Basharat G’z (223-225 Allison Street, Glasgow, G42 8RU) was not originally the scheduled venue for this afternoon. Last month, Curryspondent Helen suggested Indian Scene in Paisley. Hector was due to rendezvous there with Jim and Alan, however, after the outstanding Lamb Desi Karahi served at Basharat G’z last Saturday, I knew Jim and Alan would be keen to try it asap. So it goes.
I arrived a few minutes before the scheduled 16.00, Abbas was there to greet. Whilst I took photos of the prepared Curry, I enquired about their Methi Gosht (£7.00): is it my preferred Masala with added Herbs, or simply a mass of Herbs with next to no Masala? Abbas was confident they would serve it – as required. This would be a departure from my attempt at securing a Fish Curry with Methi at Aberdeen’s Lahore Karahi. There, they served the exact opposite of what I had asked for.
Jim and Alan were punctual, the Menu was studied. They agreed that sharing a kilo of Lamb Desi Karahi £23.00) was the way ahead. Four Chapattis (£0.70) for the Chaps, a Chilli and Coriander Naan (£2.20?) for Hector. Abbas had not heard of my chosen Naan. No Garlic – was my advice.
Four cans (£0.70) of fizz would accompany. A jug of Tap Water and a Salad were brought to the table also. The Salad was never more than nibbled. Passing through the seating area, Abbas apologised for the wait. We assured him that this was not a problem, we appreciated that the food had to be prepared. Curry Ding! – is not what we desired. Starters had been waived.
The Breads
The Chapattis were made from Wholemeal Chapatti Flour and were very light in colour. A good size, two each was more than enough.
The Chilli and Coriander Naan had no Chillies. If there was any Garlic, then thankfully this was minimal. Gently fired but with enough burnt bits, light and fluffy, this was a very enjoyable piece of Bread. As it turned out, I could have done with the Chillies, I’ll try again in the future.
Methi Gosht
Some of the Oil had spilled during delivery, a sign that perhaps they are serving too Oily a Curry here. Dabbing some off might be advisable, however, in the Desi Karahi last Saturday, the Oil proved to be such a source of intense Flavour.
Jim gasped at the aroma as the Methi Gosht was passed to me. There was no doubting the presence of – Methi – here. The Lamb, technically on-the-bone, protruded through the Magnificent Masala. It was clear before I started, that this was exactly what I had hoped to receive, perhaps even more.
The first dip of Naan in the mix of Hot Oil and Masala was another – Wow! – moment. The Lamb was melt-in-the-mouth. The Seasoning was there, this Methi Gosht could have been Spicier, hence the need for the Chillies. Still, the combination of Naan, Masala, Methi, Oil, Coriander and Lamb was simply wonderful, a Methi Gosht indeed beyond expectation, I cannot remember having one as good as this in the past year, longer even. I would have to rate this as one of the best Methi Gosht I have ever encountered. Maybe one does not need too much Spice.
I gave a Soupçon of Masala to both Alan and Jim. Both were taken by the intensity of Flavour, so much so, that Jim bought both Dried Fenugreek and Frozen Methi in an adjacent grocer when he departed.
There was a big piece of Bone with gristle right in the heart of the Methi Gosht, the only sign of a bone. One assumes that the Lamb present must have been therefore originally cooked in with the bones.
Meanwhile, a tall bearded Chap, a Chef, asked me twice whilst I ate what I thought of his Methi Gosht. Who was this? I assured him it was exactly as I desired, better even.
Lamb Desi Karahi
For a Kilo, this did not look to be a huge portion. The karahi was filled to the brim, I am used to Curry spread across a flat Tawa, or a much larger karahi with the Curry sitting on the base. The Chaps divvied up the portion. Jim was first to remark on the – kick. Alan challenged this, thinking it could have been – Spicier. It was agreed we had been correct not to go into a new venue demand – Spicy Curry! Let’s feel our way.
Some of the Lamb is just... – remarked Jim.
… tender – added Alan – could be spicier, next time.
Assuming theirs was of the same Quality as that in the Methi Gosht, this was indeed wonderfully cooked Meat
A lot of flavour in the oil – said Jim who had been warned to expect this, but knew not to be put off.
Such were Hector’s notes. At the end I asked for a few words.
Alan – Lovely tender Lamb, but would have it spicier next time. Proper Curry.
Jim – The Lamb on-the-bone was very tender, slightly more oily than one is used to, but the oil holds so much flavour. Suitably foddered.
I showed each what I had previously recorded: I’m a great big accurate old Hector!
Abbas and the Mystery Man asked more than once if there was anything else they could get us, my request for a second stomach was understood. Abbas brought the – The Bill – it appeared to make sense for Hector to pay separately.
The Bill
£10.90 for Hector, £27.40 for the chaps.
The Aftermath
With both standing at the end of our table, I had to ask Abbas who this very keen Chef was.
I’m Basharat – Mein Host told us.
Eh? How could I not have recognised the man whom I had chatted with a mere four days ago. I produced the photo I took on Saturday – this is not the same person! – I insisted.
It was, of course. Basharat admitted that I am not the first person who has failed to recognise him and I deduce this includes friends and family. Lois Lane, Clark Kent and Superman come to mind, or the worst disguised character in a 1980’s BBC sitcom.
It is I, Basharat!
As I headed in to town, John acknowledged my post on another medium. It looks as though I’ll be back here on Friday with other diners. Aloo Gobi is calling.