The scaffolding has gone!
Having eaten enough Karahi Gosht of late (eh?), it was time for a good old fashioned – Desi Curry. With no hockey balls needing struck today, Marg accompanied Hector to Chimes of India (914-916 Sauchiehall Street, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7 TF). Marg out for Curry on a Saturday!
Vini was there to greet as we entered at 14.00. I took what has become my usual spot in the corner at the window. For thirty minutes we were the only diners. Their Dal Makhani (£9.95) looked glorious. I’ll have to go Veggie on a future visit and try this with the Cauliflower Potato Greens (£9.95). Two main courses, no Rice, no Bread.
For Hector, the usual: Desi Lamb on-the-bone (£12.95) with Mushroom Rice (£3.95).
Marg did Curry-Heute a favour and opted for a Curry making its first appearance in these pages, at this venue: Lamb Rogan Josh (£12.95), accompanied by her customary Chappati (£1.75).
A carafe of iced tap water was brought along with a Complimentary Poppadom, Mango Chutney and Spiced Onions. Vini was almost apologetic in giving just the single Poppadom, he was ensuring that we would enjoy our meal.
Soon devoured, the Spiced Onions were a stand-out. The Seasoning here was above the norm. Ironically, this would have an impact on the first few minutes of Curry eating.
The Chapatti was as Marg likes it. A second was always on offer, however, it could never be justified.
It’s about time someone invented the half-Chapatti – I proffered.
Actually the Hector has been calling for this, for years.
*
*
The Mushroom Rice at Chimes of India may have set the standard. There was sufficient to give Marg some when she ran out of Bread. The fresh Mushrooms give the Curry another dimension.
Desi Lamb on-the-bone
Ginger Strips and whole Green Chillies, Toppings to embrace. The Chillies put the diner in charge of the Spice Level. I ate a whole one.
The Meat count was into double figures, two big bones, shrouded in Lamb, a Sucky Bone too. All my pleasures.
The viscous Masala is what makes this Curry. The Seasoning didn’t register immediately due to the splendid Spiced Onions. In time everything came to the fore: Spice, Flavours, that special buzz that eating Curry creates.
Vini came over twice to check on our progress. All was well.
I think this Curry is becoming one of my all time Glasgow favourites – was my assurance.
The boneless pieces of Lamb disappeared in no time. One was so Tender it went down with no chewing whatsoever. Not clever. Fingers had to be employed to tackle the big bones. This is when the Hector tends to make a mess, of himself, the t-shirt. A solution has been sourced, be prepared to be amused.
Pleasant as the Lamb was, today, it was not giving back as much as previously. More – Desi – required. Too fresh a batch? The Masala did the heavy work, still – comfort eating.
Lamb Rogan Josh
The Masala here was comparatively abundant. Had the viscosity not matched the Desi Lamb, the term – Soupy – might have been applied. This was fine. Apart from being boneless, it was difficult to tell them apart.
Chosen because the onions were included in the smooth sauce. I do not like big chunks of onion – Marg related.
A very rich and flavoursome sauce with a kick. Meat was very tender and once I cut it into sizeable pieces, I was able to enjoy it with my Chapatti. Light, crisp, a good size. Had to leave some sauce as I had eaten enough and did not want to order another bread or rice. Very enjoyable.
I had sampled a Soupçon at the start and found the Masala to be – Tart – in comparison to the Desi Lamb’s. My Rice portion was such that there was a donation across the table. When Marg had finished, I had another go.
The redness suggested an abundance of Tomato. Thankfully this was closer to what is considered a traditional Rogan Josh in these pages, not the Creamy version which has materialised in the last decade. This Masala had significantly more Seasoning, the Tartness was further verified.
I’ll stick to the Desi Lamb, on-the-bone, of course.
The Bill
£31.55
The Aftermath
Twenty five minutes later, the ritual of the Cumin Seed dislodging itself.
I’ll be back, to sample the Veggie Dishes.