Just after 17.00 this evening, PM Boris announced the closure of all Pubs and Restaurants as of tonight. For Hector, this was the second Friday in a row, my Curry in Lodz (Polska) was spoiled last week by a similar announcement. Actually, could the Curry at – Touch of India – have been any worse?
Marg was due to retire mid June, today may well turn out to be her last full day. However, she’ll be back on Monday, and every day until then if required.
Knowing that tonight would be the last opperchancity for Curry in a restaurant for the foreseeable, there had to be some sort of celebratory dinner. The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) is Glasgow’s largest, I was confident there would be safe space between all diners. The manager greeted us with hand gel, we were shown to a table. Little more than half a dozen tables were occupied, though a wedding party assembled during our visit, the last great gathering of March 2020 on these premises.
A new Menu was brought, gone is the A3 card, here was a bound book featuring everything The Village has on offer including – Burgers. Prices have gone up, and some. Hector’s favoured Lamb Karahi has reached near astronomical levels – Lahori Karahi – served on-the-bone has reached £20.95 for the half kilo. Along the road at DumPukt Lahori, the full kilo is available for less. Having passed DumPukht earlier this afternoon, it was closed, else it would have been my first choice venue this evening.
DumPukht was open as I passed later.
Mysteriously, the Tawa Kirahi, also on-the-bone, is a mere £34.95, and claims to serve 4/5. Not when – The Friends of Hector – dine out. Hector’s long term favourite – Lamb Desi Qorma has gone, only the Chicken version remains (£9.95). The Laal Lahori disappeared during the Menu revamp when the current premises opened. What has happened here? Hector the Consultant – is always available, and many a Restaurateur has asked for my opinion for future menus.
We settled down to the complimentary Poppadoms and Spiced Onions plus a litre of Sparkling Water which remains comparatively good value at £2.95. Whilst I was taking my notes, Marg declared Lamb Lahori Karahi – Single – boneless (£10.95). Having had a relativity late lunch, the – Single – portion of the same would suit the Hector, but on-the-bone (£11.50). For Marg, a Tawa Chapatti (£1.10), I would ask for a variant of the Naan on offer, my favoured – Chilli and Coriander Naan (£3.50) – with no Garlic.
All was noted, Medium Spice for Marg, above Medium for Hector. One of the Baig family, Kasif’s elder brother (?), came over and told us that – someone – was here two days ago and mentioned my name. To whoever, hi!
The Breads arrived on a basket, folded. The Chapatti was whole, the Naan had been scored into quarters, but the pieces were still attached, just. The Chilli and Coriander Naan glowed. I took the red flecks to be Chilli Flakes, no sign of Green Chillies which is what I had in mind.
Lamb Lahori Karahi (on-the-bone)
A sucky bone stood out from the mass of Meat and Masala. The – foliage – covering was ample, Ginger Strips and Coriander, but no Green Chillies a la Manchester.
The first dip of Bread into the Masala created a wave of – wet and bland. The level of Seasoning was way below that which Hector seeks, and after Karahi Lamb at Kabana (Manchester) this week, it was instantly apparent how important Seasoning is. The wetness I put down to a combination of Garlic on the Naan, and the relatively runny Masala. This was not a Karahi up to the usual standards of – The Village. There is a distinctive Village Flavour which was not present this evening. I have written oft about inconsistency here over the years, this was another example.
The Meat was fine, the quantity of the – Single – more than acceptable. I simply was not getting much in the way of Flavour.
Our chap came over to ask the customary question. Pointing the glowing half of the remaining Naan, I said there was clearly Garlic present, despite asking for none. I was offered a replacement, it was too late, I could not tackle another. A smaller one was offered, again declined. Selling Naan by size, there’s an idea which restaurants could employ. Tonight, the Naan killed the Curry.
Lamb Lahori Karahi (Boneless)
This version was darker, drier, and appeared to have a significant Herb content in the Thicker Masala.
Spicy! – was Marg’s opening remark. I pointed out to her that – Spicy – is her reaction to every Curry.
Mine is full of flavour, the Lamb is very tender.
I believe that tonight, Marg had the better Curry.
Marg’s leftover Meat, topped with my excess Masala, was packed for Takeaway along with the last quarter of the Naan.
Coffee (£2.75), white, and as hot as you can make it. Marg was indulged. Moments later, a chap placed a huge Ice Cream Sundae in front of me. Wonderful! A treat I assumed. As I reached for the Huwaei, no camera out this evening, the Manager came over, it was for someone else. So it goes.
The Bill
£32.75 Prices are creeping up. Let’s see what happens to the price of Meat in the coming weeks/months.
The Aftermath
Mr. Baig, Mein Host, came over for a lengthy chat. Continuing to pay his staff, especially the Chefs, was foremost in his mind. Takeaway/Delivery – is the only business restaurants will be permitted to provide as of tomorrow. No-one knows what is going to happen in the coming weeks, months. In terms of Curry, Geography is going to favour those on Glasgow’s Southside.
We all need food, drink, electricity and wi-fi. One thing is certain: there ain’t no sanity clause.