I said I’d be back soon.
With Madhras Dosa (76B, Old Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow, G3 8RE) open once more on Saturday lunchtimes, this was the easy option. The horribleness continues, the Hector was not for crossing the river on such a dull and wet day. South Indian Curry is comfort eating. Last week it was Fish – South Indian Fish Curry (£9.98), today it had to be an all time favourite – Lamb Chettinad (£9.98).
Four chaps and two chapattis were in situ when I took refuge at 13.50. The Chaps would be joined by another couple, momentarily. Some of these guys I have seen before at Bombaywalla – Indian Street Kitchen.
Chef Satheesh was front of house taking Orders. As ever, there was a smile of recognition as I entered. Taking a small table with my back to the kitchen, no menu was presented. As Satheesh approached, notepad in hand, he was about to rectify this, however, I already knew my Order. Basmati Rice (£2.99) and the wonderful Malabar Paratha (£2.50) plus a jug of tap water completed the Order. This side of the river, tap water does not taste – bleachy. There was no Sparkling Water available. Satheesh confirmed I wanted the large portion, not the Tapas. As if.
Somehow, the Hector was fed before the other eight diners. A simple reheat, the girls were having Thali, more complex preparation required. In time some of the chaps had Dosa. For Hector, Curry as always, though the notion for a Tandoori mixed grill has been in mind for some time. The assistant, who appears to occupy the back kitchen, brought the tray.
Lamb Chettinad
As – Soupy – as Curry can be, there is no issue. Here, the Masala is outstanding, intensity of Flavour guaranteed. Having decanted the six pieces of Lamb and arranged them on top of the sensibly sized portion of Rice, it didn’t look much. OK, the pieces of Meat were a decent size, but six. Ordering two portion of Tapas (£7.99) may be worthy of consideration.
The Curry had to be drowned, as much Masala as the plate would hold was poured on. There was still some left for dipping.
Tearing off a piece of the delightfully stringy Parotta was pleasure in its own right. The first dip fulfilled all expectations. The hot Masala gave off a big Spicy Blast, then the smokiness registered. The Seasoning, of course, was a la Hector, spot on. In time, I would unearth the Dry Red Chilli responsible in part for this Flavour. How much is down to smoked Coconut?
As with last week’s Fish Curry, Green Chillies cut length-ways were in the mix. The kick was fierce, not all would handle this. The Rice proved to be a bit of a let-down, lukewarm at best. The heat from the abundant Masala certainly saved the day.
The Meat had to be halved, to eke it out. The Parotta was providing Diversity, I could eat these all day. This made up for Thursday’s Naan catastrophe. Why do they have to cost so much? The ones in my own freezer didn’t.
The Lamb was wonderfully Tender and giving of so much Flavour. The Spice Level kept increasing, the intensity of Flavour was in no way compromised. I may now have satisfied my current desire for South Indian Curry.
The overall appearance of this Curry may contradict everything the Hector normally seeks, Mainstream Curry Houses do not serve anything near as glorious. Did I mention it was Spicy?
A chap came to order Takeaway.
I’m here because of you! – the Hector was recognised once again.
I was introduced to John many years ago, he and his lady spotted Marg and I at The Village recently. Having read last Saturday’s Blog, here was John at Madhras Dosa to order Lamb Chettinad. John sat with me whilst his Order was being readied. A photo opperchancity. His lady came in briefly, perhaps wondering why she had been abandoned for so long. Introductions.
John, aka Digger, knows his Curry. He had a blessed upbringing and consequently has attended many a ceremony featuring Desi Cuisine. Is it possible he has eaten more Curry than the Hector?
The Bill
£15.47 The penny has been reinstated.
The Aftermath
It was the helper who dealt with the card payment. As I departed, so one of the girls beamed. Nice.