After our Lidl Shopping, I suggested to Mother that we have some Spicy Mince and Potatoes for a change, she was happy with this. Cafe Reeshah (455 Shields Rd., Glasgow G41 1NP) possibly serves the finest Keema Aloo (Mutter) in Glasgow as previous Blog entries on this Website should confirm.
Entering Cafe Reeshah just before 14.00, we were greeted by Mein Host with his now familiar smile:
Your Mum? – he remembered as Mother took a seat at one of the two tables. With the door wedged open, Mother kept her coat on, she was cold, this is the first half of September. Summer has gone, Autumn bypassed.
From my seat I could see what was pre-cooked, no sign of Keema. Chicken Curry, surely The Hector would not be reduced to this? I could hardly walk out.
No Keema? – I asked more in hope now that expectations were dashed.
In an hour – was the reply. We have Chicken on-the-bone and Lamb on-the-bone.
I have been careful not to order Curry with bones for Mother as the norm, long may she retain all of her own teeth.
Two portions of Lamb on-the-bone were ordered with one portion of Rice (£1.50).
A Chapatti? (60p) – was suggested. OK.
A plateful of Modest Salad was set before us along with Raita. Without utensils these remained untouched pro tem. I watched the assistant spoon a very generous portion of Rice on to a plate for reheating.
The Takeaway trade at Cafe Reeshah is brisk, a Restaurant this is not. Located at the western extremity of Pollokshields, this venue is doing good business.
Hearing the Afternoon TV was unavoidable, Judge Who? How does he get away with this? Why are people watching? How sad does one have to be to even appear? Meanwhile Hurricane Irma has just blown across Florida, that’s USA not Glasgow’s Southside.
I showed Mother the Blog entry for her last Curry outing at – The Village. She read some of the accompanying Blurb. Still she does not really understand what Curry-Heute is about. She liked her own photo. Is narcissism hereditary?
The assistant brought two cold dinner plates with utensils and a plateful of steaming hot Basmati. He closed the door. Mein Host brought the Lamb Curry, two portions in one metal dish – Gosh!
As stated, the Keema has been the main attraction in the years I have visited Cafe Reeshah. A couple of times I have had Aloo Gosht served in the traditional Shorva, tasty. This was the first full blown Curry, possibly Karahi, I have seen here. This looked magnificent, the thick Punjabi Masala I hope for, but too often do not receive. The quantity would befit a visit here with – The Chaps. How much would Mother manage?
The Rice plate was warm so I scraped off as much as I needed and spooned an amount of Curry I thought Mother would manage. This left a true Hector Portion. I would subsequently text Marg to inform her that Dinner would be served – late – this evening. With the photographic ritual complete, more food arrived… On the House – two Seekh Kebab and two large pieces of Vegetable Pakora. I suspect so few people sit in at Cafe Reeshah they like to show their appreciation. One is never going to leave here feeling hungry.
Mother was well under way and was making positive remarks. Hector was just getting started.
The Spice hit first, not ridiculous by any means but testing. I was waiting for Mother to comment on the Spice Level, she never did, she can cope within reason. After all, it was she who set The Hector on the path of Spicy Food at an early age.
Slivers of Green Capsicum were encountered, enough to irritate, not enough to spoil the Curry, why have them at all? The Seasoning was a bit below the Ideal, however, the Flavour in the Dish did come through. The was a seriously Rich-Flavoured Masala, was it Tomato-based only? Was this in fact Karahi Gosht or simply Punjabi Masala (£7.00)? I appear to be asking a lot of questions.
Mince on a Stick
I took a piece of Seekh Kebab whilst it was still Hot, here the Seasoning was Perfect. I was tempted to stir the remaining pieces into the Masala. Mother enjoyed her – piece of Sausage without skin – as she described it.
The Lamb was Superbly Tender, enough Bones to make an impression on the Overall Flavour, Sucky Bones. It was @14.30, near enough the time of day I prefer to eat – once. I was calculating what could be eaten here, what could be taken home, when Mother helped herself to Meat and Masala! This was more than I have seen her eat in years. Mein Host came out to check all was well.
Delicious. Excellent. Lovely. – he withdrew, a Happy Chap.
We ate on. Mother had a large piece of Meat left. Having prodded it, she concluded it was all Bone, I advised otherwise.
The only way to eat that is with your fingers, what the Chapatti is for.
The Chapatti could have been the final straw, a proper Chapatti, Soft, malleable, large. I used pieces to savour the excellent Masala. Finally Mother picked up her last piece of Meat. There are no photographs.
I sampled one piece of Pakora. It had cooled, past its best, still the gesture was appreciated.
The Bill
I saw £16.10 rung up on the till. £15.00 was charged. One cannot then tip.
The Aftermath
I had to ask Mein Host about the preparation of the Masala. Was it Tomato only, or was it the traditional Onion Mash? That I could not tell says much about the quality.
Tomato, Onion and a little Green Pepper – was the response.
I like the word – little – when applied to Capsicum, I still prefer – none.
En route to Cafe Reeshah we passed the New Anand, a Curry House in which I was a regular exactly twenty years ago, and has not been given a full review since the years of Curry Heute. New Anand is open at lunchtimes. Next time, however, Dear Reader, Hector has a few Curry Miles to travel before this.
