I have been away, Mother’s cupboards must have been bare, it was time to restock. After a Lidl Shopping we headed along to The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA). Arriving just after 14.00 it was evident that Lunchtime had been busy, most of the tables in the Lunch Area were either still occupied or required clearing. Lunchtime Doris wiped ours even though I thought it was ok.
The Two Course Lunch (£5.95) suits Mother, a plateful, a Portion fit for a Lady of her years, not a Hector Portion. Vegetable Pakora and Lamb Curry with Rice has gone down well on previous visits, why spoil a winning formula?
The Main Menu was provided for Hector, I had already decided upon Lamb Lahori Karahi (£7.95). Some may be appalled, Special Rice (£2.75) would accompany. Rice with Karahi?
I was asked what Vegetables I desired with my Rice.
Anything but Green Peppers, Capsicum, same for the Curry.
Lunchtime Doris was not aware of – Special Rice – on the Menu as she no doubt deals mostly with the Midday Menu.
Above Medium Spice – was asked for.
Desi style – was the reply. That would suit me.
The Pakora came quickly, Mother apologised for starting without me, she likes her food – hot. I reminded her that I was not having a Starter, but I did pinch one of her four pieces of Vegetable Pakora. Four, pieces, one more than last time. Good sized pieces too, Tasty. Mother halved each piece and was taking her time, alternating between the Raita and Spicy Dip.
Facing the open kitchen, I could see my Lamb Lahori Karahi was ready. I was glad when, rather than let it sit, it was brought to me right away. Tepid food has been a recurring theme when dining with numbers at The Village, one tends to do better dining alone, or as a couple.
The Meat was decanted first to cover the Rice, each piece counted. Eight decent sized pieces of the most Tender Lamb were then covered once more with the Thick Masala. The Toppings of Ginger Strips and Fresh Coriander were also restored. With Peas and Mushrooms making the Rice – Special – there was no holding back The Hector.
Yum, not Wow. Ginger hit the palate first. The appearance of the Blended Masala suggested a hint of Yoghurt. The Spice Level was decidedly Medium, the Seasoning fine. This was markedly different from the signature dish at The Village – Lamb Desi Kourma. The latter definitely packs more Flavour, whilst the Lahori Karahi was very pleasant, it just lacked that something – Extra.
The Quantity of the Rice was such that I was quickly running out of Masala. Whilst I generally prefer – Minimal Masala – today this was backfiring. Fortunately, whatever they add to the Rice at this venue makes the Rice much more than Plain Basmati. I still hanker after the Vegetable Rice served in bygone days.
I was nearly finished my Curry when Mother finally finished her three pieces of Pakora. Maybe I should have ordered the next size up? Mother’s Curry was brought moments after she had finished the Pakora, the Quantity impressed me, six pieces of Lamb, too much for Mother as it happened. I should have eaten more Pakora.
The Masala looked Thinner than that in the Lahori Karahi, I should hope that mine was way better.
This is lovely – exclaimed Mother as soon as she started. For once she was eating her Curry without Mango Chutney and so would taste the Curry as presented. With the Rice occupying half of the plate, there was enough to soak up the Masala. For a quick Lunch this was quite Satisfying and much better value than the Wrap at Babu’s a couple of weeks ago.
What do you do with all these photos? – asked Mother.
They go on my Blog.
She didn’t ask, still none the wiser.
The Bill
£16.40. Excellent Value!
The Aftermath
It’s Wednesday, midweek Bier Day. The Faither is back out to play.