As suggested on Monday, the first day of Glasgow Curry Week, Dr. Robin was keen to accompany Hector for more Curry-Heute. Having been to Karahi Palace, Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) was the next logical venue to take The Good Doctor. Dr. Robin, having found the Curry Bug, went to Charcoals yesterday and plans to visit Akbar’s at the weekend. I reminded him to order – Asian Style – at the latter venue else he will receive Glasgow Curry, not Bradford Curry. Perhaps this week that should not be the instruction?
Shkoor, Mein Host, was contacted yesterday as is the Hector-Yadgar norm. Goshat Karahi for two was ordered, on-the-bone. It was only after the Order was acknowledged I gave consideration to inviting Dr. Stan also. Maybe not, and I hope all goes ahead and well tomorrow.
Arriving in the Southside early, Hector went on a quick tour of Govanhill venues. The findings are best reported in a separate Blog entry.
Omar and Naveed were behind the counter as I entered Yadgar just before 16.00. Dr. Robin arrived before I had taken my seat. A table had been set for four, two places were removed, we would be the only Diners for the next hour. This is the perfect time to eat for those of us unburdened from work.
Omar commenced The Assembly of the Feast. Poppadoms, The Dips, Onion Chutney, a Classic Yadgar Salad complete with sliced Black Olives and two types of Pickled Green Chillies. This was all part of the Yadgar Welcome, Naveed brought the Fish Pakora, now we were replete.
I had warned Dr. Robin that a mass of Food would be presented and that he should prepare by having an early and light Breakfast, and definitely no Lunch. Hector’s preparation was to have Nil by Mouth, as perhaps Dr. Stan had also been instructed?
The Black Olives pleased Dr. Robin, a particular favourite. The Fish Pakora was Delightful, Fresh and Moderately Spiced. With an inkling as to what could follow, Hector was somewhat conservative in his intake, Dr. Robin carried on regardless.
The Chap whose name remains elusive, brought the Karahi. Being a first-timer at Yadgar, I hit Dr. Robin with the customary – Wait until yours comes!
Behold – Karahi Chops – or so I thought. The Pile of Chops was way above the rim of the Karahi, it was impossible to say how many at the start. Beneath the Chops was the Residue Yadgar Masala-mash, the Oil was collecting around the mass of Food as one expects. Hector showed the way and decanted the first ten Lamb Chops to his plate. Dr. Robin took fewer, a more tentative start. The two Chapattis would be sufficient to share, no way should we fill ourselves with Bread. I have seen – Meat Feast – on Pizza Menus, aye right.
On November 10th 2013, Hector sat at Yadgar and was presented with a similar Karahi. On that day I counted Fifteen Chops , all for me, Obscene. Today I resolved not to eat more than Fourteen, no matter what. One has Standards.
The first batch was devoured, the limit of Fourteen could be reached without duress. Hector’s appetite was back. Meanwhile across the table, Dr. Robin had finally abandoned his knife and fork. That is not the way to eat Lamb Chops, Chapatti was the insulation.
I had scooped some of the Masala-mash and made an unexpected discovery. What to others may look like flattened Celery was in fact Karela, the Bitter Gourd. On recent visits to Ambala Desi Bar I have witnessed Fellow Diners struggle with a Karela Overdose, not here, this was subtle. The Bitterness of the Karela balanced the Slight Sweetness of the Masala, not any Masala, but the very distinctive Yadgar Masala.
And so we ate on, and on….
They must cook it for hours to get the sauce to permeate the meat, it’s right through – speculated Dr. Robin. In case it is not clear, this was not Tandoori Chops covered in a Masala, these were Tender Lamb Chops. I pointed out that the Masala was Tomato-based, no Onions were evident. Spice and Seasoning were both at Perfect levels, just how can Chef achieve this so consistently?
Glad I had a light breakfast – exclaimed Dr. Robin as he tackled the Final Chops.
I managed it – said Dr. Robin as he reached the conclusion. Hector had stopped at the targeted Fourteen.
Both Omar and Naveed had checked to see if any more could be offered, required. What more?
The empty Karahi showed very little Oil. The Bones were put back in. Mission accomplished.
The Bill
£30.00. The Standard Charge, still.
The Aftermath
Mr. Anwar Sr. was introduced to Dr. Robin, always a pleasure to meet the owner. Dr. Robin told him he would never have heard of, or found Yadgar without Curry-Heute. And so another Circle of Friends will be made aware.
Synergy
As we made our way back into the City Centre, Dr. Robin was still considering what he had eaten. That he could not identify a single Spice puzzled. The individual components had created a Unique Flavour, a Perfect Blend of Herbs and Spice. This does not come out of a jar.
Dr. Robin declared that he has now changed his expectations as to what Curry is and how to eat it. No longer will it be Naan, Rice and a Sauce with Meat buried/swimming somewhere. He appreciates the difference between – Meat with Masala v Masala with Meat.
Now to introduce him to Paratha…