Whatever triggers Hector’s occasional desire for Saag/Palak is unknown. Last Friday’s Meat Balls Spinach at Karachi Restaurant (Bradford) did not hit the spot, like an unscratched itch, the hankering remained. The inclusion of – Egg – in the Lamb Biryani at Sheesh Mahal (Bradford) perhaps proved that sometimes, one Egg is not – un oeuf. Wednesday may be Kofta Anda day at Sheerin Palace, however, every day is Kofta day at The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA). Today, Hector was determined to have Kofta with Egg and Spinach!
Crossing the Squiggly Bridge at 15.00, it was apparent that the majority of the fencing around the new Barclay’s complex had gone. The soon to be campus looks nearly open for business. Few people could be seen in the offices, Wee Nippy has instructed people to work from home again.
So much for the promised thousands Hector predicts will soon discover the wonderful Curry available in Tradeston.
Mr Baig was leaving as I took my seat. There was time to tell him of my visit to the Curry Capital and that I was amused to find Taj, Mein Host at Sheesh Mahal (Bradford), out of retirement.
Poppadoms were once again declined, the Order was taken Kofta (£9.95) with Egg and Spinach. There is an extra £1.00 charge for Kofta Anda and Kofta Palak. Who has ever ordered Kofta Anda Palak? A Naan (£2.50) would accompany.
The waitress asked for my Spice requirements.
Above medium – was answered with – Desi medium.
Marg announced this morning that although she didn’t wish to dine, she would interrupt her activities this afternoon and become my personal Paparazzo. This also left Hector as the only diner at The Village this Wednesday afternoon. Two Chefs took a break, and sat at the far end of the huge premises. I wonder what they had?
Kofta Anda Palak
A Boiled Egg (whole) and four, not particularly large, Meatballs sat in the abundant Masala. Masala, this was a Herb-rich Mash. If this didn’t sate Hector’s Spinach craving, what would? The Coriander topping would add even more Herb Flavour, sliced Green Chillies also sat menacingly there too.
The Naan was served folded. The Bread had been scored to create quarters, but not all the way through, so technically, this Naan was whole. Round-ish, with some burnt bits, it did not look like a traditional Tandoori Naan. The edges were suitably thick, the centre, not so. I would manage three-quarters. A decent Naan, but still not the big Teardrop, Thick Naan with loads of blisters I seek.
The Masala Mash was suitably Spiced, the Chillies took this to an even higher level. Testing. The Seasoning was there and, as a direct consequence, the full Flavours of the Spinach came across. This is what I was hoping for.
The Kofta proved to be substantial, they too had their own Spice. With Kofta, Naan and the Masala Mash being taken simultaneously, a perfect combination, synergy.
Around the three-quarters mark, I thought it time to break up the Egg. This added a further dimension to what was already an impressive meal. Maybe a Hard Boiled Egg should feature more often in Curry?
The Bread had to be abandoned, else defeat would have been the outcome. The final stretch then became easier, and even more enjoyable. Spinach and Egg, the ultimate accompaniment for Meatballs?
The Bill
£13.45 There was only a single £1.00 supplement.
The Aftermath
The manager (Omar?) asked how many stars I would give my visit. That’s not how Curry-Heute operates. Praise when it’s due, punches not withheld. Today, Hector had been well looked after and served a Curry combination never experienced before.
