There are/were three Curry Houses in Ulverston. Taste of Balti is presently closed awaiting refurbishment before it reopens as Akbar Spice. Naaz (15-17 Queen St, Ulverston, LA12 7AF) was the first Ulverston Curry House visited. Tonight British Raj was the venue of choice.
From the 17.00 opening time until 18.30, a Happy Hour was advertised this Sunday evening. Marg, Marion, Graeme and Hector entered just before 19.00, the detritus sat on a few tables, at others the Diners were well ensconced, an Opperchancity to catch a glimpse of the Standard Puréed Indian Masalas. No Staff were visible, I went through to the rear, still no Staff. A Scottish Couple sat waiting. I’m sure I recognised the Chap, but could not establish from where. After some minutes their Takeaway was presented, then The Hector heard words that were inexplicable.
We have stopped serving.
No explanation was given, none sought, they had their reasons for refusing another four customers.
And so we walked along to Naaz which advertised a 30% Discount on Sunday and Monday, ah well. The place was busy, Hector was half expecting the – Do you have a reservation? We were taken through to the rear and down some stairs. A secluded table for five was allocated to us, a very good locus.
Last time here, Hector identified the Rajastani Gosht (£10.80) as the standout Dish. Graeme spotted this, now for his choice of Rice. Lemon Rice (£2.50) was dismissed, Mushroom Rice (£2.50) it would be.
Marion considered Chicken Malaya which appeared on the Menu twice. There was a Special at £10.80 or a £7.00 version. Both contained Fruit, a Mild Curry by all accounts. Boiled Rice (£2.10) would accompany.
Marg should know better, Lamb Tikka Karahi (£10.80). In our Glasgow-Punjabi Curry Houses we are served Authentic Karahi, in Mainstream Curry Houses the Onion and Capsicum Ballast is inevitable. Marg resolved to ask for the Capsicum to be withheld. The Onion Overdose was therefore tacitly invited. A Garlic Naan (£2.50) would be the only Bread ordered this evening.
Hector was in a Mainstream Curry House and so decided to play safe and have Traditional Curry. Balti was dismissed, most of the Specials were Chicken, back to the tried and tested. Lamb Rogan Josh (£7.00) with Vegetable Pilau (£2.50) was Hector’s choice.
A Young Waiter took the order. Marg was in first with her refinement – Capsicum – had to be translated as – Green Pepper. Graeme admitted that he did not know this term either. I had to ensure there was no Capsicum in either the Curry or the Rice. I observed the Waiter record the refinements on the carbon copy, a good system – we hoped.
Marion asked what Vegetables would be left if Capsicum was excluded. Hector explained that the Standard Indian Mixed Vegetables are – Peas, Green Beans, Potato and Cauliflower. Hector and Marg have been to India.
The stairs were adjacent to our table. We were amused by the fact the Waiters pushed all the Meals on a trolley to the top of the stairs and then had to lift the entire caboodle. I suppose Curry is not heavy.
All of the Mains were placed in the middle of our round table making the photography simpler. The Dinner Plates were all delightfully Warm on arrival.
Rajastani Gosht
Rajastani Gosht – A fairly hot stew dish prepared with shanks of grilled lamb and gently simmered in a yoghurt and tamarind sauce. A superb lamb dish with plenty of strong flavour.
The Rajastani Gosht was as Red as served to Hector five years ago, the Dreaded Food Dye.
Graeme commented upon – the vibrant colour – and was first to comment on the Tenderness of the Lamb. He was slightly concerned that the promised Spiciness could be to excess. I had assured him that this was most unlikely.
Not as spicy as the menu suggested.
That was quite tasty – was Graeme’s concluding remark.
Chicken Malaya
The Chicken Malaya was Yellow, Korma-esque, not for The Hector. This was totally adequate for someone who finds themselves in a Curry House because one Curry in a three night excursion in this Company is expected.
Having not studied the description on the Menu I noted carefully the encounters of Almond and Lychees. There was an issue with Lychees because they were not liked and were not listed in the Menu description. I was told Bananas were expected.
I really enjoyed my meal. The portion was perfect. – Marion’s two concluding statements.
Indeed, the Rice Portions were realistic, a matter raised after the recent German Trip when Rice was unnecessarily wasted.
From the Online Menu: Malaya – Cooked with Banana, pineapple, almonds and mild spices.
Lamb Tikka Karahi
Marg grimaced, Onion Ballast was to the fore. Well, what did she expect? Years ago, Marg used to order Dopiaza then wonder why she ended up with an Onion surplus. In effect, Mainstream Curry Houses are serving Dopiza in a Karahi and passing it of as such. We both know what Karahi is, this was not. Why Tikka Lamb?
I should have kept the green peppers – was Marg’s ironic observation. She enjoyed – the Curry – but was left with a Karahi base covered in Onion Ballast.
I don’t think I had eight bits of Lamb – was a worrying statement, confirming the reliance on Vegetable Ballast to bulk out the Dish.
The Naan Bread was great – was the positive.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Hector decanted the Vegetable Pilau, the Portion was Large but not Excessive. Potato, Green Beans, Peas and Cabbage were the Interesting Vegetables. Mission accomplished, when the Rogan Josh was poured over, I would have the perfect Combination of Masala and Solids, Varied.
Rogan Josh: Medium hot with a thick sauce, pan grilled tomatoes with fenugreek and fresh coriander.
Curryspondents will see why Hector was drawn to this Curry. The promise of a Thick Sauce, the inclusion of Methi.
The Masala was the Standard Indian Purée, there was a Slight Sweetness, but not such that enjoyment was impaired. I would not regard it as particularly – Thick. As Graeme had noted, the Lamb was indeed Tender. Hector’s Meat Tally was into double figures, no Ballast here, the Tomato was not to Excess. The Masala was Well-seasoned, the Kick was Modest, then… as I ate on, so the Spice Level increased. What cannot be forgiven was the Lack of Fenugreek or Fresh Coriander. One cannot advertise a Herb-rich Curry and serve this. Ulverston’s Naaz Rogan Josh was as Mainstream as Mainstream Curry could be. It was Curry, and as I have written many times, I like Curry. This Curry should have been better.
Why do Naaz serve Curry which does not include the stated Ingredients?
The Bill
£47.65. ???
I had to verify where the 30% had been applied, Food only was assumed, no discount on Drinks was expected.
An extra £8.80 had been added for Drinks on top of the £7.20 for a Pint of Cobra and two Sparkling Waters.
The Bill was challenged, the extra £8.80 removed, apologies were minimal, accepted.
£38.45. Four had dined out for a Tenner each! Good Value!
The Aftermath
Nobody came to collect the cash so we took it up to the counter. We still had to wait, there was no awareness of a Customer trying to hand over money. Bert and Doris on duty were not exactly run off their feet. The Bar Staff appeared to be intent on further spoiling our evening.