The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) was not Hector’s intended venue this afternoon, matters Geography, determined this. Storm Éowyn may have past, however, there were possibly no trains running in Central Scotland today. My limited stop bus into the city was needlessly delayed on the Clydeside Expressway, just what was the hold-up? Finding myself on Argyle Street, crossing the river on the Squiggly Bridge to The Village became the plan.
Entering at a somewhat late 14.25, I had to stand for a few moments to be allocated a table. The splitting of the dining area appears to be complete. The reserved area was closed off.
Achari Gosht (13.95), from the serious part of the menu, was today’s choice, accompanied by the usual Mushroom Rice (£3.95). A jug of tap water was duly provided.
The waitress offered – on-the-bone. I upped this to – on-the-bone, Desi style.
All quite efficient. She had twelve diners to look after. A waiter was bringing out the mains, she dealt with drinks, Desserts, Orders and Bills. Division of labour.
All but two of the initial assembly would depart during my stay. They were soon replaced, all of us sitting at, or near, the window tables. How many people pass in the bus, look in but never come? This is one of Glasgow’s foremost Curry Houses.
It was the waitress who brought my food, so who knows what happened to the chap?
Last time, the Mushroom Rice degraded the overall enjoyment by being served at a tepid temperature. Today’s was too hot to handle. Had someone read these pages? I didn’t see any kitchen staff I recognised today. A modest portion, sufficient for one. As it happened, I had to accept defeat eventually and leave a few grains. So much for eating at my formerly preferred time of 15.00.
Achari Gosht
No Herb Topping today. Instead, a smothering of Spice which I took to be Garam Masala. Dry Methi might have had me in raptures.
Spooning the Meat and most of the Masala over the Rice, the Meat count easily reached double figures. Two bones only, one a Sucky Bone.
There was no sign of the expected array of pickled bits, i.e. whole pieces of e.g. Rind. However, the first mouthful confirmed this was – Achari.
By Village standards, the Seasoning was quite a bit down. The Spice Level was never going to get beyond – Moderate. So much for Desi-style, the Lamb Qorma had here recently, well that was a challenge.
The Pickle Flavour soon subsided. On seeing traces of Herb cooked in I began to question what sat before me. Of course, the Achari is the Village Curry tweaked, but today by not enough. The more I ate, the more I thought – Village Curry, not Achari.
Pleasure? Of course, this is a special place, but not the big blast of Flavour I had hoped for. A different Chef today?
The Bill
£18.90
The Aftermath
Adam, the manager, had approached me as I ended my Curry. Time for more catching up.
The Village was open yesterday, despite few places in the city being so, reportedly. The BBC didn’t come here. Do all their staff use the Squinty Bridge? Oh, that’s why it was built, allegedly.
I hadn’t seen Adam for some time, the last Ramadan Buffet no doubt. Ten years he has been here. As I observed with Kasif last time, the boys are becoming – men.
Walking back along Nelson Street, avoiding big puddles, behold the new frontage and signage of what has been – Hector’s home – for so long: Karahi Palace, then Handi By Darbar.
Bayt Alsham, a Syrian-owned Mediterranean/Chinese restaurant. Grill with Noodles? Aye right. Maybe one day.