Across the River Leven from the town centre of Dumbarton lies the newest Curry House in the former capital of Strathclyde. There is still no sign of Haveli at Dumbarton Central Station ever opening. The Dining Room @ No 10 (10 W Bridgend, Dumbarton G82 4AB) has been opened for one year. It took until a few weeks ago for Hector to become aware of its existence, however, the changing politics of Real Ale is bringing – The Company – to Dumbarton with a greater regularity. If the The Dining Room opened mid afternoon, Hector would have been here before now. It is understood there is a Saturday lunchtime session, tempting.
Sources suggested that given the – bijou – size of the premises, one is best to make a reservation at the weekends. A call was made early afternoon, more in hope than expectation. A table – for three at seven – was requested, however, their sittings are at 18.00, and 20.00. True to the given statement, I was phoned back, the 19.00 table was secured. I subsequently assured Mein Host that we would vacate our table by 20.00: Slow Train performing at Helensburgh’s Commodore Hotel at 20.30.
Marg and Hector arrived from opposite directions, simultaneously. Mein Host greeted us by name, and showed us to one of six table groupings. Eleanor entered moments later, it was 18.50, punctuality rules.
Mein Host brought the Menus, he runs the front of house himself, given the size of the premises, not an onerous task.
Have you been here before? asked Mein Host.
No.
You look familiar.
I hope so.
It was established that Mein Host, Amar, had previously worked at Akbar’s, Glasgow’s branch of the Bradford Chain.
The Dining Room offer a BYOB system, there is no corkage charge. Sparkling Water (£1.50) was available in small Bottles only, three were ordered. Looking around, the other two groups dining had quite a cargo with them. This can mean quite a saving on a night out.
The Menu was photographed, albeit poorly. Lamb Desi Curry (Hot) (£10.50) – This is what Punjabi women cook for their men when they want them to be strong enough to perform with gusto! So gents please watch it and ladies watch out!
Hector often orders – Desi Style. I confirmed the non-inclusion of Capsicum since none were mentioned, but were in other descriptions. This was not a problem. Mein Host did return later to confirm that Green Chillies were OK, of course.
I was in the mood for a Keema Paratha (£3.20) but felt that ordering a Plain Paratha (£2.50) would be a better assessment of the Bread at The Dining Room. For the record, Chapattis are charged at £1.20 each.
Marg announced that Fresh Poppadoms (£2.90) were called for, then Goan Fish Curry (£12.50) – Goan fish and king prawns cooked with fresh coconut and coconut cream, curry leaves and mustard seeds cooked in traditional Goan style to melt in your mouth. A Mushroom Rice (£2.70) would accompany.
Eleanor found Punjabi Bakra (£10.50) – Tender cubes of lamb cooked with ginger garlic mixed peppers onions and spinach. Boiled Rice (2.20) completed the Order.
Four Poppadoms were presented along with Mango Chutney, Spiced Onions and a Raita Dip. Being – four – I took a half, my first Poppadom in a while. Why – Fresh Poppadoms? They were piled up on the counter in front of me.
The Ladies remarked on the viscosity of the Mango Chutney, not the thin examples too often encountered. The Spiced Onions had a decent – Kick.
There was time to take in our surroundings. Seating for twenty two was estimated, two more chairs were held in reserve. A booth table at the far end of the room sat a family whom we recognised. All other tables allowed the flexibility to combine or separate as bookings required. A group of ten could easily be accommodated. The Decor was simple, no frills. Eleanor confirmed the Facilities were fine. This is Hector’s type of venue.
Hot plates heralded the arrival of our food. Two metal pots of Curry with Thick Masala were presented, one – Soup. The Rice was served in the same pots which means there was typically more than enough to share. The Paratha arrived last, served quartered. This was an immediate disappointment for Hector who likes his Bread served whole. The Paratha was thin, flat, not the Layered and Flaky I seek. The size, however, was manageable, for once I ate it all.
Lamb Desi Curry (Hot)
The Thick, Tomato-rich, perhaps – too Red – Masala did impress. This was a large portion of Curry, the vapour rising confirmed this was – Hot – in terms of Temperature. My meals in Latvia this week were all served far too cool, this was most welcome. As I chose to eat from – The Pot – I could not establish the quantity of Meat, it was definitely in double figures, good sized pieces too. Most was Tender, a couple of pieces more chewy.
The Spice Level was as promised but not that it could not be handled. Sadly, the Spice Level was such, the Flavour was compromised. I had hoped for a new blast of – Desi – something to give the – Wow. This did not happen. There was nothing to complain about, this Curry simply lacked that which would have made it distinctive. Some Methi please?
*
Goan Fish Curry
The pot was not filled to the brim as the others were. Wet and Creamy – was my observation, a fine example of the Curry I avoid, however, this was not my choice.
Mmmm – said Marg from the off. This is exactly how she likes her Curry.
I expected prawns but didn’t find any.
To be fair, Marg could not distinguish between her Fish and her Mushrooms last time she ordered something similar at Ziggy’s (Halifax). Today she also thought at first that there might not be enough Fish for the Masala, then changed her mind when decanting for the second time.
Creamy and plenty of meat. It complemented the Mushroom Rice, a substantial meal.
A Soupçon came Hector’s way along with some of the leftover Mushroom Rice. I found this to be surprisingly pleasant despite being far my style of Curry. The Fish had body, the Masala was not sweet despite the Coconut.
Hector still seeks a perfect – Machi Desi Masala – in the West of Scotland.
Punjabi Bakra
The Masala was as Thick and Dry in appearance as my Lamb Desi, perhaps even more so. The brown Masala looked much more appealing. The presence of Green and Red Capsicum I did find off-putting. At least they were not dominant, the Ballast that too many venues opt for. The inclusion of Herbs was such that this was clearly the favoured Masala with Herbs, not a Herb Masala.
Just the right level of spice – said Eleanor. Delicious lamb, a pleasing hint of coriander, a generous portion of Rice.
Eleanor is now capable of consuming vast quantities of Rice since her trip to China.
Again, a Soupçon of Lamb Bakra came my way. This had much more Flavour than the Lamb Desi Curry. I could work on/with this.
Marg and Eleanor desired Coffee. Two Lattes (£2.50) were provided, as – Hot – as requested. Two Chocolates each accompanied the Coffees. Touches such as this are always appreciated.
I was asked how often I visited – Akbar’s.
I prefer to visit Bradford – was Hector’s somewhat conceited reply. Conceited, Moi?
The Bill
£54.50. Inflated by the Coffees.
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was given, the headers of the fifteen reviews of Akbar’s shown on the near trusty – LG. Hector’s current limited photographic prowess should be sorted on Sunday.
Taj Dumbarton – is next door, too close to be an independent operation surely? I will find out more on my next visit. Punjabi Bakra is calling, if – without Capsicum – is possible, else Achari.
