Mother expects Curry, Hector gets to select the locus. With tonight’s Dinner already planned, Hector needed something relatively light for lunch. The Lahori Lunch (5.95) at The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) should be sufficient.
We arrived at 14.15, we would be be in the company of sixteen fellow diners. This was impressive given that for the majority, lunchtime is typically earlier. One of the two new waitresses gave us a choice of tables. One concludes that the previous stalwarts have moved on, they were fun.
The Lahori Lunch states a choice from the three Pakoras and – Any Dish From The Village Curry Specials. This allegedly includes – Dish Of The Day ask your server – I did. There was a choice, Chicken or Lamb Palak, the latter was jumped at. For Mother, the standard Lamb Curry always satisfies. We both chose Rice to accompany and Vegetable Pakora to start.
Three large pieces of reheated Pakora, a Salad Garnish and a Sweet Chilli Dip, each, proved to be an elegant insufficiency. It has been a while since I ate a portion of Pakora, albeit a Lunchtime Menu Portion. Between the Dip and the Pakora there was a decent – Kick. All very pleasant, Mother’s verdict:
It was strong, but not too strong.
Palak Gosht
Served on a plate with half-Curry, half-Rice, this was certainly enough to be eating when this was not the main meal of the day. The Rice was flavoured with that – Something Special – which makes Village Rice a standout. This was streets ahead of Basmati and most Pulao as served at other venues. Five good sized pieces of Meat sat in a delightfully Thick, Herb-rich Masala. This was the classic Herbs with Masala, not the Masala with Herbs which I usually seek when I order – Methi Gosht.
The Spice was there, I only became aware of the Seasoning after the full Flavour of the Spinach had hit the plate, hard. The Meat was very soft, on the edge of going to pulp, I always admire the skill that gets Lamb – on the limit Tender. The Flavour from the Lamb itself was pronounced.
This was a remarkably Tasty Curry. Why have I not had this at The Village before? Maybe the Menu needs Kofta Anda and/or Kofta Palak.
Lamb Curry
Five pieces of Meat in the Village Masala, again a half plate of Rice were present. It was probably the Big Brother of this served on the Main Menu which kick-started my regular visits. Once upon a time I ate here at least twice a week.
Mother was defeated by the Quantity, even leaving a piece of Meat.
I enjoyed it – she confirmed.
Mr. Baig, Mein Host, came across to greet us whilst carrying a stretch of pipe. That was different.
How’s things? – he asked.
I think this is the first time I have had your Palak Gosht – I informed him – very tasty.
He accepted the praise.
Good for a change – I added.
The Bill
£12.85 95p more than I expected. Perhaps – Dish Of The Day – costs more?
The Aftermath
The Village was almost empty as we departed at 15.00. Surely 15.00 is the best time of the day to eat Curry?
The Dish of the Day is never anything else. Bloody tasty though.
Hector replies:
Maybe one should order two portions, one with rice, one with a chapatti?