gain access now?
The A71 connects Kilmarnock with Edinburgh, via Glaston, Darvel, Strathaven, nothing open. By the time we had passed the M74 the realisation hit, we should have gone to one of Glasgow’s Finest Curry Houses, not just settle for whatever. The A71 was abandoned in favour of the roadworks on the M8. Musselburgh was calling.
Three days ago, Hector and Dr. Stan visited the Gurkha Bar & Restaurant (96 N High St, Musselburgh EH21 6AS), it was – OK. Closing at 14.30, Marg phoned just after 14.00 to verify they would take us. Had it really taken this long to drive across Central Scotland?
Mein Host today was a different Chap, so no recognition. The Menu was provided but no Poppadoms or Dips were forthcoming. I suggested to Marg that she have the Achari Lamb (£9.55) that looked the better of the two Dishes served on Wednesday. Marg, against all advice, chose the Lamb Karahi (£8.95) without Qualification. This was a risky move, we shall see. As ever, a single Chapati (£2.00) would accompany. £2.00 for one Chapati?
Wait for it…
Hector totally ignored the usual parts of the Menu and went straight to the Vegetable Dishes. Eh?
A lot of Lamb has been consumed since the return from India. The Vegetable Curry in Wroclaw was a Standout, I am happy to continue in this frame. A Mixed Vegetable Curry (£7.55) with Mushroom Pilau (£2.75) to accompany it would be. The Biryani Section was considered, today Hector would have no Meat. I’ll be eating Chicken next. Why is it so hard to secure Quality Fish Curry in Central Scotland?
As 14.30 approached I observed that some of our Fellow Diners were having an Extended Lunch. The Foaming Ale was still being ordered. Bar & Restaurant it says.
Mixed Vegetable Curry
Altogether now – Potatoes, Cauliflower, Peas, and Green Beans – the Standard Four. There was enough Diversity in Texture, each adding their Personality, I am becoming used to this. The Masala was impressively Thick and in no way Excessive. The Seasoning was acceptable, a Medium Kick, what was there not to like? There was a Wholesome, Earthy Flavour markedly different than any Meat Curry. The more I ate, the better it became. Ah, the Cauliflower had the same Foostie Taste discovered in New Delhi’s Rampur Kitchen. Over-cooked? To get all of the Vegetables perfect must be difficult without prior cooking.
The Mushroom Rice came in a sensible sized portion, the Mushrooms were Fresh thankfully. The Curry and Rice was filling, Meat was not missed. Hector will be eating more Vegetable Curry in the foreseeable.
Lamb Karahi
When Hector orders this Dish there is always negotiation about what should accompany the Meat. When Potatoes can be agreed upon instead of the Usual Ballast then I know I have made the point. How often have I seen Marg suffer with Large Chunks of Onion and Capsicum?
The Masala appeared to me as very similar to that served with the Vegetable Curry, and Excessive.
The taste of the sauce is lovely, the lamb is tender …maybe not actually. Marg’s optimism was short-lived. She pulled out four pieces of Capsicum, red, orange then finally green. The Big Onion Chunks did not suit her either. Marg should know by now not to risk Karahi in lesser known venues.
Having decanted all of the Mushroom Rice for photographic purposes, Marg lost out. One Chapati did not go far. There was more than enough Rice to share. This time Hector had the better experience. Next time I suppose it has to be Achari Lamb.
The Bill
£25.35. It is my Birthday. Didn’t I do well?
The Aftermath
Despite 100% sobriety, I struggled to release myself from the bench seat. Note to self, if I fall down again it is time to leave The Staggs.
Postscript – Hector was last out, again… and a Special Mention to Curryspondent Archie, and his Lady, Maureen who came to The Staggs to help celebrate the day.