Sixty five today and no State Pension, this is not what I signed up for when I made my first contributions to the scheme back in the summer of 1972. In these uncertain times there was only one given, the Curry-Heute had to be special.
I have resisted Karahi Gosht all week, a freshly prepared Tandoori Naan also. Then there’s Lamb Chops, the likes of which have not been enjoyed since early November at The Downsman (Crawley). Glasgow only has two venues which can supply these with – Desi-style – guaranteed and an ambience appropriate for the day. Already I have lunch at The Village planned for Monday, so it had to be Akbar’s (573-581 Sauchiehall Street G3 7PQ). A table for two was booked for 18.00 this evening.
Imran, Mein Host, was there to greet:
Hello, Mr. Hector.
We have not been at Akbar’s since September 2019, this was recognised, 2020 was a washout. Tonight the clientele at Akbar’s was not of the usual composition. My fellow diners this evening were more representative of a British Mainstream Curry House. We were mostly sat as window dressing, those with children socially distanced in the interior. Ramadan fasting continues. If three thousand people can attend a rave in Liverpool this evening, why are Scottish restaurants being presently restricted to a 20.00 curfew?
Drinks were ordered, no large bottles of Sparkling Water were available, two 330ml bottles (£2.25) it would be. Such are the competitive prices of the food at Akbar’s, I have always been under the impression that is the drinks from which they make the profit, not tonight, not until May 17.
We were asked if we wished Poppadoms. Hector still refuses to play this game. In the drive here, I had reminded Marg that a well known and reliable Curry Blog has noted that when Marg – steals – one of Hector’s Lamb Chops, she cannot finish her main course. Marg said she would limit her Starter to one Poppadom (£0.75) and Mango Chutney. The latter meant ordering the Pickle Tray (£1.50).
Marg declared Butter Chicken (£9.45) as her choice for this evening. She accepted that Rice was likely to be the better accompaniment, Pilau Rice (£2.45). Lamb Chops are still £4.45? The portion of four would surely be reduced? On the last visit, John ordered Karahi Gosht & Spinach (£8.95), this proved to be the – driest – of the three – Desi-style – Dishes served that night. The equivalent at Ambala truly hit the spot on Monday, the guarantee of Herbs, it had to be. Akbar’s is one of the too few venues which actually has Coriander & Chilli Naan (£2.95) on their menu. Knowing the size and the presentation, there would be enough to share.
I took no chances with the waiter and asked for – Desi-Apna-Asian-style. This got the message across. He also noted – no Capsicum. A young chap, in training, observed all intently. In three weeks, Akbar’s will be stowed, a good time to learn.
Lamb Chops
Four large Lamb Chops! How can they serve four at this price given that everywhere else the price is typically double? Even The Downsman, who continue to set the standard for Lamb Chops nationally, have reduced the number in the portion and increased the price.
The Chops were a bit pale, though the bones were approaching cremated. Something, which did not come across as Lemon Juice, had been poured over them, it took a moment for this to dissipate. The Chops were piping hot, care was required, burnt fingers otherwise. The distinctive taste of – the grill – emerged slowly, how this has been missed. Lamb Chops, straight from the kitchen, no way would this ever have worked as a Takeaway.
Marg removed the unnecessary greenery from my plate, the Pickle Tray complemented the otherwise Modest Salad. Now there was a diversity of Flavours, the Chops were slowly devoured, savoured, bones duly sucked, joy. Four Chops, it’s not often that Hector is permitted to eat all four, whose birthday is it?
Butter Chicken
The antithesis of the Hector Curry: the wrong Meat served in a Creamy, Soupy Masala. There is nothing about this that I found to be attractive. I must try it sometime to discover why people like it, maybe not. Marg only decanted half of her Pilau Rice, the remainder would go home. She ate every morsel otherwise and was particularly quiet such that two statements were not uttered.There was no comment on the level of Spice. The usually inevitable comparison with Mother India’s Cafe was not made either. Perhaps Hector was otherwise distracted.
Karahi Gosht & Spinach
Coriander topped the melange of small-cut Meat and a suitably Thick Masala. This must have been darkest Curry I have seen in many moons. There was a sufficiency of Spinach, enough to make its presence known, not an excess.
I had to wait a few moments until the Naan arrived, when it did, the usual impact was made. Thankfully not dripping in Garlic, this huge Naan had everything else. The coverage by the – foliage – was spot on, thinner in the middle, the edges had the much sought after burnt blisters. The puffy edges led to the herbal centre, extra Flavours to be added to the Curry.
The taste of Spinach was realised in an instant, only a hint of the distinctive Bradford Curry taste was there initially. The boneless Lamb had been cooked to perfection not too soft, chewing required, and a provider of Flavour.
This Karahi was ticking the boxes, as I dug deeper so the full Bradford Curry experience came to the fore. Spice and Herbs, the Bradford blend, only available (in Glasgow) at Akbar’s.
I managed way more Naan than I thought possible, even with Marg’s assistance, there was no way we could finish it. The waiter had set the challenge, rather than waste the remainder, it too would come home. There’s a Kofta Anda waiting for lunch tomorrow.
The Bill
£35.00 On such occasions, I shouldn’t really ask.
The Aftermath
The staff bade us farewell, Imran was occupied. Hopefully it will not be another nineteen months until the next visit.