Project Karahi Palace (New-co #2) (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) continues, today – The Big Test. Moiz, Mein Host, had previously assured the Hector that a Lamb Lahori Karahi (£12.00) could be cooked to given specifications: extra Methi, extra Salt. Additionally, Mags was invited to give a critique on her favourite Curry – Aloo Gosht (£11.00), assuming it was available.
The 14.00 rendezvous was put back fifteen minutes due to overhead wires being down somewhere between Singer and Larkhall. That no other train on the Queen Street or Glasgow Central low level lines was affected makes me challenge the efficacy of this – excuse. There was also an enforced detour at Bridge Street due to the imminent arrival of a parade. July in the West of Scotland.
Today, Moiz had a black Chef’s tunic covering his posh garb. He is taking his new role seriously. Moiz clocked the t-shirt. We were therefore both suitably attired, down to business. My Bespoke Karahi was ordered. Dry, Minimal Sauce was also agreed, a true Desi Karahi was the objective. There was not a lot on display. I enquired about Aloo Gosht – can do.
You have a challenge – I informed him. Mags has stated over many years that the Aloo Gosht as served at Karahi Palace is/was the best served – anywhere. The New-co #2 therefore had a lot to live up to. Mags and Hector would be pulling no punches.
Sat at our customary table, the Bread was ordered. Mags went for a Tawa Chapatti (£1.00), Hector would test the Naan – Coriander Naan (£2.50). This was a favourable price for the Naan given the posted prices for compound Toppings.
Moiz brought the bottle of chilled Tap Water, plates and cutlery. Mags picked up on the new level of service. We waited for Chef, a chap I didn’t recognize, to produce the goods. There was a new lady on duty also, she appeared from upstairs. Hopefully, Moiz will get the upstairs seating area up and running, people should be encouraged to use this space. Meanwhile, a stream of people who were lining the route of the march were being caught short. Some did the decent thing and bought drinks, food even. One chap ordered Vegetable Pakora, there was none. A bit of an oversight here? He settled for the mixed Kebab, his fellow traveller ordered a Naan. Conversation ensued, the mixed Kebab was highly praised.
A hidden gem – remarked the first chap. Spooky. A week ago, another chap sat in the same spot and made the same comment.
Moiz and his assistant brought the fayre. The wholesome Chapatti was obscured by the ample Naan. Served whole, but with perforations, the Bread had only partly risen. Why do this, we’re not in Manchester? Let’s have totally risen and puffy Naan! Still, there were the beginnings of burnt blisters. Soft and light, with plenty of Coriander, this was a decent Naan.
A somewhat tired looking Modest Salad with Raita made a late arrival. This was hardly touched.
Lamb Lahori Karahi – Desi style – with Hector’s Tweaks
Topped with sliced Bullet Chillies, Ginger Strips and a threat of fresh Coriander, this was a veritable Dry Karahi. The portion size was visibly smaller than was served here previously. However, the Meat count did reach double figures, just. Taking the bone count into consideration, this Karahi would certainly be manageable. As ever, the Naan would be abandoned at the appropriate moment.
The Methi blast was a positive start. The Seasoning was pitched a la Hector. The Lamb was decidedly soft, Tender. Meat pulp was evident in the Minimal Masala. There was a serious depth of Flavour, a vast improvement over Visit #1 a couple of weeks back. Served in the black karahi, it was as if the Flavours of the wonder that was the Karahi Gosht served on these premises, were oozing from the metal. Osmosis? (thanks, Howard!)
Better? – asked Moiz when he had the opperchancity.
This is Karahi!
Indeed, this was a Karahi Gosht worthy of the name above the door.
In terms of striving towards perfection, it certainly was – Dry – as asked for, maybe a bit more Masala. Working together, we can make New-co #2 a notable venue.
Aloo Gosht
With the same Toppings, this Curry looked like a wetter version of my Karahi. I would also speculate that this was the first time that an Aloo Gosht has ever been served in a karahi on these premises. Curry has usually commanded a bowl. What ever happened to the ceramic pots that were used in my earliest visits to Karahi Palace?
The abundant Masala was way thicker than the Shorva which is a traditional feature of this Curry. Over the years at Karahi Palace, Mags has had Aloo Gosht with a Masala at every level of thickness. One takes what comes.
Mags was making positive comments from the start. She did, however, make the mandatory lady diner comment about the Spice Level. Marg, Mags, Maggie, are they winding up the Hector?
Mags was somewhat miffed that her verdict was not sought by the staff.
First Aloo Gosht in the new (-co #2), not the same. However, it has Mags’ seal of approval.
(What’s this referring to oneself in the third person?)
The lamb was tender, falling off the bone. Great spicing, with a chilli-ginger kick.
I will be having this again.
Two contented customers: we’re on our way to happiness.
The Bill
£23.50 This was less than I had calculated. Moiz said last time that some prices would come down. A Tenner for each Curry, cheers!
Do you want to pay more? – asked Moiz.
The Aftermath
Thumbs up as we departed. The end of the march had just walked past. Distraction. Moiz’s assistant said he liked the tunes.
How come one can play these tunes and sing one’s choice of words in a march, but not at Ibrox?