It was quite a blustery morning when Hector finally awoke from a lengthy slumber. Reports of a lorry being overturned on one of Scotland’s high bridges, and all this the day after the elected First Minister called for another Referendum – Scottish Independence! One feels the unelected Prime Minister may have thrown her toys out of the pram already. Perhaps we need a Referendum to decide if we want another Referendum?
More mundanely, the fortnightly – Shop with Mother – was completed with ease. The Ritual Curry-Heute would be quite different, Mother would have four Chaps for company.
Jonathan, Jim, and a son of Jim would rendezvous at Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP), a first visit for the Chaps from Paisley.
Jonathan managed to break away from his usual Keema Something and opted for Seekh Kebab Krahi (£8.99), still Mince, of sorts. Naveed’s Cousin was once again serving us. He served Mother a very successful Desi Karahi Gosht (£8.99) last month but without the customary bones. He would check that this was once again possible. Jim tends to follow Hector’s lead when taken to a new venue. Handi Gosht it had to be, a Large one to share. Gavin jumped on board with this too, complicated. Rather than order a Large (£16.99) and a Regular (£10.99), I asked if we could have the equivalent served in one Karahi. Not a problem, and the Extra Portion would be charged at £8.99. Logical.
Four Garlic and Coriander Naans (£2.75) were ordered for The Chaps. I had advised that the Parathas are variable, depending on which Chef is on. A Pilao Rice (£2.70) is more Rice than Mother could eat in a week. I asked if a half-portion was possible. Noted? Mother, as ever, reminded me of her need for Mango Chutney.
Jim and Jonathan decided to share a Jug of Mango Lassi (£7.99). At that price, I would expect a Gallon. This came quickly, the tallest of receptacles, it would not have gone amiss in a Chemistry Lab. During the wait, the diaries were out. Today’s meeting was about sorting out dates for shifts at Paisley Beer Festival, the Great British Beer Festival, plus flights to/from Wolf Strassenfest, Bamberg Bockbieranstich, and Silvester. Mother was mesmerised. This is how it is done. Four out of five, sorted.
About six other tables were occupied at various stages during our visit. Not bad for a windy Tuesday afternoon. Jim, making his first visit to Ambala, sensed the aroma of Garlic emanating from the kitchen, Jonathan reckoned he could smell his Seekh Kebab (being slaughtered?). What was certain, this was not going to be Curry taken from the Big Pot, with a cursory – here you are. Our Dishes were being prepared, properly. Thirty to forty minutes is the preparation time given on the Menu for the Handi to appear. At this time of day, less is the norm. Eventually, Cousin appeared with a Very Large Handi, let us at it.
Handi Gosht
Mother’s Boneless Desi Karahi Gosht looked just as good. The Rice came as before, an overflowing Mass of Pilao, enough for four of us. The skewer holes were visible in the Seekh Kebab Krahi, or Kofta Karahi as I was served this a few weeks ago at nearby Cafe Serena.
A Mountain of halved Naans were brought. They must have been quite a size to start, we shall never know. The Bread today was not up to Standard. Preparing and serving four at once must have tested. They were not so well fired, too doughy. Had the Tandoor been on long enough?
I’ll be Mother – was a strange thing to say as I took the first mass of Curry from the Large Handi. I was helping myself. Gavin followed and left some for his Dad.
Garlic was very much to the fore today. Goodnight, Ladies. The Lamb was as Tender as only the Best venues can achieve, and full of the distinctive Ambala Flavour. The Thick Masala was bursting with Flavour, Garlic and Clove I suspect being behind the distinctive taste.
There was enough for another half a round each from the Handi. We ate a Sufficiency, not the Excess as when we deal in Kilos. Despite the Naans being less than Wonderful, the bits disappeared.
Mmmmm – said Jim, knowing full well that this is Dr. Stan’s prerogative. When Cousin came to check on us, he was given a resounding – I’ll be back – from Jim.
What was that? – asked Gavin when he was finished. He studied the menu once more:
That was fantastic!
An inspirational choice – was Jim’s concluding remark.
Mother had received the same generous portion of Mango Chutney as before, and was not charged. Once I decanted enough Curry for her Rice, she set about smothering the plate with Mango Chutney. I must order her a Patia. I think this every time. Some of the Rice went Gavin’s way, there was still plenty.
Boneless Desi Karahi Gosht
Busy concentrating on the Handi Gosht, I was astonished to see Mother scrape the last traces of Meat and Masala on to her last grains of Rice. She finished all the Desi Karahi, a rarity.
Seekh Kebab Krahi
The Seekh Kebab Krahi had the same Quality of Masala. How easy had we made things for Chef? It’s a pity Jonathan prefers Boneless Meat, however, this did the job.
Another excellent Curry. The Seekh Kebab added extra spice which made it all the more tasty.
Cousin came to clear up, offering the Excess Rice as a Takeaway. Offer declined.
The Bill
£65.15. Guess who forgot he had a Mango Rubicon (£1.20) during the wait for The Chaps? Oops.
The Aftermath
Mission accomplished. I did spot a Chap having a Hamburger and Chips as I departed, each to their own.