In keeping with the present times, today was very much another example of eat out because one can. The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) was known to be open at lunchtimes, Mr. Vindaloo was there twice last week. Today, Dr. Stan joined Marg and Hector on this bleakest of Bank Holiday Mondays. 5.0ºC and incessant rain, just another winter’s day, except it’s late spring.
Dr. Stan arrived moments after Marg and Hector parked for the 13.00 rendezvous. Having signed in, a window table was allocated. The strategy must have worked, from just a couple of tables occupied at 13.00, people kept arriving. Dr. Stan took his time reading the Menu, no Lunch Menu today. This was his first Curry out in over a year. The last time I can find Dr. Stan in Curry-Heute was at Lahore Pakistani & Indian Restaurant (Bratislava) back in November 2019. On hearing him say – Chicken only – I knew Dr. Stan had spotted The Village’s famed Desi Qorma. Why this Curry is listed thus is something I have been writing about on nearly every visit, and mentioned to those who might take heed. Was – Lamb Desi Qorma – removed because it was often being described as not as good as once was, or not consistent?
I suggested to Dr. Stan that he ask, if you don’t ask…
Hector had a two lunch strategy in mind if the Lunch Menu had been presented. A much desired Achari Gosht (£9.95) became today’s necessity. Rice would have been the preferred accompaniment, however, Hector has issues with the size of Rice portion served at The Village, it barely covers a plate. How the Vegetable Rice of the pre and early days of Curry-Heute is missed. Aloo Naan (£3.50) has never been tried, the requirement for an Interesting Vegetable would be met, and who can finish a Naan?
I put it to Marg that surely she would not be having Keema Mutter (£8.95) for the third time in eight days. She responded with Kofta Kirahi (£9.95) and her usual Tawa Chapati (£1.10). Missing out on Saturday’s Kofta Anda (Sheerin Palace) possibly had a subliminal effect.
Starters? Dr. Stan decided a Lamb Seekh Kebab (£3.50) was required. This prompted Marg to ask for a single Poppadom and Mango Chutney.
Given the events, or lack of them, for the last seven months, the serving staff were unfamiliar. With masks de rigeur, this is hardly likely to change in the near future. A young lady took the drinks order, a large bottle of Sparkling Water (£2.95) and a glass of Mango Juice (£2.50). It was a new chap who took the food order. Dr. Stan negotiated a Lamb Desi Qorma with Pilau Rice (£2.95). Hector added his tuppence worth about the Dish being needlessly – Chicken only. On ordering the Achari Gosht I was asked – Lamb or Chicken?
It’s in the – Lamb – section of the Menu, so now I have to ask why you are offering Chicken.
Contrary, moi?
Marg’s Poppadom and Mango Chutney arrived promptly, there was no hanging about. In an appropriate time, the Seekh Kebab came too. Dr. Stan was almost tearing in when he had to be reminded of the Curry-Heute ritual photo. There was a series of – Mmmmms – Dr. Stan was back in a Curry House.
Kasif, the son of Mein Host, was serving the food today, a familiar face at The Village at last. The Breads were brought in one basket, the Naan had been quartered. Having ordered a stuffed Naan, I was not expecting that which satisfied so much at Akbar’s last week. Aloo Paratha I have had oft, this was something new and it worked. The Potato had been cooked in a la Paratha, however, the Bread was amazingly soft and fluffy as Marg confirmed when she ran out of Chapatti.
Achari Gosht
A decent sprinkling of Coriander Leaves and Stems sat atop the suitably Thick Masala. I counted eight large pieces of Meat, so no complaints here, this was a portion.
The Lime Pickle gave an instant blast of Citrus, even more than some of the outrageous IPAs consumed in the last months. The Spice Level also impressed, alas the Seasoning was appreciably below Hector’s sense of perfection. I had chosen Pickle over Herbs today, so perhaps expectations should have been adjusted accordingly. Pieces of Naan complemented the Spicy Masala. On tackling the Lamb, this was found to be suitably Tender, tasty.
I seem to go through periods of Methi/Spinach then Achari, is this the start of a phase? I have missed my Achari, so simple to make, this may be a cue to visit more Mainstream venues in the coming weeks.
Kofta Kirahi
Topped with Ginger Strips and Coriander, Marg counted some six Meatballs in the Thick Masala. A Soupçon crossed the table, the Flavours were in sharp contrast with the Achari, – Spinach – was sensed on the palate, yet the dissected Kofta appeared to light in colour. Was the potent Herb in the Masala?
Marg made her usual comment on the level of the Spice, she too was convinced there was a hint of Spinach present. One day Marg will order Kofta Palak.
The Meatballs weren’t spicy, the Masala was – concluded Marg – the Meatballs had a herby taste and worked well with the Chapatti.
Lamb Desi Qorma
It is years since this Village stalwart has appeared in these pages. This Curry was also topped with Ginger Strips and Coriander.
It was only on decanting that the Yoghurt base to the Masala became apparent. Dr. Stan noted that the Masala was appreciably thicker than as served in its latter days. We don’t want – Soup.
The Rice portion I can only describe as – pitiful. I look forward to reporting the opposite when we are let loose across Europe.
It bears up – was an early assurance.
Tender meat – was declared by Sr. Stan at the end of his meal – it was up to my remembrance, much flavour and a warmth to it.
The Bill
£47.80 I failed to establish the price for the Lamb Desi Qorma.
The Aftermath
It was Kasif who manned the cash register. He remarked on how busy the place had become in the last hour. I counted four empty tables only. What else would one do on a horrible day such as this?
I had to mention that Dr. Stan had reported the Lamb Desi Qorma being up to standard. When next they revamp the Menu, consult the Hector, we need the Lamb Laal Lahori back too!