With Clive’s flight back to Gatwick mid afternoon, there was time for Curry-Heute in the City Centre. Charcoals (26A Renfield St, Glasgow, G2 1LU) is just around the corner from the St. Vincent St. bus stop for the 500 to Glasgow Airport, sorted.
It was exactly Noon when we arrived, opening time, a family was already in situ at a window table. Clive and Hector were given the other window table, window dressing. Despite the improvements in décor to Charcoals when Mein Host – Sultan – took over the business, the doorway remains a bottleneck. All subsequent Diners have to pass by, we see them, they examine our Curry. Despite this, Clive commented on the Ambience:
This is a cut above the normal type of venue you bring me to.
Curryspondent Neil had made Hector aware of the availability of Fish Curry at Charcoals. Fish on a Monday? Mother warned me about this in my formative years. Studying the Online Menu before embarking, I had spotted a Dhansak equivalent that should suit Lord Clive.
A Lunchtime Menu (£6.95) is available from Noon until 13.45. Thereafter a Pre-Theatre which makes Charcoals a very popular venue early evening. One should book. The Chap on duty did not offer us the Lunchtime Menu, he has served me before and knows of Hector’s exacting requirements.
Would you like Poppadoms and …..? – we were asked. These were declined. Had Sultan been present they would simply have been provided.
Fish Masala (£11.95) with Mushroom Pilau Rice (£3.25) was ordered with the usual caveat. I was promised no Capsicum. The Dhansak here is called Charcoals Goldie (£9.95) and features five different Lentils. That should make a Happy Clive who ordered Chicken Charcoals Goldie. Paratha was not on the Menu, a Keema Naan (£3.50) completed the Order. Mince with Chicken? Ah well, each to his own.
Two features of the Menu are worth highlighting. Firstly, a sticker states:
No leftovers for takeaway please.
A bit brutal, it’s not as if there’s a Buffet. Secondly:
10% Service Charge applies on the bill.
So no – Tips – expected then?
More customers arrived, a Lady came in to book for a Work Night Out. Who would drag the Colleagues for Curry on such an outing?
Fish Masala
Hector’s heart sank, – Yellow. OK, better than – Red? A Blended Creamy Masala is not what Hector thinks about when ordering a Fish Curry. This remains – The Challenge. The Aroma – wafted – in the way that Aromas do – Smoked Chillies! Mmmm. A South Indian influence, this could be good after-all. Was there Coconut?
The Mushroom Pilau was served in the Metal Pot in which Curry is often presented; a Mass of Rice, more than a Hector could eat. Onions were mixed through as well as Fresh Mushrooms.
Topped with chopped Green Chillies and Fresh Coriander, nine large pieces of Fish were placed on top of the Rice. Each had to be halved initially, as the appetite waned so the pieces were cut smaller still. The Quantity of Fish seemed to be approaching Biblical Proportions, the more I ate the more there was. I was down to Flakes, eventually.
If there was Coconut in the Creamy Masala this was Minimal, not noticeable thankfully. The Masala itself had a decent Kick, the Green Chillies added extra bite sporadically. The underlying Smokey Flavour persisted, this was a Tasty Curry. I would certainly have this again. Marg would love it, very much in her style.
Chicken Charcoals Goldie
The Masala was most certainly Thick with Lentils. The Chicken was in Shreds, not the solid pieces one expects in Halal Chicken. There was a complex array of Toppings, the Lemon wedge remained unsqueezed.
Exceedingly hot – was Clive’s opening remark. He is becoming good at giving a commentary.
This is what it says on the tin, full of Lentils.
The right level of spice, maybe could go a bit more.
Very pleasant, Maggie could eat this.
The Keema Naan was served in quarters, why not whole? There was a mass of discrete brown Mince particles. This was a Quality Naan.
Excellent, really good – said Clive as he used the last quarter to wipe first his plate and then the bowl.
Our Chap came to verify that we were finished, the last grains of Rice were abandoned.
Do you know what the Fish was? – I asked, not expecting an answer.
Haddock – was the assured reply.
That was a first.
The Bill
£31.15. Well within acceptable parameters, and no sign of a 10% surcharge.
The Aftermath
We were bade farewell on departure as the three steps to the doorway were taken.
Hector needs a day off, no Curry with Mother tomorrow.