There is an evolving acceptance that Glasgow only has one Pub which serves the Ales – The Company – desire with any sense of regularity. A Day Trip to Edinburgh was mooted, in search of Ale with New World Hops. After a a few false starts, the Stockbridge Tap became – Our Local – for the day. A taxi back to Haymarket enabled a visit to Lazeez Tandoori (191 Dalry Rd, Edinburgh EH11 2EB). Hector bade farewell to Les Autres, this was a solo mission.
20.15 on a Thursday night, one Chap was in situ when I entered, he was waiting for a Takeaway.
The Chap behind the counter was unknown to me, however, Chef and co-Host made fleeting appearances. Last time, which was a year ago, Marg took the Karahi option, this was my objective this evening, the usual caveat in force.
I took a shiny new Menu from the counter, there has been a modest price increase. Under Lazeez Speciality is Lamb Karahi (£9.95), Marg picked out the Capsicum when she had this last visit. OK, I’m going on about this obsessively, however, there have been confusing messages given on this matter previously. I have been told the Capsicum was already in, so declined. Then I was told it could be removed, and it wasn’t. Maybe today. I ordered the Lamb Karahi – without. One Chapatti (£1.10) would accompany.
Two Young Chaps joined the party. A Butter Chicken Takeaway was ordered by one. The other asked for Burger and Chips to sit in; this finished he then went on to devour a Kebap. Oh to still be able to eat all one desires without consequences.
How did Hector manage to take a photo of Chef in action? I asked to use – the facility – and was escorted through the kitchen, on my return I went for it. I suspect Chef had remembered me by this time.
The preparation time was thirty minutes, Karahi is cooked to order.
The Chapatti was feeble in comparison to Glasgow equivalents. Still, I didn’t even finish this modest piece of Bread.
Hector, stick to Paratha when visiting Lazeez Tandoori!
Lamb Karahi – without Capsicum
The Lamb Karahi looked both inviting and puzzling. The Oil was collecting around the perimeter as I have observed so often when ordering this Wonderful Dish prepared properly. The Masala was not quite Glasgow-Punjabi, Manchester-Punjabi came to mind. Still, the Pedigree was there to see.
The Spice hit the palate from the first dip, Chef was taking no prisoners. As has been a continuing criticism in my few visits here, the Seasoning could have been more. More Seasoning brings out more Flavour, overall. I could not count the Meat, there was Loads, and not only that it was my favourite cut of Tender Lamb. Butchery is not a Hector forte, I did recognise this rounded cut as being similar to a Pork Tenderloin which I do know. Do Sheep have the same anatomy? Whatever, the Meat was Magnificently presented. The Flavour flooded out, the Lamb and the Oily Shorva around the periphery were a wonderful combination. The Main, Tomato-rich Masala brought further joy. Chopped Green Chillies were revealed to be the source of the – Kick.
Chef came out to join the Chap who served me. I was asked if I required anything else. Having spotted a bucket of Fresh Coriander, I asked for more. There had only been a Minimal Topping. Now I had a Forest, the pleasure sensors moved up a gear.
Back to the Core Masala, it now appeared similar to that served at Glasgow’s Karahi Palace, this is commendable. At Karahi Palace I would have been served Karahi with Methi and more Seasoning.
Note to Chef at Lazeez: more Methi, more Seasoning!
With six pieces of Lamb still to go, my Curry was still warm, it had been served so Hot there was time to savour it. The total Meat count must have approached twenty. How many venues has one visited where the classic – eight pieces – represent a – Portion? By 21.20 the Hector was truly fed, sated.
The Bill
£11.64. This included 59p, as written on the can, for the Mango Rubicon.
The Aftermath
I departed with little fuss.
There is talk among The Company of more regular Trips to The Capital, especially if Curryspondent Neil can confirm the availability of certain Ales.
I could be close to securing the Perfect Karahi Gosht at Lazeez Tandoori.