Sometimes the craving is for Spinach, today it was Achari, a hangover, if you like, from last Wednesday’s visit to Cilantro (Edinburgh). I was just getting into their wonderful Achari Aloo when knew I had reached my limit. I know of no Achari Aloo being served in Glasgow, so it was back to The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) for some Achari Gosht (£12.95).
Hector’s preferred 15.00 eating slot saw five diners at The Village and as many staff. The two waitresses were being supervised by the Manager. Kassif and Mr. Baig were also spotted, but may have been off duty, if such a state ever exists. As for my fellow diners, a son and a daughter with their respective parents. The Mother of Hector always enjoyed her visits here.
A 250ml bottle of Sparkling Water (£1.95) and Mushroom Rice (£3.50) would accompany the Achari Gosht. The waitress offered Lamb on-the-bone, an option always taken. I asked for Desi style too to ensure I would receive the best Curry that The Village has to offer.
The wait was under ten minutes.
How does one make an Achari? Take a Lamb Curry, stir in the Pickle, hey presto!
I’m sure every restaurant must be using the same tub.
The Rice just about covered the plate, definitely not enough for sharing. Big price, small portion, an ongoing issue regarding Rice at The Village. They have to make their money somehow I suppose. I cannot help but recall the magnificent Vegetable Rice that was served in the original Village Cafe back in the day. In the end, there was enough Rice, and the Mushrooms were fresh, mission accomplished.
Achari Gosht
Given the quantity of Masala present, Rice was certainly the correct option. I decanted the Meat, I think I reached a count of eight, eventually. Strangely, bones with no Meat attached were in the mix, this did feel like a bit of a con. The Meat was super-soft, and gave off so much Flavour, I’ve done well in this respect of late.
Desi style – the Spice hit hard, the Seasoning was a la Hector, perfection. The Pickle Blast satisfied the craving, I even ate the Lime Rind. I was so glad I had ordered the Mushrooms, the extra solids were most certainly required, else I would have had only Rice and Masala in the endgame. Every grain of Rice was eaten, Hector was back on form. No excesses today, a portion of Curry and Rice that ticked all the boxes. However, at the end, the quantity of bones did look somewhat disproportionate to the quantity of Lamb actually eaten.
Without the Pickle, this Masala would no doubt have had the distinctive Village Taste, which once upon a time I couldn’t get enough of. Then there’s the Methi Gosht (£12.95), and the Kofta Palak (£11.95), looks like I’ll be coming back here with a greater regularity in the coming weeks.
The Bill
£18.40 Prices are certainly creeping up.
The Aftermath
As I left I pondered: what ever happened to the Glasgow Ladies who ran the lunchtime sessions at The Village with such enthusiasm?