Imran Khan is in gaol, Donald Trump is not. Meanwhile in Glasgow, the city centre streets are blocked to traffic due to an ongoing international cycling event. With angry skies, Hector’s personal rain cloud looked as menacing as ever. Still no sign of summer, but the un-seasonal, cool temperatures suit the cyclists.
External forces dictate that Saturday afternoon Curry in Glasgow appears to be retreating towards lunchtime. Arriving at Karahi Palace (New-co #2) (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) the door was open but the shutters still down. Here we go again? Moiz, Mein Host, was in situ, assisted today by the young lady. There was no sign of a Chef.
Are we open? – I asked Moiz who was still wearing his outdoor jacket. Maybe he was just cold. Karahi Palace was in the process of being set up for the day.
Have you a Chef? – I had to ask, an equally important question.
I’m the Chef.
A month has passed since my last visit to New-co #2, then there was The Big Test, to produce Karahi Lamb (£12.00) worthy of a Hector. Then – Dry – was taken to the extreme, the Hector tweaks not yet applied. Today would be another landmark.
The Order was given: Karahi Lamb, a bit extra Salt, some Methi, plus a Tawa Chapatti (£1.00).
You don’t like it – Dry -, do you? – asked Moiz.
Dry Curry is what the Hector seeks, however, a scale of – Dryness – has yet to be established.
Not totally – Dry – not Soup.
The shutters were raised. Moiz got to work, standing in the spot where Ayaz and Chef Rashid have worked their wonders in years gone by. I sat in my usual seat, the lady brought a bottle of tap water and a Modest Salad. I nibbled on the Tomatoes. Decent Tomatoes, these had taste.
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It took Moiz twenty five minutes to produce the Karahi and Chapatti. The Wholemeal Chapatti was a welcomed sight, having seen some strange interpretations on my recent travels. A sensible size and with appropriate girth, this would do the job.
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Karahi Lamb
No Ginger Strips or sliced Chillies on top today, just a sprinkling of Coriander. The ratio of Masala to Meat was such that here was – Dry – as I am happy to define it. The peripheral Oil was minimal.
Wow! Moiz can cook!
The Seasoning was spot on, the Flavours from the Spices were a joy, a serious depth of Flavour had been achieved. Clearly this could not be identical to that served here over the years, but this was a new balance of Spice and Herbs, a glorious Lahori Karahi. Moiz may have assembled the Karahi, the preparation before contains the secrets.
In double figures today, the Meat was comparatively on the chewy side, this merely prolonged the pleasure, more Flavour hitting the palate. Two bones, one large – Sucky. Bone Marrow, such a key ingredient.
To provide variation, I arranged the Salad remnants on the side of the karahi, Diversity of Texture, I was loving this. If this standard can be maintained, then New-co #2 will soon earn its place in Glasgow’s Top Rated.
Another Chapatti was brought to the table, this would remain untouched. The Hector might manage 1.5 Chapattis, not today. Moiz admitted to managing 2.5.
Moiz was keen to hear the verdict.
Wonderful! – I assured him – if you get the Salt right, the rest comes.
He concurred. I had to ask how the Lamb had been cooked given that Karahi is an adjustment to pre-cooked Meat. Lamb boiled in Black Pepper – I believe was the reply. Moiz told me he has abandoned – Plum Tomatoes – in favour of fresh. By this I assume he meant – tinned. The technique of removing the skins was not known to him, a well known and reliable Curry Website would reveal all momentarily.
What is becoming the ritual presentation of Green Tea was hailed, and the news given that Moiz had Sparkling Water in his car. Then – The Big News. Chef Rashid is going to teach Moiz some of the secrets. That, I would pay to witness.
The Bill
£11.00 Special Price – declined. Let his father at Darbar Grill round downwards. Karahi Palace New-co #2 has to become established.
The Aftermath
Cooking techniques were further discussed. I showed my – Kitchen Sink Curry – cooked last night, and had to admit, I still cannot attain the Flavour I seek.
Chef Rashid, where are you?
And so to a bizarre bus route, is anything going through the city centre? It makes a change from another Hollywood blockbuster closing our streets. An elaborate system of flags and whistles enabled the public to cross the road.
Never mind summer, can we have our city back?