There had to be Curry before meeting up with The Chaps this afternoon. Hector asked Lord Clive of Crawley if he had a preference. Given that so many venues are not open at a Lunchtime even on a Friday, I hoped he would not be disappointed.
We visited Banana Leaf (76B, Old Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow, G3 8RE) back in January, Great Curry, the premises required heat. Avoiding heat is one of the reasons why Clive has come north this week, all should be well.
Arriving just before 14.00, I was surprised to find the place empty, being a Friday. A pram blocked the access to one of the three tables, the middle table it had to be. The wean belonged to a staff member, how long shall this persist? A Young Chap brought the Menu, I wondered what else he does?
Back in January, I had the Lamb Chettinadu (£7.99) for the second time at Banana Leaf. Enjoyable as it was, it lacked the particular – Smokey Flavour – I associate with South Indian Cuisine. If Banana Leaf is going to become a – Recommended Venue – then the Hector needs to find this key Flavour. The – Seafood Specials – include Fish, these nearly had me until I decided to try the Aatu Eraichi (£7.99) which is honest in its description – Lamb Stew. I realise now that all Lamb and Seafood/Fish Dishes are £7.99 and all Chicken Dishes are £7.00. As this also includes the choice from two Chapattis / Paratha /Rice, this makes for Excellent Value knowing the Portions to be more than adequate.
Having read all of the Chicken options to Clive, he chose the last on the list: Nellore/South Indian Chilli Garlic Chicken (£7.00). We both took the included Rice and ordered additional Paratha (£1.50).
A couple of Takeaways were ordered during our visit. One Lady asked for the Spice Level to be toned down. Another Lady solo diner took the table behind me at the window and ordered Dosa etc. Each to their own. A family eventually appeared who clearly knew the setup and pointed to the room next door. Keys were produced and this opened. One day Hector will get to see inside this eating area.
Basmati
Two sensible sized Portions were a welcomed sight. The Quantity was well judged, enough.
Paratha
At £1.50 these appear overpriced when compared to the equivalent Quantity of Rice served. The Parathas are, however, Excellent. The Swirl, Layering and desired Flakiness was present once more. Hector likes consistency, ordering two each could be a consideration. Rice is required when the expected Curry is going to be Soup-like.
Aatu Eraichi
The Aroma of South Indian Cuisine wafted on presentation, the juices started to flow.
The Meat was decanted, eight pieces, some would need to be halved. I initially took half the Creamy Soupy Masala leaving the rest to dip the Paratha into.
This as ever was how the Hector began, the first dip was a – Wow! This is what I was looking for, the Smokiness, the Spice, and the Coconut was in no way overpowering. 
This Masala was truly Flavoursome. Concentrating next on the the Meat-Masala-Rice I soon realised how big a Spicy Kick this Curry had. As referred to above, some may need to ask for the Curry here to be toned down. Marg would not have coped with this. The Masala was well Seasoned, a Chef who knows what he is doing. Shorva would not be appropriate to describe the Masala here. Shorva is Thin, this Masala had a decent consistency. The Lamb was decidedly – Soft, very Tender. Back to dipping the Paratha, this was becoming a most joyful meal, then it ended. This makes me think of ordering three Mains to share between two, or simply just to return as soon as possible. A complete change from my usual Karahi Gosht and a reminder of the Diversity of Curry that is served in Glasgow.
Nellore/South Indian Chilli Garlic Chicken
Apart from being more Orange, it was difficult to ascertain how this differed. Clive provided a few words:
Definitely got some Chilli and Garlic in there.
Exactly what it says on the tin.
Exceedingly good.
There are many more Chicken Dishes on offer than Lamb/Seafood. It is unlikely that Hector shall ever fully explore the Menu here, however, there is most certainly an interesting range of Dishes to try.
The Bill
£18.00. The money was left, the Young Chap who had served could have been next door.
The Aftermath
I silently applauded Chef as I departed, he acknowledged.
If Banana Leaf wants to become more than a Takeaway with a few tables then they could reconsider their approach. Kids serving tend not to engage. Who is – the face – of this operation? (I did see someone at an Award’s Ceremony one evening.) There is a larger seating area, make this more obvious, open it, put on a light.
Outside, three Ladies arrived, they were evidently out – To Lunch:
This must be it – said one trying to read the signage.
Don’t be put off by the décor – I assured them – the Food is Excellent.
And what is this across the street? Shah’s Kitchen, two tables outside and possibly three inside. A rival? Hector will have to visit this asap, but they’re not open in the afternoons, as is the case for too many venues.
