When Dr. Stan sat beside the Hector on Thursday at Kabana (Manchester) with his Rice & Three, the sight of the Spinach on his plate was enough to plant the notion. Back home, briefly, well it is the time of the year for – trip overload, the choice of venue and Curry was already decided: Kofta Palak (£11.95) at The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA).
A decade or so back, Dr. Stan and Hector used to wind up Hassan/Lahcen at Cafe Salma by sharing a portion of Kofta Palak as – Dessert. Dr. Stan was briefly tempted to join me at 14.00, had he done so, he would avoided a soaking a couple of hours later. Hector’s seemingly personal rain cloud was taking it out on someone else today. I keep asking – where is summer?
Eight diners were in situ as I was invited to take a small table in the middle of the room. More would take their place, a steady trickle. Saturday afternoon Curry.
The Order was taken promptly, a Tawa Chapatti (£1.25) would accompany, a jug of tap water would be sufficient liquid. Above Medium – was noted for the level of Spice. Everything was recorded on paper. Pads no more?
My last visit here was for Dr. Stan’s Birthday Curry at the end of May. Slowly the number of reviews at The Village heads towards #100. However, prior to Curry-Heute, Hector would eat here three times a week if circumstances permitted. The halcyon days.
For Hector, the – Lamb – section of the menu is a focal point: Methi Gosht and Achari Gosht have been had oft. Kofta Kirahi has yet to be tried. Apart from – Pineapple – I wonder what the difference is between Daal Gosht and Dhansak Gosht.
The Tawa Chapatti was a good size, in other words, more Bread than a Hector can manage. Fluffy, and with a hint of layering, this was a delightfully soft Chapatti. The soft texture maintained, and the Wholemeal Flavour did not overwhelm.
The presentation of the Raita puzzled. This played no part in my meal.
Kofta Palak
With but a threat of Coriander atop, five medium-sized Meatballs sat in the Thickest of Herb-rich Masala mashes. The Oil which would become visible at the base of the karahi was enough to confirm that there had been a Masala at some point.
I have no understanding as to why the desire for Spinach becomes so strong once the notion is triggered. Scooping the Masala Mash on to pieces of Chapatti marked the beginning of a series of intense moments of Flavour. The Masala Mash was well Seasoned, Earthy in Flavour with a slight bitter taste.
The quantity of Mince did not seem to suggest a favourable ratio to the Masala Mash, even after each Meatball was cut into four. The Kofta had distinctly less Seasoning, but it was from these Meatballs that the Spice Level built steadily. Mouthfuls of Chapatti/Masala Mash alternated with Kofta/Masala Mash. Thus the maximum pleasure was extracted, until…biting into a Cumin Seed released an explosion of Flavour on the palate.
With the notion for Spinach sated, it was time to consult the trusty – Oppo – and see if the chaps along the road at Ibrox could come back after losing a penalty.
All was well.
The Bill
£13.20 Bigger price, smaller portion, than this week’s indulgences in Manchester.
The Aftermath
With no familiar staff to chat to, it was back out to face the elements and what is passing for summer in Glasgow in 2023. At least the buses were running properly after the much lauded international cycling event.