Earlier this year I noted on a social medium that Danny Singh of New Gandhi Indian Restaurant was looking to sell up. It is with sadness I report that his restaurant closed on May 22.
The opening night back in 2014 will always be remembered, a pity I missed the last. Yet another Curry House joins the – Gone, but not forgotten.
Hector was summoned to the Southside for 14.00. People are off work today, and so are out to play. Trying to secure a Curry before 14.00 on a Friday in my happy hunting ground is no easy matter. Darbar Grill (140 Allison Street, Glasgow G42 8RP) was open. As expected, Ahmed, Mein Host was not present, the boys were looking after the shop. Does Moiz now have a beard?
I was talked through the Dishes on display, the two on the right were not for Hector.
Lamb and Potato plus Boiled Rice was chosen. I took my seat in the empty restaurant, one chap did arrive later to eat in.
A jug of water, with a glass, was presented. The glass I specifically mention, no more single use plastic in Scotland. The water too is worth a mention, why do I keep tasting chemicals in Glasgow water?
The plate of Basmati was almost luminescent. Could I eat this quantity? Probably not.
Aloo Gosht
Lamb on-the-bone, in a Shorva, I could smell the Cloves as soon as the bowl was placed on the table. This was Desi Curry. When Darbar Grill rebranded from Desi Cafe, the portions were decidedly small. Today, I was glad to receive a decent portion. The two large pieces of Potato would soon become eight. I had quite a plateful to manage.
As anticipated, there was a huge blast of Cloves, then hot Spices. The Seasoning was there, spooning on more Shorva invigorated the Rice. The Meat was so soft one could have simply sucked it instead of chew. Sadly, the Flavours from the Herb-rich Shorva had been absorbed by the Potato more than the Meat. Time to spoon more Shorva. Of course, the Flavours from the bones had infused the Shorva.
It’s easy to dismiss such a Curry as being – Soupy, however, when a Shorva is this tasty, one has to acknowledge and appreciate the genre. This was remote from Hector’s preferred Thick Masala. This was Desi Curry, and why I was here.
*
The Bill
£11.00 One day there will be a printed menu, possibly even with the official name of the venue.
The Aftermath
Card payment complete, it was a short walk to rendezvous with the chaps.
I hope Moiz enjoys reading this.