Four months ago, Hector and Howard dined at Mia – Sugar & Spice (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) prior to seeing Michael Rother perform in Glasgow. In December Hector saw Herr Rother once more, this time in Düsseldorf. In both of these write-ups – Jaki Liebezeit was mentioned, at the start of this week he joined – The Immortals.
Today was the monthly visit to – The Staggs – in Musselburgh. With Queen Street open once again, Curry-Heute was West, not South. Four months since my last visit, Tempus Fugit. Howard had the better Curry last time, Hector was determined to not only replicate this, but improve upon the Desi Handi (£9.95).
One of the Sons of Akhtar greeted me on entry @21.10. Mia Sugar & Spice was the busiest I have ever seen it. The two small tables at the Hatch were the only tables not occupied, I took my usual spot. Chef #2 smiled in acknowledgement. Akhtar, Mein Host, was downstairs, there was a private party underway, more on that later.
Akhtar took the Order: Lamb Desi Handi with extra Seasoning and Methi. A Paratha (£2.75) would accompany. Akhtar apologised for not having any Lamb on-the-bone left. Hot – was agreed upon.
Marg texted to enquire about my whereabouts, she would join me.
On Marg’s arrival, the Poppadoms and Dips were presented. She had never met Akhtar, sorted.
Marg considered a – Snack. I suggested a Prawn Puri (£3.95), agreed. Akhtar asked if she wished it – Desi style. Interesting.
There was a half hour wait, the longest wait I have ever had at Mia Sugar & Spice, just as well the Complimentary Poppadoms were provided. When the Desi Handi appeared I was happy to see that Chef had found some Lamb on-the-bone, a mixture of Lamb Chops and other Cuts, Superb. The Paratha was of the welcomed Flaky and Layered variety. Scored into the Quarters, it was still intact, for me this makes all the difference.
Lamb Desi Handi
The Desi Handi’s appearance was confirmation that this was as – how Hector likes it. The Masala was Thick and Minimal, the Temperature was – Hot – the Spice Level was – Fierce, but still the Seasoning was not at the level I seek. Enjoyable as this Meal was, the Spice Level killed any chance of the Full Flavour coming through, I did not get my Methi Blast. The mind wandered, twenty metres along the street lies Akbar’s. Here I would have received a much more – Flavoursome Curry. We have the choice, where does my loyalty lie?
The Lamb was Tender to Chewy, one Sucky Bone was found. The Portion was more than Substantial, a struggle towards the end game. Hector had been fed. Still, a bit short of what I had hoped for in terms of Flavour.
Prawn Puri
Meanwhile, across the table, Marg made headway with her Prawn Puri. I had to ask if she could tell in what way it was – Desi. She was unsure. Opening the Puri revealed a Brown Masala, no needless Food Colouring here. I helped myself to a Prawn, they do tend to be Sweet, Mmmmm, as expected.
Marg: A lovely change, filling, with plenty of sauce and a salad on the side. It wasn’t that spicy but had good flavour.
I would order Prawn Puri more often, but how could one eat this and a Main Course?
The Bill
£22.65. Two Soft Drinks included.
The Aftermath
Akhtar told me they had redecorated the Downstairs and so I went to do a Photo Reconnaissance without gate crashing – The Party. The Ladies gave me permission to photograph their cake.