The Chaps from Oakham Ales are in town this evening to meet – The Company – those who have been directly responsible for promoting Green Devil from a Seasonal Brew to a Regular Brew. A Substantial Dinner was required to absorb any excess partook’t at The State Bar thereafter.
Mia – Sugar & Spice (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) is just across the motorway from Charing X train Station, a minor detour. Akhtar, Mein Host, was manning the day-shift as is the current model. Greetings were exchanged, I took what has become my customary table adjacent to the Kitchen hatch. Why sit at a larger table and have the Staff clear away three settings? 
I was The Lone Diner throughout the Seder, until a couple of Chaps took the window table for Coffee. Mia – The Coffee House? Why not, I note they are also advertising a three course Lunch and pre-theatre Dinner. Akhtar said that he had a group of Ladies from Bearsden here at Lunchtime. Hopefully Mia Sugar & Spice will maintain their all-day opening.
On my last visit here I ordered Vegetarian, not this time, Bunkers required. Lamb Desi Handi (£9.95) with a Chapatti (£1.75 – ouch) should suffice. Akhtar asked if I wished Roti or Chapatti. I stated that Roti tend to go Crisp, I prefer traditional Chapattis. Tawaa – he said, – not Tandoori. The Hector is always learning. For the Desi Handi we agreed on Hotter than Medium – Hot. It was only when Akhtar announced the order to The Chef that on-the-bone was aired, he knows.
Two Complimentary Poppadoms, Spiced Onion and Dips were brought in a flash. The Spiced Onions were on top form, Spicy with a slight Sweetness. One Poppadom was quite sufficient. (The Curry-Heute Campaign arguments have been removed from the Homepage and given its own stand alone page, less clutter.) Supplies were being brought in, one of the Sons of Akhtar greeted me as he passed by with boxes, various. A full Pint of Sparkling Water accompanied, now we’re talking.
India had to mentioned, due to recent visits here being later, I have not seen Akhtar since The India Trip.
The Lamb Desi Handi sizzled in the Karahi, another – Gosh – moment. The Pile of Meat was easily in double figures, all Large Pieces. The Masala Mash was seriously Thick, the way The Hector desires. The Onion-Tomato Mash was scooped on to pieces of ample Chapatti, alternating with the devouring of the Lamb. The Green Chillies on top added to the Ferocious Kick. It’s not too hot? – asked Akhtar. Impossible – was the reply. Bravado.
In the past week I have enjoyed The Best of Karahi at Manchester’s Dera and Glasgow’s very own Yadgar. This Desi Handi was running them close, a bit more Seasoning, perhaps Methi too, and it would have been right up there. The Lamb was suitably Tender, the gnashers employed fully to separate Meat from Bone, five in all. A good Ratio of Meat on-the-bone to Boneless. This was an Excellent Curry.
Akhtar brought over the rest of the Litre Bottle, – You may as well have this. Hassan was mentioned, his school in Casablanca is now operational. Akhtar had been reading the Review of my last visit as I ate. I informed him that Mia Sugar & Spice has been promoted to Glasgow’s Top Rated.
The Bill
£15.00 Rounded down.
The Aftermath
Time for Ale, Hector was introduced to the Oakham Brewer who invented – Green Devil. Other Ales are available.