Marg, Lord Clive of Crawley, and Hector headed to Horsham this evening with the knowledge that Lady Maggie may, or may not join us later. The Anchor Tap Ale House was the Principal Objective, Curry was called for too. Marg declared she was fading and needed resuscitation, the Curry had to precede any Ale.
Clive had done some simple research – what appears to be the Best Curry House in Horsham? Sources suggested the Akash (66 East St, Horsham RH12 1HN 66 East St, Horsham RH12 1HN, England), a long established venue. This is strange given that he will not take me to the Taj Mahal in Crawley, still, I sneaked there once.
Arriving just after 19.00 a few tables were occupied. I remarked to Marg on the Aroma as we took our seats – This place smells like a Curry House.
Two pages of the menu covered the Specials. A problem, having dismissed the numerous Chicken dishes, the Lamb Dishes all appeared to be be BBQ Meat. Regular Readers know that Hector’s Preference is Tender Lamb, the Meat is not sealed, more chance of the Spices in the Masala permeating. Once a BBQ/Tandoor is employed then the Marinade is all, the Masala remains an independent entity. In other words, Hector desires – Curry – but is not adverse to Tandoori Starters.
The Karahi Lamb was dismissed instantly. Tender Lamb yes, what immediately follows, no way. Marg chose Salmon Makai (£11.50) – BBQ fillet salmon cooked with mild spices in a smooth cream sauce with a touch of coconut. A light and delightfully delicate dish. … and very suited to Marg.
Clive also selected a Dish from the Specials – Lamb Chilli Masala (£7.80) – BBQ lamb cooked in a rich pungent sauce with fresh green sliced chillies.
The Hector Curry came from list of Traditional Dishes – Lamb Methi (£6.30), it has been a while since I had – My Precious.
Accompaniments
Marg was going to order her standard Chapatti, Hector the Vegetable Pilao (£3.00), then I spotted it – Imran Naan (£3.20) – Bread stuffed with spicy mince lamb, onions, garlic and fresh chopped green chillies. Who could resist this? Clive was on board, Marg and I would share an Imran Naan and a Vegetable Pilao.
Dial C for Curry
Maggie phoned Clive, she was on her way. Should we order Starters and wait, or go ahead? I reminded Marg that we were here, pre Ale, because she was hungry.
False Alarms
This will be ours – I deduced when The Waiter wheeled out a trolley. He stopped short. Next out was a Sizzling Iron covered with Tikka, the Aroma was Pungent, Wonderful. Cue the fire alarm. Nobody moved.
As our Dishes were brought, so Maggie announced her arrival at Horsham Station. Marg agreed to fall on the sword and meet Maggie half way, momentarily she would give her very Creamy Salmon Makai back to be kept hot. I would simply have sent it away, this was not for me.
The Lamb Chilli Masala appeared as described, this looked to be a Worthy Dish, a quality Masala with Oil collecting on the side of the serving dish.
Oh yes!
The Lamb Methi was Stunning! Far removed from the Saag/Palak that some venues serve, this was indeed a Masala rich in Methi. First things first.
Marg took some of the Vegetable Rice and started on her Salmon Makai. She was loving this – Creamy, a change, I wanted something a bit different. I had a taste, Coconut to the fore, no thank you. Marg departed.
The remainder of the Vegetable Pilao was spread across my plate. Potatoes, Peas and Onions featured, a good combination. For once, the Rice Portion was less than hoped for. Later I spotted a Portion of Boiled Rice being presented to the table opposite, Heaped, ours was not.
The Lamb was Tender to slightly Chewy, no problem. The Seasoning was – Under -, the Spice – Madras – as asked for, a Good Kick. Ah, the Methi, the Full Methi Blast. There’s more.
The Imran Naan was Plate Sized, again more would have been Merrier. As I have to accept, the Meat looked Doner-like, but at least was Brown, not the Bright Red served up so often. With the combination of ingredients, how could it fail? The Garlic had combined well with the Herb topping, this is one of the Tastiest Naans ever. Hector now had two Sources of Wonderful Flavours, plus the Variety of Textures with the Vegetables. This is as Good as Curry gets. Have I mentioned the Methi?
Clive too was impressed, the Meat in his Lamb Chilli Masala turned out not to be as tough as even he expected.
Certainly not tough, a bit of body to the lamb.
This looked a Worthy Dish.
M & M
The Ladies joined The Chaps. Maggie was starving, this is a common occurrence. Straight to the order – Butter Chicken and Mushroom Rice. Marg’s remaining Salmon Makai was returned to her, she finished the Imran Naan. Three Dishes, three Happy Customers. The plates were licked, figuratively.
Maggie’s Butter Chicken arrived in good time. Was it my imagination, the Mushroom Rice was piled high? Hector was distracted.
Marg took the Opperchancity to order a – Hot Milky Coffee. What came was Black Coffee with the sugar bowl. Marg explained that was not what she desired. The Black Coffee was soon accompanied by a small jug of Hot Milk. Coffee, Coffee and Ladies.
The Bill
£53.30. This included a 750ml Bottle of Sparkling Water (£3.90). The prices at Akash are very favourable. £6.30 for the Methi Lamb, I’ll be back.
The Aftermath
Hector took the Cash up to the counter, my method of introducing Britain’s most read Curry Blog. Mein Host indulged me as I showed him the range of countries visited. I’d love to be able to do that – was his supportive observation. He asked where my Favourite Curry was sourced. Glasgow, Bradford and Manchester were mentioned, then München. Indian Mango, Fisch Chettinad, it has been a while.
Horsham has charm, it also has Ale.