Somehow Hector found himself driving through Tradeston at 13.00 on a Friday. The car must have been in autopilot when it pulled up at one of the vacant parking spaces on West St. opposite The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA). It’s all happening in Tradeston, the new Barclay’s building is well underway.
Around twenty diners were taking advantage of The Village Lunch Menu. I signalled to the waitress that I was – only one – she offered one of the booth-like tables which are suitable for one or two people, no more.
The Lunch Menu has been transformed, the choice of a basic Curry with Rice/Bread, or expanding to two courses, or even three if unlimited Tea/Coffee can be counted as a – course. I saw too much emphasis on Chicken Curry in the Karachi 3 Course Menu, Lamb Curry (£4.95) would do. Hang on, upgrade to Lamb on-the-bone for an extra 95p? That, and the inclusive Fried Rice should suffice.
The waitress took the Order, a jug of Tap Water arrived moments later and so did an email. How fitting that I should receive a communication from a new Curryspondent, Rachel. Rachel’s uncles are regulars at Karahi Palace just along the street from where I was sitting. She was thanking me in particular for my coverage of Curry Houses in Warszawa. This will be expanded in a couple of months all being well.
Lamb Curry on-the-bone
Served on a single plate and topped with Fresh Coriander, quite a come down in some ways from dining a la carte. Curryspondent John has questioned the quantity of Meat in the Lunch Menu in times past. There was no cause for concern today, eight decent sized pieces of Tender Lamb sat in the blended Masala. I could see one – Sucky Bone – then I found another smaller piece of Meat. I had enough. The Rice was substantial also, an amount which matched the Masala, well judged, this should be a suitably filling lunch.
In the two years or so before Curry-Heute (BCH), Hector was almost resident at The Village. It is easy to forget just how impressive the Curry served here can be. My recent visits have mostly been for the – Big Buffet Nights – associated with the fasts and feasts. This simple Lamb Curry had the Seasoning that Hector craves, and so the full Village Flavours emerged. This was a wonderful Curry, the Spice was there, the tangy – Citrus – came through and lingered long. This Curry stood head and shoulders above every Curry I have eaten in recent weeks: this was Desi Curry, this was Kharra!
In time honoured tradition, I went up to pay at the till and was greeted by name.
The Bill
£5.80 Curry and Rice, no frills.
The Aftermath
It was another member of the Baig Clan who had greeted me. He has covered the day shifts for years and must be a brother of Kassif and Irram. He mentioned – Specials – which I believe he was suggesting were also available as part of the Lunch Menu. This requires further clarification.
Ah, the Specials Board at The Village, those were the days.