The Mother of Hector has been taken to Sheerin Palace (300 Allison St, Govanhill/Crosshill, Glasgow, G42 8HQ) twice, and enjoyed it both times. As has been written oft, Marg had never been. Being the school vacation, today was deemed to be the day when this Curry Triumvirate would lunch together at this most humble of establishments.
Entering @13.30, four Chaps were finishing their meal. They were sat at the optimum table at this time of year, adjacent to the mobile gas heater. We chose the next table far from any drafts, it needed wiped, nobody came. Hector used remnant napkins and did the deed, not a good start.
With the Ladies settled, I went up to the counter to survey the spread. Kofta Anda? I could see whole Eggs protruding through the mass of Oily Shorva, but no Meatballs. Mein Host confirmed this was indeed the much sought after Kofta Anda. One of my Favourite Dishes served at Sheerin Palace, and Lamb Kofta too. The usual Lamb Curry on-the-bone was not on offer today, a first?
Next to a mean looking Spinach Dish was an enticing Vegetable Curry, I could not miss out on this. Daal Makhani was there too, tempting, but the Order was taking shape in my mind, another day.
One Rice (Chicken Biryani), three portions of Kofta Anda, one portion of Vegetable Curry, one Roti. And, can you make sure the plates are hot please?
Mein Host mentally noted the Order and asked for clarification – One Roti?
*
By this time we had the room to ourselves, still nobody came to clear up. Short staffed today? The temperature outside was 2°C, it was not much warmer inside. When will Spring arrive?
I announced that today we would be having a Surprise. Within minutes a large helping of Chicken Biryani was presented with three spoons. Vapour was rising from the Rice. A Modest Salad and Raita accompanied plus the all important dinner plates. They were at least warm, the chill had been taken from them.
Marg dished out the Rice, a small piece of Chicken each. Marg and Mother tore into the Rice:
Is this all we’re having? – asked Marg.
No, so leave the Rice as the base for what follows, eat the Chicken.
Mother said the Rice was cold. This was not possible, surely. We could all see the vapour rising from each of the three plates, she had found a cold spot. More mixing of the Rice once it came out of the microwave was required.
Mein Host returned minutes later with three plates of Kofta Anda and the Vegetable Curry. Now we had a Feast. I asked for a jug of water, this arrived with the Roti.
The Food was not Hot, it was well short of being at an appetising level. Marg and I coped, we had to send Mother’s bowl of Kofta Anda back to be reheated. We could have sent the lot back.
Sweet Centre & Restaurant – it says above the door. I accept Sheerin Palace for what it is, a Curry Cafe selling Excellent Food, most of which is bought as a Takeaway. If they wish to attract customers, and also have Hector encourage people to come here and sit in, then they will have to do better than this.
Kofta Anda
Four Meatballs with the telltale pink interior confirming they were Lamb Kofta, and one whole hard boiled Egg. Of course, it’s all about the accompanying Shorva. The Shorva was well Seasoned and had a modest Kick. Green Cardamom were present, this was a seriously tasty Curry. The Rice soaked up the Shorva adding more to the Biryani base. The Roti was shared out, Marg caught on to dipping it, into Mother’s Hot Shorva. Look at what we should have all had.
Sadly, Mother has no memory of introducing Egg Curry into our lives. The Recipe for this is here. She thought it would have been better if the Egg had been softer, then it would have been all over the place I assured her.
Perhaps Egg should appear in Curry more often, Hard Boiled or otherwise. When I get around to replicating the Superb – Shahi Kofta – as served at the International (Bradford), I shall add the Recipe for this too. Meanwhile there are many above.
Vegetable Curry
Potatoes were to the fore with Carrots, Peas, Cauliflower, Green Chillies, Aubergine and one almost offending slice of Red Capsicum. Mother found a piece of Cinnamon Bark, Marg found a – Fruit Pip – probably in the Rice. Two Pips in one week.
The Vegetables were in a Minimal Masala Mash, the Seasoning was Perfect. The whole Green Chillies added to the overall bite, this was a Spicy Curry. Despite today’s environmental limitations, we all enjoyed this.
It was lovely, tasty – remarked Mother as she cleared her plate. The appetite appears to be increasing with each outing.
The food was good enough, just needed to be hotter – was Marg’s summary. She did note that the food presented to the later Diners had the appearance of being served – Hot. The heater had by now been moved mid room.
Two Chaps behind me were tearing into a Punjabi Sweet. Marg was having some of this. She went up to the counter and returned with a plateful. I wouldn’t be touching this, Mother sampled and pronounced it to be – too Sweet. Even Marg was defeated. Once piece would have been enough.
And so, Hector has taken Marg to Sheerin Palace knowing that she prefers venues with ambience. Had the Fayre been presented as Hot as it should have been, the visit would have have been a success. I doubt if Marg will be running back to Sheerin Palace. As for Mother, a summer venue only from now on.
The Bill
£23.00. The most I have ever paid at Sheerin Palace, five Main Courses in effect, plus Sweets.
The Aftermath
Now the Kofta Anda was clear for all to see.
We took our leave, back to Mother’s for a Hot Drink and some warmth.