Hector is in Glasgow for but a few hours between the UK part of what we shall call Marg’s Summer Vacation and the Continental Leg. Two weeks after a visit to the Trongate Branch of Charcoals, the Cafe, it was deemed to be time to revisit the Mother-ship: Charcoals Indian Restaurant (26A Renfield St, Glasgow, G2 1LU).
The Pre-Theatre Menu (£9.95) impressed at the Cafe, the Jhatpat – cooked with green herbs, black pepper & cheese – this is something special! – caught the eye too late. Today it was time to order the Lamb Jhatpat, £1.00 extra for the privilege of ordering Lamb.
Entering at 15.15, the Afternoon Manager consulted his booking sheet, I was shown to one of the two window tables, each seating four. Moments later a Couple entered, the ritual was repeated, this time the Customers were advised that their table would need to be vacated by a quoted time. Charcoals does good business late afternoon and early evening, booking is worth a consideration. Again I ask why so few venues stay open all afternoon especially on a Saturday.
A different Waiter took the Drinks Order, the Sparkling Water as ever, the Preferred Choice.
The Afternoon Manager returned to take the Food Order:
Lahore Fish Pakora, then Lamb Jhatpat with Rice.
Medium, Spicy? Spicy.
Boiled or Fried? Fried.
Since the birth of Curry-Heute, few Set Menus have been ordered, however, I know from many years of Curry Eating that one cannot always expect Tweaks to be offered. You take what you get, not at Charcoals.
The Lahore Fish Pakora came in three Long Pieces. I had received much more at Charcoals Cafe, indeed the Pakora was the standout part of that visit. There was visibly less Fresh Coriander in the Batter today, the Seasoning was – Under -, not so impressive. The Accompanying Salad at Trongate was also significant, here was indeed a Modest Salad.
Lahore Fish Pakora
Charcoals Indian Restaurant Charcoals Cafe
Keep Calm and Curry On…
The Rice looked Delightful, a Brown Hue, Cardamoms revealing themselves on decanting, more than just – Rice. The Lamb Jhatpat initially looked Stunning, the much sought after Minimal and Thick Masala with the Solids protruding. But….
There was more than Meat, Noooooooo……
Not only Green Capsicum, but Red too. Not just the Offending Ballast, but Loads of it.
I have glanced through my previous reviews of Curry at Charcoals, Peppers have never been an issue. The Jaipuri is the only Dish I can see on their Menu which even mentions Peppers. What had happened here? There was nothing for it, a Pile had to be made on the side of the plate. There was so much of it I could not find every piece before it had sneaked its way into Hector’s Mouth. I know I go on about this, this Ballast is not an Asian Vegetable, I was appalled to find Chefs in India using it on occasion, thankfully this was rare. I have had discussions with all who wish to talk – Curry, Capsicum should not be included. The Curry-Heute Campaign shall continue, ad nauseum.
Hector likes Capsicum, finely cut in Stir Fries, fine. Apart from being Ballast, in Curry it repeats long afterwards. Not the pleasure of – what a fine Curry, the nastiness of Pepper Burps, yeuch.
Worse still, the Ballast means less Meat. There was a sufficiency of Fibrous – Beef-like – Tender Lamb. Despite the fact that the Lamb appeared to have come from – The Pot – directly, giving nothing to the Dish, the Dish had potential. The Cheese had been added at the point of serving I deduced. It had melted, therefore adding a Gloopy Consistency first found in a Makhani in the original Akash (Helensburgh).
Still the Pile of Capsicum grew. The waiter came over to check my progress.
The Menu didn’t say Capsicum would be in the Dish.
You don’t like Capsicum?
Capsicum should never be in Curry.
As I finished my meal, the Waiter approached with an apologetic smile – Next time no Capsicum.
Dear Restaurateurs across The Planet, there should be no – next time.
Something special? Not today.
The Bill
£12.45 – £1.00 cheaper than Charcoals Cafe, a more sensible price for the Sparkling Water?
The Aftermath
Departure time was 15.15, a quick turnaround.
On a Favourite Social Medium people who saw, were appalled at the Pile of Capsicum.
I finally have a photo of what I do NOT want.
