Amit Sharma @ The Lansdowne (7A Lansdowne Crescent, Glasgow G20 6NQ), is one of three Curry Houses north of the river which Hector has yet to visit/review. Tapas appears to be the major theme, not how the Hector prefers to dine. The Lansdowne is another outlet in the Mother India chain. Chains, to what extent do individual shops differ? In terms of Mother India, there is only one venue which features in Hector’s Recommended Curry Houses.
As one who unashamedly favours Glasgow’s Southside Curry Cafes, this was a case of having to visit, for the sake of completeness. OK, go on, impress me.
With irregular opening times, today’s 13.00 did suit Hector’s Saturday schedule. Arriving at 13.35, I thought I was the first customer of the day, but no, The Glassroom, a conservatory at the rear, was slowly filling. A party for weans, just what the Hector did not order. As it happens, this was the best managed babies/toddlers event ever experienced in a Curry House. Sucking on Poppadoms may be the secret. The Hector has suffered through the years, the parents usually to blame.
As I was led to the rear of the premises adjacent to the kitchen, I was surprised to see every table set up for dining. I had assumed that this was a reimagining of The Lansdowne Bar which I visited in the 1980s, but maybe that was on the west side of the crescent?
Various menus were provided, wine dismissed, as was the Saturday & Sunday lunch (£16.00) offer. Street Food / Tapas – featured prominently in the main menu, not why I was here. Two sections featured Curry of interest: Fish & Seafood, Some Old Glasgow Favourites. Boatman Fish Curry (£16.00) is one for another day. South Indian Ginger Lamb (£14.00) should guarantee the avoidance of both Chicken and Capsicum. Old Glasgow Favourites? Some of us are – old, Chicken aside, how many of these featured on any Curry menu back in the 1970s?
To accompany, Rice, to be discussed. Wonderful as they might be, the Hector was not paying £4.25 for a Malabar Parantha. Such is the price of Bier, I wonder how many people come here for nibbles and stay on for the evening? Maybe I just don’t understand the setup.
For Hector, a large bottle of Sparkling Water (£4.25). The Order was relayed, I enquired about the Rice. Basmati, Fried and Lemon & Cashew a la Mother India’s Cafe were the options. Had Marg been here, it would have been the latter, I stuck with Plain Rice.
How to get some photos? The chap behind the bar acknowledged as I took the broad shot. The Rogues’ Gallery did not feature any recognisable faces. Hector knows no rogues?
Just how many does The Lansdowne seat? This place is spacious, enormous.
A hot plate, the size more suited to Tapas, was brought by another of the many staff on duty. Pile it on then.
The sensibly sized portion of Basmati was served in a tiffin tray. Every grain was decanted to the hot plate. The plate may have been small, however, given what followed it was much appreciated.
South Indian Ginger Lamb
The sliced Red Chillies were different, the distinctive aroma of South Indian Curry was already wafting towards the Hector receptors. It all looks a bit – lonely. The plate resembled a flat karahi. The area was such that the Masala spread thinly across the base. Had this Curry been served in a more standard karahi/handi then it most certainly would have appeared to be – Soupy. Without the dinner plate, adding the Rice here would have been a major negative. Adding Rice to Curry is a – no-no.
I counted to nine as I arranged the decent sized pieces of Lamb on the Rice. As is the custom, some of the Masala was retained for the end game. Before me sat a potentially worthy meal. Meat and Masala, maybe I was already wishing there was an Interesting Vegetable in there.
The South Indian smokiness was present, but subtly so. A slight tanginess made me think – pickle – momentarily, no, Tamarind/Mustard perhaps. The Seasoning was particularly – low – and unlike recent reports, the lips did not register more as I ate. The Spice Level from the Masala was not challenging, when the Chillies were taken, this certainly altered the perspective.
The Tender Lamb was quality Meat. As is typical of the majority of Mainstream Restaurants, the Meat and Masala may not have been in each other’s company for long.
Mein Host, the manager I established later, came over to ask the customary question.
I described my appreciation of South Indian Curry and its distinctive Flavour. For once, Chettinad was not quoted.
He reaffirmed my choice of Plain Rice, the added Flavours in the alternatives would have contradicted the Flavours in my Curry.
I ate on, the spare Masala being used to revitalise the remaining Rice. More Masala, the irony of the Hector posting this, would have been appreciated at this point.
The plate was cleared, every grain of Rice managed, a Curry to be enjoyed, however, it would be remiss not to state that the Flavours here were not as intense as those found in other venues serving South Indian Curry, north of the River Clyde e.g. Bombaywalla’s – Sukka/Chukka – this was not.
The Bill
£20.75 West End prices.
The Aftermath
It was yet another staff member who dealt with the payment and who therefore received the Calling Card and thus heard the introductory spiel. The burning question had to be asked: is all the food cooked on the premises? A valid question when dealing with a Mother India variant. I was assured it is, and as he spoke so Chef momentarily appeared from the kitchen. Chef, but not Amit Sharma.
The Manager was identified as he headed back to The Glassroom where the many were being ably catered for. A pity, so many more questions. One day, perhaps.
Waiting for the #6 Bus on Great Western Rd. into the city centre, I could not believe there is presently only one bus route between Anniesland and Cowcaddens. There is the Subway and the train I suppose. Anyway, there was the realisation that I was still enjoying my Curry. When South Indian Curry repeats, it confirms why this style is a winner. The afterglow, indeed.
2023 Menu
