Hector knew one thing for certain today as he headed to Musselburgh to celebrate Neil’s Birthday/Retiral do – there would be no Curry-Heute. Whatever the source of the stomach bug, Hector has been out of commission since the small hours of Tuesday.
As John made his departure from The Staggs, he uttered – The C Word. Suddenly the guts felt normal, we arranged to rendezvous at the New Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) at 20.30. The Cross Country from Waverley was on time, John took the Queen St. option, Hector arrived bang on 20.30, John moments afterwards. He had forwarded the instruction – a la Hector.
Qaiser was at the dark doorway as I arrived – what has happened to the lights?
Tuesday.
Ayaz (Mein Host) behind the counter, Chef Rashid finally made his appearance.
Qaiser advised that the only Lamb left was Lamb Chops. Lamb Chops Karahi (£8.00) and a Chapatti (£0.70) it would be. So it goes.
On entering, John noticed that the Price Boards had been stripped. The New Karahi Palace is finally raising its prices, Qaiser assured us it would not be by much. Time will tell.
The Staff know both John and Hector well, however, they have not often seen us here together.
Extra salt, extra methi – said Qaiser as he placed the Karahis on the table.
There was immediate speculation as to whether John’s was the same or had been toned down. Why would Rashid prepare two separate Dishes?
Hector spotted the Masala was even Thicker and Darker than the normal – Thick, the Masala was also more plentiful. It was John who spotted that the Chops had been cooked in the Tandoor, the skewer hole was the giveaway.
The Vapour rising from the Karahis made photography difficult. John meeds to learn how to use a digital camera.
John experienced the Methi Blast first. Hector was still marvelling at the Intense Heat of the Dish and the Oil collecting on the sides. Bits of the ample Chapattis were torn off, dipped in the Oil, an attempt to find – The Flavour. If we’re having an Oil Residue, let it be Magnificent.
Four Large-Thick Tandoori Chops were eventually tackled by Hector, John was well into his. Hector was still marvelling at the Masala, then there was the realisation, the appetite is not what it was a week ago. John unearthed a Piece of Lamb on-the-bone which had not seen a Tandoor. Hector found a solitary Rib. One suspects we had all of what was left in the House.
That was good, I’m done. It was salty, probably too much for me.
The Hector Curry prepared exactly to order can be too much for some. Tonight’s offering was on the Limit. The abundance of Fresh Green Chillies provided the Extra Kick, if required. Some of John’s surplus Ginger Strips crossed the table.
Hector did not clear his Karahi, beaten, there was more Masala than could be managed on this occasion.
When asked for a verdict:
Tandoori Chops are always a Pleasure, but one loses the House Taste.
The Bill
£17.60. Not for much longer.
The Aftermath
And so, we await the price rise and the fixing of the Neon Lights. Time to drop the – New?
and IOU £2.00. Perhaps I can treat you to a post budget NKP paratha once your appetite has been restored.
Hector replies:
Appetite restored?
Wait until my Dusseldorf Experience is written:
The World’s Largest Curry Portion?