And so on Day #2 of the Glasgow Real Ale Festival (G-RAF), Hector took his break once again at 18.00. No messing around as in yesterday, it was straight to Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) where at this time of year the Sun is able to shine on the front of the building. First day of summer, my arse.
As I entered, Chef #2 waved from the cooking spot, no Chef Rashid this evening. There was a throng, a group of young chaps had somehow occupied only one table, yet there were loads of them, some doing their ablutions before departure. Finally, there was peace.
Ayaz, Mein Host, had been outside dealing with the bins, he acknowledged me in passing, he too then headed for the small room.
The usual? – he asked once he was sorted.
Karahi Gosht (£7.90) was confirmed, however, today I fancied a Chilli and Coriander Naan instead of the customary Chapatti. After yesterday at Chilli Thrill, I was Chapattied out. I had never ordered what is becoming my favourite Bread at Karahi Palace.
Once more at the Beer Festival, some customers were as interested in my Curry exploits as they were in my knowledge of Foreign Bier. A link to the video made by Martyn on behalf of Noely Poly may appear one day.
The Naan arrived first, round and halved. This was unlike the usual teardrop Naan, yet the key properties were present. There were enough burnt blisters, the Bread had risen in parts, the Chilli and Coriander were well embedded into the dough. Soon, I shall try and replicate this at home.
*
Karahi Gosht
Hot-Hot-Hot – Danger, Will Robinson!
The Oil glistened, the Tomato-based Masala shrouded the large pieces of Lamb on-the-bone. The Ginger Strips were present, perhaps less Fresh Coriander than usual, there would be enough in the Naan. Green Chillies were mixed through the Masala. The aroma from both Karahi and Naan was seductive.
Ayaz passed as I was taking the ritual photos, he smiled.
I’m making you famous – as if I needed to justify my actions.
The first dip of a piece of Naan into the Hot Oil was another – Wow! – moment. There was a harmony, the Naan was unbelievable, this tasted more Bread-like than any Naan I have ever encountered. This was going to be another – special event. When the Masala had cooled sufficiently, some was scooped on to the astonishing Naan, there was an explosion of Flavour on the palate. The Meat was too hot to touch, but not too hot to eat. This I can never comprehend. Hot Curry with Mega Flavours, another perfect day.
The pile of Bones grew on the plate, some Sucky. Bones add so much to the Flavour. The Spice, the Seasoning, I made no notes, all was as the Hector seeks. It’s over six weeks since I last ate at Karahi Palace, I have had some very good Curry in that period, and some therefore that was relatively poor, this was simply – Perfection.
I gave the thumbs up to Ayaz, he told me that he had cooked the Karahi Gosht.
So who cooked the Naan?
It was Chef #2, whom I can now identify as – Chef Anwar.
I told him that this was the best Naan I had ever eaten. It was, Hector eating this much Bread is unheard of.
Why Karahi Palace is not queued out the door still baffles. One fears that when the Barclay’s complex is in full swing, this humble venue may well be.
The Bill
Ten Pound.
This is uncanny, the same amount at three venues on consecutive days. This must be – Be Nice to Hector Week.
The Aftermath
The Clyde was looking splendid in the evening light, a pity Glasgow’s Riverside is not the hive of activity it could be.
Back at G-RAF, I worked until closing time with just the three Masala splashes on the polo-shirt.