Having had one of her legendary Salads for lunch, Marg was content today to come and watch Hector have his Curry at Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ). Imagine the shock when the shutters were found to be – down! The sign posted on August 9 gave some information but offered no explanation. Closed for three weeks already, Glasgow cannot afford to lose the Karahi Palace.
And so along to The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) it was. The number of diners was in single figures when we entered at 14.10. It may be the August Bank Holiday Monday, but not in Scotland.
The waitress led us a small table, Lunch Menu in hand. I asked for the Main Menu. Today I was able to photograph the latest edition and so record the recent, and necessary, price increases. In the World of Curry, Hector estimates the current rate of inflation to be around 20%.
As I took my seat, I recognised a well kent face that I hadn’t seen since before Lockdown #1. Behold, Curryspondent John! I wonder how much Curry we have eaten between us since our last meeting?
It’s back! – I told Marg excitedly. This is proving to be a day of exclamations. Not that Marg shared my excitement. Desi Qorma Lamb on Bone (£12.95) disappeared from the last version of the menu, only the Chicken Desi Qorma was printed. However, as was 
established through time, Lamb Desi Qorma was available on demand, albeit – Boneless.
Given the nature of the Masala, there had to be Rice: Mushroom Rice (£3.50).
A well priced large bottle of Sparkling Water (£2.95) was ordered along with a Latte (£2.95), for Marg.
Despite the given name of my chosen Curry, I asked for it to be – extra Desi!
Marg wondered why I hadn’t given my usual caveat, at The Village, there is no needless Capsicum.
I spotted a Biryani go to another table, ah the days of the Village Vegetable Rice. Hector’s moment arrived.
The Mushroom Rice was a decent plateful. With Fresh Mushrooms, enough Diversity on offer. Every grain of Rice would be eaten.
*
*
Desi Qorma : Lamb on Bone
It’s good to be home. The Coriander and Ginger Strips topped the mass of Meat and Masala. The Meat count was into double figures; the bone count was four, two of which were – Sucky! I left some of the Wonderful Masala in the karahi for the end game.
When Curry-Heute was conceived, I had to stop eating this Curry twice a week. There wouldn’t have been much of a Blog otherwise.
A whole Clove was taken in the first mouthful, quite dramatic. This took the palate in the direction of Manchester Curry. As I ate on, so the warmth of Flavour developed. The Seasoning was decidedly – brave. Marg was witnessing the degree of my pleasure.
The Lamb was super-soft. Slow cooking – is mentioned in the description, this Lamb was right on the edge, chewing was minimal, almost – melt in the mouth. So much Flavour, glorious. The Sucky Bones were seriously – hot – to touch.
The Tomato-rich Masala released some of its Oil on the periphery of that which remained. Almonds? I saw none, perhaps ground and mixed in? I was less aware of the Citrus which I enjoyed so much in my early years at The Village. A different Chef, today – the Manchester Chef. Just the one Clove, it made quite an impact.
The karahi was emptied in time to mop up the remaining Rice and Mushrooms. For years I told Mr. Baig, Mein Host, that this was both a happy and sad moment. Total satisfaction achieved, one cannot help wanting more. This remains one of the finest Curry Experiences in Glasgow.
Marg’s Coffee impressed. Accompanied by both a biscuit and a chocolate mint, she felt this was the treat she sought:
Just what I needed.
Ditto.
The Bill
£22.35 Enjoy these prices whilst one can.
The Aftermath
I sent out a couple of feelers this afternoon.
Qaiser, who worked at Karahi Palace is hopeful that they will reopen on September 1st – Thursday. He is also confident that Chef Rashid will be back.
So many positive waves.