A Blue Monday indeed, every time that Woman opens her mouth, the value of the – Pound in my pocket – plummets. Having paid over the odds for Curry in the Czech Republic last week, it’s back to Sterling. The next few Curry-Heute reviews will be from Blighty.
It is the day to take Mother shopping. The deed done, Hector headed towards the original core of Desi Curry in Pollokshields. Cafe Serena (328-340 Maxwell Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 1PJ) was chosen as today’s venue. Decent Curry has been enjoyed here over the years, this was possibly the first Glasgow Curry Cafe to bring the decor and facilities up to the standards now demanded.
Arriving before 14.00, the place was empty. A couple of Takeaway Customers was all that would be seen during our time here. The same Chap as always was in situ. If Hector was recognised, nothing was being given away, however, the welcome was friendly, especially to – the Mother.
A heater was switched on adjacent to our table, it was winter last visit, same story. The laminated A3 menu was already on the table, prices have not changed in the last five years. Tourists and locals should be flocking here.
Hector’s choice today was simple, a repeat of the Kofta that impressed last time. I called over to check that Kofta was available and was advised that fifteen minutes would be required. Not a problem. Mother is easy to please but I managed to convince her to let me vary her order, slightly.
Koftae Karahi (£7.50) and Chapatti (70p) plus Lamb Bhuna (£6.00) with Boiled Rice (£1.75), this is Cheaper than Prague! Mein Host verified the required Spice Levels, and that the Boiled Egg outlined on the Menu should accompany the Kofta.
The wait was as described, a Modest Salad and Raita were assembled but not presented until the Mains
*
*
Lamb Bhuna
As ever, Mother touched the plate of Boiled Rice to test its temperature, no comment. The Quantity was more than The Mother of Hector would manage, but as her Main would never be finished, a Takeaway was already in the bag. The Lamb Bhuna had the anticipated Thick Masala, the presence of Tomato cooked in was a welcome bonus. The Meat had the columnar, fibrous texture which restaurateurs have assured me – is Lamb. Mother was set.
Koftae Karahi
The Boiled Egg on the Koftae Karahi stood out, the Masala looked identical to the Bhuna but markedly different from that served last time. The folded Chapatti was a good size, had girth, like the Egg, one would be enough.
Scooping the Onion-rich Masala with a piece of Chapatti, the Seasoning and Spice Level instantly impressed. There was an almost Gritty Texture to the Masala such was the way the Onion had been cut. The Meatballs were well buried in the Masala, eventually it was time. When I spotted a – skewer hole – in the midst of one piece of Meat I realised that I did not have a Meatball per se, but a Kebap, a Seekh Kebab. There cannot be a huge difference, if any, in the respective preparation. Breaking up the hard boiled Egg added Diversity. There was a momentary Citrus Blast, Herbs came through, Methi I believe. The Overall Flavour was – Very Pleasing – but still at Cafe Serena, Hector has yet to experience the – Wow.
Mother was impressed by her Lamb Bhuna from the start. Delicious – was stated instantly. When Mein Host came over to make the – customary check – Mother added further positive feedback:
I love my Curry.
To what extent this was intended specifically for today was not established.
The Bill
£16.95. No frills, just two competent meals at an affordable price.
The Aftermath
Hector had to ask about the skewered Kofta.
Mein Host admitted they had used Seekh Kebabs, the same thing in effect. His explanation was that Meatballs (round) would be fried, Kebabs are grilled giving a better Flavour.
