Curry with Marg on a Monday is becoming a semi-regular event. We arrived at Curry Cottage (91 Cambridge Street, Glasgow G3 6RU) at 15.30. The restaurant was void of customers, a friend of Mein Host departed as we took our seats. That Curry Cottage is open throughout the day is always a bonus.
The Lamb menu was different from my first visit back in January. The Lamb Kadu, which I had, is gone. The Pumpkin season is over, but then Kadu-proper is available year round. I was going to order the Lamb Bhoona (£10.50) when I spotted the Lamb Leek Potato (£11.95) on the – Day Special – board. Once again, Cumin Rice (£3.25) would accompany.
Keema Aloo (£10.30) unsurprisingly was Marg’s choice, with a Roti (£1.50). A large bottle of Sparkling Water (£4.50) would hopefully complete the Order, alas only the 330ml bottles (£2.95) were available. Who wants to pay, in effect, £9.00 for a litre for Water? That’s even more expensive than Diesel!
A jug of water was provided. Once again, I could taste the chemicals which prevail in Glasgow tap water. Tap water in Clydebank is way better, i.e. approaching – tasteless!
The wait was significant. Complimentary Poppadoms and Spiced Onions were served, this kept us amused. Decent Onions, it is a while since I had a Poppadom, I haven’t missed them. Mein Host was acting as Chef today, his lady, busy elsewhere. He would tell us later of their planned trip to India. Their son was two last time they visited, this time he will certainly mark the difference between life in Glasgow and Delhi. It took more than a half hour for the Order to be presented, during which more Potatoes were sent for.
Lamb Leek Potato
Is that all? – was my reaction to the small pile of Curry on the plate. That I had appreciably more Rice amplified the disparity. And what is one expected to do when the Curry is served in such a manner? Side by side it had to be. Wasted Rice.
A Dry Curry, first box favourably ticked. This was of Bhuna Thickness, minimal Masala taken to the extreme. With Potato and Leek there should be no fear of the dreaded Green Mush sneaking in, as was the case in January. I could see what appeared to be strips of Vegetable, the Leek presumably. There was very little Potato present, the odd Curry Leaf would pop up.
Where was the Meat? It was well buried, in time I did reach the standard count of eight, I also accepted that the portion was – worthy – after all.
The Seasoning was pitched to perfection, this Curry had potential. The Spice Level built slowly, this was a concoction to be taken seriously.
Most of the Vegetable strips had spines in the way that Leek does not. Was this not Cabbage? A large flat piece of Cabbage confirmed this. If Leek was present, it was lost on me. Bangladeshi Curry.
I find that Cabbage adds a – soapy – Flavour to Curry, there was a hint of that underlying here. However, this aside, the Curry definitely had its own distinctive character, the blend of Spices and whatever Vegetable, had created a surprisingly pleasant, I’m even tempted to say – unique – experience. When the Meat was taken, it was seriously Tender, and was even giving off Flavour also.
I was taken by surprise, what looked like a bit of a monstrosity at the start, turned out to be a very fine, and certainly enjoyable, Curry. This was decidedly not a Mainstream Curry, something different, why was it removed from the Main Menu?
Keema Aloo
A larger portion, or was mine just piled higher? There was little/no Oil or Masala oozing from the base of the Mince, the sign of a quality Keema. Wedges of Potato had been added, as had Peas – Keema Aloo Mutter! Marg enjoys the addition of both Vegetables.
There’s a kick – was Marg’s inaugural remark. She has never commented upon Spice Level, before, aye right.
Whether this had been overheard remains unknown, a small portion of a rich, creamy Raita was brought to the table. Marg had her Roti, that was a sufficient accompaniment.
Rough Mince – was her next take, so not as finely ground as the Mince and Tatties served at home. Presumably this was also Lamb Mince.
Marg’s next comment took me by surprise:
I would say this is – Wow!
I don’t think Marg has ever declared any Curry as such before, and she’s had a few, Keema especially.
A Soupçon crossed the table. I can’t say I could taste whatever Marg was enthusing about, but then maybe this added further credence to the quality of the fayre directly in front of me.
That was full of Flavour – was the concluding remark, there was a suggestion this could have been the best Keema Aloo that Marg had ever experienced.
An hour previously, neither of us would have predicted this outcome.
The Bill
£27.00 It all adds up.
The Aftermath
By the time we had finished, Mein Host had joined us for a lengthy conversation. The forthcoming trip to Delhi was outlined. That Marg and I had been was noted. My review of Visit #1 had to be shown, hopefully his son will help him navigate to Curry-Heute.com.
I had to ask about the framed – 2022 Curry Award. He was pleased to tell me it was for – New Restaurant of the Year. I hadn’t realised that the Scottish Curry Awards ceremony was only last week. I note that – Curry Lover of the Year – was once again won by a business, not a genuine Curry Lover i.e. an individual. Mein Host assured me that if one doesn’t book an entire table at the event, one is not going to be considered for a winning place. Hector is never going to book an entire table, so it goes.
It appears that Hector has found another city centre venue to be taken seriously.
Curry Cottage will close for a few weeks in the near future.
