Hector cannot be everywhere and so it was great to receive such a warm welcome from Khalid and Saeed on entering Lasani Grill (223-225 Allison street, Glasgow, G42 8RU). It is almost a year since I last dined here, this had to be rectified. With Marg away on a Hen Night, The Hector had to be fed. The BBC of 2 would rendezvous at the Allison Arms at 16.00, Hector entered Lasani Grill just on 15.00.
After the shaking of hands I surveyed what was on offer. Four Chicken Dishes, Aloo Gobi and two Lamb Dishes, one obviously Biryani. Khalid had to consult a colleague to establish what it was – Karela Gosht. That’ll do nicely. However, it does mean that a comparison with the memorable Karela Gosht presented last week at Ambala Deli Bar is inevitable. Rice looked to be the best Accompaniment given abundance of Masala in the tray. I took my seat in the Dining Area, the Lone Diner. I noted that the tables are set up differently from before, longer tables for families? The Delivery Chap would leave with his Red Thermal Bag three times during my visit, who orders Deliveries mid afternoon?
Saeed brought the Mango Rubicon and the Famous Lasani Grill Salad. This venue has set the Standard for accompanying Salads, with Black Olives and Pickled Green Chillies, one could be tempted to try their Kebaps.
No sooner had the Salad been presented when Saeed brought the Curry and Rice. Hector likes to eat his Food when it is as hot as possible, this was to the detriment of the Salad, a pity.
Fried Rice – said Saeed. A Takeaway container had evidently been nuked given the pattern on the plate. There was more than enough Rice to accompany the Curry.
By choosing the Display Curry I had eschewed my favoured Curry Style of Dry-Thick Minimal Masala. This was Curry with the Classic Indian Masala, too Splashy for Bread, this is why we have Curry and Rice. The Lamb was on-the-bone which was welcome, Bones mean more Flavour. Sucky Bones and a Flat Bone suggested Leg and Shoulder, Quality Lamb. It may be worth mentioning that the Asian Grocers along Allison Street are selling Spring Lamb at £8.99 a Kilo, which is marvellous.
A few pieces of Onion were mixed in, boiled in the Masala. This made me wonder how the Karela had been cooked, not boiled surely? The Bitterness from the Karela gave this Lamb Curry the extra dimension to raise it from Mainstream, this was Desi. The Seasoning was not so apparent initially, nor was the Spice. A quick visit to the Salad introduced the Chillies, now we’re talking. The Meal improved with every mouthful, the Salad changed the Texture, the Interesting Vegetables were raw, so it goes.
I was almost finished when the third star of Lasani Grill emerged from the kitchen – Chef Habib. Again there was a shake of hands and an enquiry as to where I have been. Mentioning – The India Trip – did not have a huge impact, perhaps few Punjabi-Pakistanis are impressed by this.
I did ask if the Karela had been Roasted or Boiled. Roasted – was the clear reply. I was told that by failing to do so, 50% of the Flavour of the Bitter Gourd would be lost. Next time I cook this I shall know.
Now I have to admit the comparison with Ambala, the latter was one of the best interpretations of Karela Gosht ever presented, Lasani Grill’s was I suspect, more Traditional, but still Enjoyable.
The Bill
£8.15. Most affordable.
The Aftermath
Where are your friends? – asked Saeed. Indeed, why are people not dropping by here?
