On Day three of the Glasgow Real Ale Festival (G-RAF 2016), Hector is attending as a paying customer, this means Bunkers are required afore. Charing Cross was the chosen locus, it is Ramadan, nowhere was open. Having survived both the Disappointment and a Deluge, the No. 3 Bus was boarded, this would take me to the South Side. As Charcoals in Renfield St. came into view I decided to re-visit their other branch. There was logic in this.
Charcoals Cafe (74 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5EP) is on the southern end of the Merchant City Curry House Cluster, not an area where I have found Outstanding Curry. I chose the return to Charcoals Cafe as it is nearest to The Briggait and therefore the Beer Festival.
It is one day short of two years since I was last here, Marg went to Wales for Hockey that day, today her Scotland Veterans beat Wales 4-0. Hector has been retired for exactly one year.
Entering at 14.30, a Delivery Chap was packing his bike, two Diners only were inside. I was offered any seat but the table nearest the door was suggested. I chose to go further inside.
The Menu was in three parts, a Lunch Menu, the Main, and a Pre-Theatre (£9.95). Lunch ended at 14.00, it was now Pre-Theatre time. Normally I do not consider these – Offers – in fear that the Portion Size suffers. Achari Balti only appeared in the Pre-Theatre Menu. In the past two days I have had Karahi Gosht and Keema Mutter Aloo, both at the New Karahi Palace, time for something different. Anticipating Mainstream Curry, Fried Rice should be a suitable Accompaniment. For the Starter it had to be Lahore Fish Pakora.
The Waiter took the order then returned to verify it was Lamb Achari Balti I required. There was time to take in my surroundings. Seating around forty five inside, there were tables outside on the pavement, how European. Does Brexit mean we shall have to cease this practise? A Couple came to the door and asked if they could have Coffee outside, not a problem. As would become apparent through my visit, the Staff were particularly polite.
The Lahore Fish Pakora had me won instantly. Four Large Pieces, twice what one would receive in the West End. Encased in a Fresh Coriander-rich Spicy Batter, this was as Light as only Fish Pakora could be. The Seasoning was Perfect. The Spicy Dip was accompanied by a Soupçon of Salad containing Cucumber, Radish, Carrot, Tomato, Lemon, Capsicum, Onion and Lettuce. This was a very well presented Starter, thoroughly enjoyable.
I was asked if I would like my Main Course straight away, I asked for a few minutes. Again this level of service was appreciated.
The appearance of two metal pots heralded the arrival of the Achari Balti and Fried Rice. The Quantity of Rice was Sensible, indeed this made me immediately count the pieces of Lamb, eight, and they were Large. As I have come to learn at their original premises, one does not leave Charcoals hungry.
The Masala was suitably Thick, more than I would normally desire, hence the Rice to soak it up. The Pickle Flavour was not in-the-face, but was there. The Spice and Seasoning were were within acceptable parameters, here comes the – But. It was obvious that the Lamb and Masala were strangers until a few minutes previously, there was no sense of Spice or Flavour having been infused into the Meat. This was Lamb with a Sauce rather than the hoped for experience. This is what I call a Mainstream Curry.
Why did I not spot the Jhatpat? This does look like something special indeed. I had better return, quickly.
The Bill
£13.45. £1.00 extra for Lamb. Overall, good value considering the Portion Size, especially the Fish Pakora.
The Aftermath
A Calling Card was left without comment. Mein Host bade me farewell and asked if I had enjoyed my Meal.
The Fish Pakora was the standout – I informed him.