Marg, already on the Southside, declared herself free for Curry-Heute. Such was the level of enthusiasm, Marg had secured a table at The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) and was waiting for my arrival at 15.00. Only two other tables were occupied, soon we would have the place to ourselves. A new daytime manager was on duty this afternoon.
The lunch menu had been brought to the table despite the fact that it expired at 14.30. Marg was having the two course Lahore (£7.95) deal with an extra 50p for Lamb Curry. Vegetable Pakora would be the Starter. Instead of taking the Chapatti (two) option, I persuaded Marg to have the Naan. Hector was ordering from the main menu. Spinach was calling once again: Kofta Palak (£11.95), a Curry which guarantees an intensity of Flavour.
The waiter (manager) was taken aback when I ordered Kofta Palak without having consulted the main menu. He recognised that I must be a regular, and one who knows his Curry. I didn’t introduce myself.
There was no sign of Mr. Baig, Mein Host this afternoon, though Kasif’s big brother who works in the kitchen, did acknowledge me when he passed by.
Vegetable Pakora
Three large pieces, double fried, were accompanied by a Dip and a modest Salad. No Tomatoes, of course, we’ll see how high the price goes in the coming weeks. We had to make do with Cucumber, Onion, and the dreaded Green Pepper.
Hector was permitted one of three, and so can report with confidence: Spicy, Tasty, and the Dip upped the experience. One does not eat enough Vegetable Pakora, who can then justify a Main Course?
The Naan arrived cut into four pieces, well almost cut through. Folded, Marg wondered if there would be enough to share. Once opened, the Naan proved to be substantial. With a thin centre and risen, puffy, soft edges, we both had the our preferred parts.
*
Lamb Curry
I didn’t, but I could almost taste that blended Masala. Marg did a Meat count, important when having the Lunch Menu. Six was the total, though a couple of pieces were toty.
One assumes the distinctive Village Taste was present. Marg wasn’t saying much as she took care of her Lamb Curry other than:
This is a good portion for me.
However, I know that Marg eats all that is set before her.
Kofta Palak
The food was – Hot! A quiet Village is when it is at its best. Busy, or dining in large numbers, and one’s meal can be left to sit and cool. This was straight from the hob.
Five medium-sized Kofta sat in the dark, Herb-rich Masala. Each Meatball was halved in order to make the Meat to Masala ratio appear more favourable. The Masala was wonderfully rich in Flavour. One assumes there was more than just Spinach in there. Yadgar declare five Herbs in their Saag/Palak. The Seasoning was on the button in the Masala, but on biting into the first Kofta, distinctly lacking. Eating directly from the karahi with a spoon, the plan was to have the Masala with the Naan and eat the Meatballs separately. However, without the Masala, the Kofta were not giving all they should. This meant I ate less Bread.
Once sorted, the Curry was much to my liking. Spinach, Hector has his notions, one wonders what triggers this one?
A large group entered as we finished, we timed it well. 15.00, the optimum time to eat.
The Bill
£20.40 Still great value.
The Aftermath
Across the street lies a takeaway coffee shop – Mulkanwan. Marg has been keen to sample their Coffee. A pleasant chap, Mein Host confirmed that of the thousands meant to be working at Barclay’s Folly, the majority still work from home. Predictable.