On consulting the Government App, it gives a list of restaurants within a five mile radius of Hector’s House participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. Green Gates (65 Ferry Rd, Renfrew PA4 8SH) appears on that list without caveat – life jackets not provided.
I phoned at the 17.00 opening time, the first available slot this evening was 20.00. With the Renfrew Ferry due to stop around 21.00, it was either risk having to swim back or take the car. We chose the latter. There is still no sign of the new bridge linking Renfrew with Yoker. If/when that day comes, Green Gates could well become – our local Curry House.
Hector and Marg arrived punctually, despite every traffic light in Renfrew turning red as we approached. There really is a junction in Renfrew where the traffic passes, without barriers, – on the right.
A one way system was in operation at Green Gates, ramp in – stairs out. We walked up the ramp as required, and did the hand gel ritual before signing in. All serving staff wore visors, those behind the bar had face masks, some of the time. Every table had a bottle of hand gel in situ. Not being familiar with these premises, one assumes the tables were more spread out than normal. We were shown to a well isolated window table.
The Menu was not overlong, Lamb Karahi was not an option – peppers – were clearly admitted. The Goan Fish Curry (£14.90) has Coconut, I wasn’t taking the risk of this being dominant. It was back to the – Old Favourites – Lamb Rogan Josh (£10.95) – has a condensed onion and tomato based sauce – this was deemed worthy of exploration. Marg unknowingly would make the same choice as on her last visit – Butter Chicken (£9.95). Assuming a Soupy Curry Marg suggested we share Rice and Bread. Mushroom Rice (£3.25) and a Nan (£2.95) fitted the bill. Apart from the Fish, Main Dishes are available as – small portions, excellent for trying something new or our case, adding an – Interesting Vegetable. Aloo Gobi (£5.95) completed the food order.
No Starters? – asked the waiter. Why be greedy?
The Drinks Order had been taken first, Marg chose the customary Sparkling Water (£1.95), but being a warm evening, a pint of Kingfisher (£3.95) was about to come Hector’s way. The first mouthful hit the spot, but having kept the majority until the end of the meal, it was far too warm. Suggestion for next time, have two pints, one at the start, one at the end.
Complimentary Poppadoms and Onion Chutney were brought to the table, no fuss, always appreciated. As with the previous visit, a Soupçon of Spicy Tomato Soup accompanied. Only lukewarm, it was still a pleasant treat.
The Mains arrived in good time, fitting everything on to the small table proved to be challenging. The Nan was in the classic teardrop shape, the pointy bit is always a highlight. Soft, light and fluffy with enough burnt bits, a perfect Naan. Marg took her share of the Mushroom Rice, that which remained did a better job of covering Hector’s plate than the pitiful quantity of Rice served two nights ago at The Village, and for the same price. Tonight there was indeed enough to share. All was set.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Topped with a sprinkling of Fresh Coriander and a single Ginger Strip, the Masala had indeed been cooked down to create the hoped for – Thickness. There was not even a hint of – red – but then oh no, two pieces of the dreaded – Mush – were encountered on decanting, then later a third. These were returned to the karahi, hopefully no damage had been done to the taste of Hector’s Curry.
The first dip of Naan in the Masala revealed the Seasoning was there. The Spice Level initially appeared to be set low, but as the perspiration collected on Hector’s brow it became apparent that there was indeed – Spice – in here. A powerful and – Earthy Flavour – emanated from the Masala, whole Peppercorns were encountered, along with the third piece of Capsicum. The tender Meat count was up to double figures, and ranged from soft to chewy. There was plenty to get one’s teeth into here. Had this been served as a – Bhuna – I would have been more than pleased, this Curry was far from the Tomato-rich Rogan Josh of old, or the – Creamy – interpretation that currently prevails. The Mushroom Rice was the perfect foil. I would most certainly have this Rogan Josh again.
Aloo Gobi
As a – Side – this was a decent quantity. An Onion-rich Masala shrouded the Potato and Cauliflower, Mustard Seeds may well have been the little black spots. Both Vegetables had been cooked as Hector likes them, there was still a bit of firmness.
A slight tang was detected, however, the hoped for blast of Flavour from this Dish did not happen, the Rogan Josh was way too powerful. Most of my share of the Naan was eaten with the Aloo Gobi, diversity achieved.
Butter Chicken
Here was the Soupy Curry which Marg loves and Hector eschews. The Red Creamy Masala may suit some, it looked pretty much like the Tomato Soup served earlier. Marg was of the same opinion:
It had a good flavour and went well with the Chicken. I enjoyed the Cauliflower and Potato as it had slightly different flavours. The Naan was crispy, not doughy.
Marg asked for an extra hot Latte (£2.95) whilst I tackled the remnants of the warm Kingfisher.
The Latte and chocolate mints completed the evening – concluded Marg. Hector was waiting for a – ping – to say there had been another goal at Ibrox. When finally, I checked the app, two more goals had been scored. An excellent evening.
The Bill
£22.93 with the other £18.97 being taken off by Chancellor Rishi. Cheers!
The Aftermath
I have been told that Chef Gurmeet of Punjabi (Charing X) fame now works at Green Gates. I asked the waiter, this drew a blank. Maybe he’s at the other branch in Candleriggs? Green Gates Cafe, I note the new venue in the Merchant City opens at noon on Fridays and Saturdays. This is perfect for Hector, one of two new city centre Curry Houses still to be reviewed on Curry-Heute.
