Since the start of Lockdown, Hector has blogged some new recipes but not any new venues. This evening, with Marg on more picnic duties, there was an opperchancity to experiment. There is a remarkable number of Curry sources within the permitted five mile radius of Hector’s House, even allowing for that obstacle called the River Clyde. On identifying Bawarchi (995 Crow Rd, Anniesland, Glasgow G13 1JP) as a possibility, the mind was made up.
Going back some twenty years, this is a Curry locus well known to Hector. Agra, which once occupied these premises, became a favourite venue. The Curry at Agra had a distinctive flavour, that which one seeks, and this was before Hector went on the search for Desi Curry leading to the birth of Curry-Heute. Bawarchi, as the venue is now branded, would have been visited by now had they been open mid afternoon, Temple-Anniesland is not where I normally find myself of an evening. One may question why the chance of sourcing a Restaurant standard Curry, north of the Clyde, has not been realised during Lockdown. Regular readers will know why.
All sources quote a 16.00 opening. Phoning at 16.25 there was no reply. Ten minutes later Bawarchi phoned me back, an encouraging start. The Order relayed, Hector headed east for the short hop along the Boulevard, content that the request for a Chilli and Coriander Naan had been accepted. I had verified that Lamb Desi (£8.25) did not have added Capsicum. Spring Onions – is the Topping the Chap on the phone had declared. Lamb Chops (£4.75), Hector has not had Lamb Chops since Lockdown began. These were envisaged for a midnight snack. Maybes.
Parking was not an issue despite the double yellow lines directly outside of Bawarchi. The shutters were down over the windows of the restaurant, Bawarchi has a dedicated – Takeaway Shop. I still wonder about the presence of Spice Heaven across the street, a rival in such close proximity in this secluded part of the city. Who knows the quality of the Curry until they are tried?
I photographed the opening times outside the Takeaway part of Bawarchi. 16.00. The shop was Spartan, all surfaces bare, no Donner rotating. Hygiene appeared to be paramount, as it should be at all times.
After a minute standing alone, I spotted the bell on the counter. The Chap appeared. Order for Hector. And so it was presented.
The Bill
£15.95 The Chilli & Coriander (£2.95) Naan was charged at the same price as their Garlic & Cheese Naan. A complimentary 500ml bottle of Coke was presented.
Cheers!
Lamb Chops
Only three. Four is better than three, but then five is better than four. They were suitably cremated, promising, laters.
The Naan was comparatively thin, as in not risen as much as it might have, which is the payback for having Chillies rolled in. Lightly fired, whole, and with abundant Coriander, this looked very appealing. I reckoned I would manage half.
Lamb Desi
Soup! What a lot of Masala. A Vegetable Rice could well have been a better accompaniment. This much Masala with Bread is going to be a splashy affair. The t-shirt needed protection. The t-shirt, from the bottom of the drawer, Miller’s Thumb Brewing, the long gone micro-brewery which brought Hector to Temple regularly between 1998 and 2003. American Hops, Mmmmm.
I don’t know what happened to the Spring Onions. I could see a herb strewn through the Blended Masala. The Masala was not going to reveal the presence of Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, etc. One deduced an Onion and Tomato base, classic BIR Curry. Visibly, there was nothing to suggest why Chef regards this as – Desi. But then, like – Handi – it can be anything he chooses. Sixteen large pieces of Meat were present, this was quite a portion, sadly two portions in many a restaurant. Great value.
Dipping the Naan into the Masala, Hector was impressed. The Spice Level was enhanced by the Chillies from the Naan, the Seasoning was well within acceptable parameters. Whilst there was nothing distinctive, which I would expect in a Desi Curry, this certainly had – Flavour. The Naan was disappearing way faster than anticipated, time to tackle the Meat.
Halfway, biting into one piece of Lamb, I tasted nothing other than the Meat itself, no Spice. This made we aware that all other pieces were therefore giving not taking. There’s Lamb, then there’s LAMB! The quality of this Meat was outstanding, and there was so much of it. Tender, for once, would be an understatement. The lack of Interesting Vegetable did not seem to matter, though a Vegetable Rice or even a Spicy Rice, may have enhanced the overall experience.
As I fetched the rest of the Naan, I realised that this was the largest volume of food I have eaten at one sitting during Lockdown. I was really enjoying this Curry, it was decidedly – Mainstream plus.
Clearing the plate was achieved with remarkable ease, cue the Lamb Chops!
A minute in the microwave turned out not to be a good idea. One Chop was well and truly destroyed, leather, a lesson learned. The other two Chops had survived – nuking. The Mint in the accompanying Dip proved not to be Hector’s taste.
Lamb Chops, Mmmmm.
Bawarchi, the restaurant, will have to be visited when the present restrictions are lifted. The 16.00 opening time, however, does frustrate.
The Aftermath
Nicola, the First Minister of our pleasant land, announced the dates this afternoon to set us free. Hotels are booked, by this time next month Hector should have revisited favourite venues in Yorkshire and Manchester. Bring it on!
Menu
