Dr. Stan and Hector had to entertain our respective house-guests this afternoon before they took their separate paths back down south. Charcoals was mooted being close to Central Station, however, when I realised that none of us had been to the new place on St. Vincent Street in the heart of the City, Chaakoo Bombay Cafe (79 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5TF) it was. They are open every day from Noon and do not close mid afternoon as too many venues do. The location is excellent. Walking in the door of the impressively decorated room I immediately wondered – who had the wherewithal to set this place up? Chaakoo Bombay Cafe was formerly a Bar so one assumes the basic layout has remained the same, the décor is quite simply magnificent. Is this true to what Irani Cafes look like in India?
A Young Chap who later identified himself as one of the Managers showed us to a booth. We were far too large collectively to squeeze in, a more flexible table at the rear of the room was then allocated. Much better. The camera was out, Hector was recording his first visit in great detail.
Vitamin C
Hector’s day was made even before the food was considered. Vitamin C (Ege Bamyasi) by CAN was played on the sound system. CAN in a Curry House? Oh Yeah. It feels like only two week since I saw Irmin Schmidt in Manchester, it is.
Tapas, that explains why the prices were so attractive. Our Chap informed us that whatever we ordered would all arrive at the same time.
Option 2 – Grill & Curry (£9.95) looked like a good deal: a Starter and a Main with Rice or Masala Fries. As I was recording everyone’s choices it fell to me to relay the Order. We all took Option 2 with Rice, plus one Dish from the Main Menu (£6.95). Hector: Tulsi Chicken Tikka and Daal Makhani, plus Garlic Lamb. Ricky: Tulsi Chicken Tikka and Garlic Chilli Chicken, plus Rara Gosh. Clive: Tandoori Chaat and Garlic Chilli Chicken, plus Rara Gosh. Dr. Stan: Tulsi Chicken Tikka and Rogan Josh, plus Lamb Sagwalla.
Jugs of Water were a sufficient refreshment whilst we waited. Time to take more photos.
The Staff did well to get all the Dishes on the table more or less simultaneously.
Tapas
The bowls were the same make/size as used at Sarina’s (Queensbury, Bradford) That we had two each full of Curry was clearly enough. When the Rice was decanted to the two provided plates there proved to be a – sensible amount.
The Tulsi Chicken Tikka had three decent sized pieces covered in – something green. I hoped this would have the – Full on Flavour – as found in the the Tandoori Mix at the Taj Mahal (Bernkastel, Deutschland), sadly not the case. Still, as Chicken goes this was fine. The photo confirms my oft repeated observation that it’s all about the outside, Flavours do not permeate Chicken.
Clive’s Tandoori Chaat appeared to have a lot of Capsicum present, I’m glad I avoided this.
No complaints – remarked Clive about his Starter – but overshadowed by what followed.
Clive and Ricky both had Garlic Chilli Chicken and Rara Gosh.
(I hope I have the following dishes matching the correct photo.)
Garlic Chilli Chicken
Rara Gosh
That was as hot as I like it – said Ricky – anything above that is stupid.
Both can tolerate Spice, so this must have impressed.
Daal Makhani
What idiot puts a Daal Makhani over Basmati? This one. This is Hector’s favourite Daal, not always available and sometimes disproportionately expensive, this was a great Opperchancity to enjoy the experience. Kidney Beans and Lentils were present in the Creamy Masala. This was a worthy Daal, I would certainly have this again, but then as I did today, I would miss out on the two-Curry moment.
Garlic Lamb
The Garlic Lamb impressed instantly. The Seasoning hit the palate hard, excellent, well judged. Then it was the Spice and finally the Garlic. I found a Garlic Clove, was it pickled? Seven pieces of Meat were present, for a Tapas portion this was impressive. The Flavour was all in the Masala, the Tender Lamb was Fine, but was taking Flavour from the Masala rather than giving. Still, this was an impressive Curry.
Dr. Stan had the – two Lamb Curry Experience. The Sagwalla looked lighter in colour than the norm, not so much Spinach then. The Rogan Josh was heading towards the – Creamy Creation – that many venues now serve. It did look a bit – Soupy. Dr. Stan was content with his choices.
Rogan Josh
Re the Rogan Josh:
It said it had Peppers, none were visible unless mashed into the Masala.
Lamb Sagwalla
Re the Lamb Sagwalla:
I enjoyed that.
There was no holding back the Good Doctor:
I’ll come back now that I know what the score is.
Ricky too said he would be happy to return to Bombay Chakoo Cafe:
The Starter had loads of Chicken, I could have done with just the Option.
Once the plates were cleared, I took the opperchancity to ask Our Chap how this business came to be. Chaakoo Bombay Cafe is part of the Di Maggio chain. When Chef Manou was discovered, it was decided to build the Restaurant around him. Luck Chap, does he get a day off?
The Bill
£67.60. £16.90 per head. We had been fed with Quality Curry.
The Aftermath
I asked if I could meet Chef Manou, he was summoned and the photo taken with him and the Manager who had looked after us so well. I congratulated Chef on his Curry: It’s all about the Salt – was my opening statement to him. If one gets this right, then Wonderful Curry is possible.
Butter Chicken is on the Menu, Marg will be keen to visit and judge it. Our next free Sunday together in the UK may not be until August. Hopefully I’ll be back before then.
