Marg was free for lunch today, thus there would be Curry-Heute before meeting up with The Monday Club. The Village (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) remains the most easily accessible Desi Curry House to the city centre, a short hop across the River Clyde.
14.00, a decent time for brunch, and today, the Hector’s appetite had recovered after the recent dash to Berlin. The new, discrete, dining room was pointed out to Marg as we entered from West Street.
Marg spotted what may be alterations, or ongoing work, to the ceiling décor as we took our seats. Perhaps the Hector has never looked up? We both remarked on the level of warmth in the room, cozy.
Four diners initially, we would be the lone diners by the time we departed. The young waitress was particularly chatty today, Marg’s presence, or the simple fact that visits to The Village have once again become regular.
The main menu was requested. The Lahore Lunch menu (£8.95) may suit some, we were here for the full Bhuna and would choose from the – Lamb – section of the full menu.
Today Kofta (£12.95), there are four variants on the menu: Curry, Kirahi, Anda, Palak. Spinach was calling, but I wasn’t missing out on my hard-boiled Egg. No problem – was the response when asking for Kofta Anda Palak.
Spicy – was agreed.
Marg surprised me by not ordering Keema (£12.50). Instead, Daal Gosht (£13.95), a Curry which has not previously appeared in these pages.
Medium – for Marg.
We would share a Nan Bread (£3.25). I asked for this to be served – Whole. Again – no problem. A jug of tap water was duly provided.
Our waitress must have been fitted with new Duracells today. On wiping down a previously occupied window table, she asked if we would like to move there. Window dressing? The bright sunshine would have meant one of us being blinded by the light. We stayed put at our smaller table.
At the point of serving she was back to ask if we wished Butter on our Naan. Yes please. Hot plates were brought by the waiter, then tea-light stands. Mr. Baig, Mein Host, acknowledged us as he passed by. The Shahi treatment.
Served – Whole – as requested, the round Naan had been cooked on a Tawa. Risen, more so around the periphery, blisters were partly formed. A decent Naan, though Tandoori can be better. Bread with Curry, not Curry with Bread, between us, we would manage all but a scrap.
*
Kofta Anda Palak
Five medium-sized Meatballs and one hard-boiled Egg sat in the Thickest of Herb-rich Masalas. Tomato Seeds were visible, so this was a Masala with Herbs, not just a Herb Mash. This is the Hector’s preference.
Normally, we would both eat directly from the karahi, however, having been provided with the heater and hot plates, that felt churlish. Decanting was called for.
The Spice felt – moderate – but would build to a decent, not demanding level. I was recently Spice-challenged at The Village. The Seasoning was tempered by the Herb Mash, the latter giving its distinctive Flavour. One would assume there was more than just Spinach here. For Lamb, the Kofta were comparatively light in colour, tightly bound, a degree of firmness. These too felt Herb-rich, giving a Dry, Earthy Flavour, and a – wee kick.
On returning to the karahi for the top-up, the Oil had separated from the remaining Masala, all very healthy. I ate what I felt was a satisfying balance between Bread, Kofta and Masala. This is what I was in the mood for, mission accomplished.
Daal Gosht
I’m surprised that Lord Clive of Crawley has never been here to have this Curry, but then he tends towards the Chicken version anyway. This was a visibly different Curry, quite a departure from anything else seen here previously. Dry Curry is typically that which is sought, this featured Minimal Masala in the extreme. The Meat was hard to spot in the melange, the large pieces of Lentil dominating. No Soupçon for Hector, the contrast with this and the Palak could have distorted the palate. It is therefore all down to Marg:
It was a lovely change to have large lentils mixed with coriander and green chillies in a creamy, yet spicy, sauce. The pieces of lamb were tender and I was able to make them smaller for the purpose of eating easier with the nan bread, but did not eat as much of it as the lentils were quite filling. I thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
It felt strange having The Village to oneself. Ramadan starts on Friday, 
things may well be different, in the evenings anyway. The famous Village Ramadan Buffet is scheduled, more on this when I find out. With the sun setting around 18.00 in the West of Scotland, not as arduous as in recent years. Six years have passed since my last Village Ramadan Buffet.
The Bill
£30.70 £13.50 for the Kofta Anda Palak
The Aftermath
Walking back to the Subway, and avoiding some serious puddles, we passed the premises now home to Bayt Alsham (forgive the tautology) as I did for many years, to my sorrow, when it was Karahi Palace. No Curry.
Hours later, the obligatory Cumin Seed dislodged itself from that dental gap in which it regularly finds refuge. A blast of Liquorice, the taste of home.