The last time Marg and Hector dined with The Carnoustie Two was in Praha earlier this month at the Indian Happy Tandoori. Having given – the big build up – the night was a virtual disaster. Last week in Peterborough I promised my fellow diners wonderful Methi Gosht at the Punjab Balti & Pizza House, we were given the wrong Curry, thrice. Was Hector’s reputation in tatters? At least Karahi Palace delivered the Perfect Karahi Gosht last night.
Two kilos of Namkeen Karahi (£23.98) were ordered last night. I also checked that Margie’s trainee Guide Dog would be welcome.
We arrived punctually. The Head Waiter was on the ball, he wanted the Dog to enter through the door to the extension. This required a key and a few moments of fumbling. Dr. Alasdair and Hector stood inside the extension watching the show.
Once settled, the Waitress who would look after us this evening, brought the Minimal Menu. She was clued in to the fact that we had ordered the Namkeen Karahi for four. A litre Bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.99) was ordered, this gave us time to consider Starters.
Marg spotted Nachos (£5.95), that this was on the Menu puzzled: Authentic Afghan Cuisine – it says at the top of the Menu. Dr. Alasdair recalled the Scottish Haddock served as a Starter on his visit to Yadgar Kebab House. Lahori Masala Fish (£9.99) was proposed, we were quorate. I started the Bread order: Chilli and Coriander Naan (£1.99), Margie a Peshwari Naan (£2.99) and Marg a Chapatti (£0.70). Dr. Alasdair asked what a Roghani Naan is (£1.50). The addition of Sesame Seeds was not off-putting, and it was so.
The arrival of a Modest Salad, Raita and a Chilli Dip suggested food was imminent.
Original Nachos
The Nachos were topped with Cheese, Red Chillies, Onions and Capsicum! There was a Chilli Dip to accompany. For once Hector could not complain about Green Peppers, Nachos may require these. As we ate I noticed that the Nachos had been served on an edible base, a good touch. The base may have been eaten in its entirety had the table been less bountiful.
Lahori Masala Fish
The Fish looked somewhat lonely on the plate even allowing for the Lemon Slices. Baked in Spice, there was a Crusty coating, how Dry would it be? The Fish was shared, not a lot of eating for a tenner, what is this with sharing?
Beneath the Crispy Crust was White Fish, Masala Fish. Any fears of – Dryness – were soon forgotten, the Flavour was full on. The accompanying Dips were put to good use.
The Waitress brought a Plain Naan. ? This was part of the Fish Dish. Maybe we would not have ordered three more and a Chapatti had we known this. The Naan was barely touched, we knew what was coming.
The remarks on the Lahori Masala Fish were all positive.
Alasdair – The Fish is lovely.
Margie – Very different but delicious.
Marg – Not too much meat on it.
Maybe more meat would have been better, or sharing with two. Who wanted Nachos?
One of the Waiters observed the debris, he must have thought this was the end of our meal. The – can I get you anything else – had to be dismissed. Our Waitress was doing a very fine job and had granted us a ten minute respite between courses. Only on our say did she go back to the counter to organise the delivery of the Namkeen Karahi.
It did take two staff to deliver our mass of food. The Naans were Large, Dr. Alasdair was straight into the Chilli and Coriander Naan knowing that if he didn’t help himself…
The Naans all looked the part, where was the Chapatti? Eventually Marg decided to ask. Minutes later a Wholemeal Chapatti was presented, more Bread, just what we did not need.
*
Namkeen Karahi (0.5kg)
The Fresh Coriander and Ginger Strips were the customary Toppings. Syboes are making guest appearances on nearly every outing presently. The four karahi were brimming with Meat. On my previous visits I have questioned the Quantity knowing full well what a half kilo of Lamb on-the-bone looks like, not tonight. Lamb, Salt, Pepper, (Chillies), the simplicity of a Namkeen Karahi. This was a first encounter for my fellow diners, Hector is well used to this Wonderful Dish which in reality is not – Curry. There was no Masala, just the Oil and Meat Juices collecting on the base of the karahi, enough to moisten and flavour the Naan.
So pale, so simple, yet try to recreate this.
The top pieces of Meat had cooled slightly, beneath all was – Hot. The Seasoning hit instantly, how could it not given the Ingredients? Everyone used the term – Peppery – to describe the experience. The full Flavour of the Lamb came across strongly. I made no further tasting notes, there was no need, this was a Karahi to remember.
The Ladies were defeated by the Quantity, who ordered the Nachos? Dr. Alasdair took care of Margie’s – surplus – Hector has other plans for Marg’s.
This cooked Lamb could solve the problem of burning a Tomato-based Masala. Time to try this once more.
Finally, the Waitress was efficient and never in our faces.
The Bill
£75.07 Compare this to Marg and Hector’s last Curry Night at Annaya’s (Helensburgh).
The Aftermath
Mein Host was thanked, he apologised for the delay in the bringing the Namkeen Karahi. I assured him it was we who had deliberately held up its arrival.
On the next block south is Al Sultan. They sell Qozi and Tashreeb, the non-Curry Kurdish Dishes first encountered at Kobane (Huddersfield). This venue will have to be investigated. As I have written previously, further evidence of Glasgow’s – Diversity.
Namak Mandi – Menu
