Somehow, three months have passed since Hector had Desi Lamb (£12.95) served on-the-bone at Chimes of India (914-916 Sauchiehall Street, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7 TF). Today, this was rectified. Marg decided to accompany, but only for a Starter.
At 13.50 this Saturday lunchtime, we were surprised to find a free parking spot adjacent to the bus stop which is immediately outside the restaurant. Free parking on a Saturday, don’t start me on the cost otherwise in the streets of Glasgow.
There was no sign of Vini, Mein Host, today, instead, a young waitress would take of us. Our usual corner table was selected. The offer of switching on the fan heater was gratefully accepted, a cold room, and as Marg observed, not helped by the large window behind me.
Glasses of tap water were arranged whilst we studied the menu. The excellent Amritsari Fish Pakora (£7.50) was the original plan, however, Marg then considered Spiced Haddock (£7.50). Not featured before in these pages, the Hector approved this choice.
Mushrooms (£3.90) is how the Mushroom Rice appears in the menu. A tried and tested accompaniment for the Desi Lamb. Medium plus – was pitched as the Spice Level. This appeared to baffle the waitress. We got there. Marg ensured that all the food would arrive together.
Poppadoms were offered, declined. Vini would simply have brought them.
It was the young Chef who was on duty today, no sign of Chef Sharma either. Before Chef prepared our Order, he assembled a Delivery Order. There were a few – pings – during our visit. Whilst the restaurant may have been otherwise empty, they were still doing business.
Spiced Haddock
It was the equivalent Starter, served many years ago across the road at Mother India, which first put Hector on the path towards Fish Curry. Served in foil, Marg decanted the Fish to her plate, scraped off the residual Spice, then squeezed the slice of Lemon.
A Soupçon crossed the table. The potent combination of Fish and Citrus impressed, very tasty. The quantity was pitiful. I showed Marg a photo of the Fish Pakora served here, same price, this is what you could have had. Marg was only here for a nibble, so this suited her needs today.
Decided to try this instead of Fish Pakora. A good sized (eh?) haddock arrived wrapped in foil and full of spices. I scraped it onto my plate and enjoyed the fish with my side salad of small tomatoes, onion, cucumber and green peppers. The fish was full of flavour, with the lemon juice, and tasted very much of fish with interesting spice. A perfect size of dish for me at this time of day.
The volume of Mushroom Rice at Chimes of India is pitched perfectly. Just enough to cover the plate, no obscene Euro-wastage here. The fresh Mushrooms add more solids to the Curry creating a much more interesting meal than Meat-Rice-Masala.
Desi Lamb (on-the-bone)
Topped with Ginger Strips and whole Green Chillies cut lengthways, the rich, dark brown, blended Masala looked stunning. The viscosity impressed. Curry, not Karahi, there was still a strong resemblance to what is served as – Karahi – at the wonderful Kabana (Manchester). In terms of Flavour there could be an overlap here also, though Clove might not be as intense at Chimes.
Ten pieces of Meat, each a good size. Three bones, one – Sucky – plenty of eating. And don’t forget the Mushrooms.
The Seasoning was perfection, consequently, the complexity of the Flavours was revealed. The Spice Level was no more than – medium – but on taking in a Chilli, this rang a bell or two. The waitress came over to enquire if the Spice Level suited.
Is it spicy?
I assured her that I could cope with anything that comes my way, but do not feel the need to partake in a competition.
The Meat was giving off a remarkable depth of Flavour. Again, referencing Kabana where the Lamb is always a standout, the quality here was certainly apparent. This Lamb was top drawer.
Mid meal, Chef popped his head out of the kitchen. He looked across, said nothing, but took comfort from my nod of approval.
As with Monday at New Cafe Reeshah, the temperature of the room was such that the food was cooling faster than normal. It became a matter of eat this is as quickly as possible whilst taking the time to savour the moment. Comfort eating, a joy, the – wow! – was duly realised.
The three bones and one Chilli was all that remained, every grain of Rice was managed. This was a magnificent Curry.
The Bill
£24.35
The Aftermath
Chef Sharma had arrived, off duty, in the company of his son. Just back from a month in India, both were adjusting to the Scottish winter.
I took a moment to praise the quality of the Meat. I should have commented also on the outstanding Masala, but here is the opperchancity.
Chimes of India, give it a try, and do have the Fish Pakora. So much for my plan to try the Dal Makhani (£9.95) and Cauliflower Potato Greens (£9.50). One day, soon, certainly within three months.