For some time, the plan has been to visit Chimes of India (914-916 Sauchiehall Street, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7 TF) and sample the Vegetarian section of the menu. Previously on arriving, the temptation to have the outstanding Desi Lamb on-the-bone (£12.95) has proved to be irresistible. Today, mission accomplished, something to do with the quantity of meat consumed this week in München.
It was a horrible day in Glasgow, and exposure to the elements was aggravated by the bus stop directly outside Chimes being out of use. The ongoing construction across the street appears to command more and more space, temporary traffic lights too. Disruption, not good for business.
The young waitress greeted and directed me towards the far wall. For a change, I chose the table nearer the bar, not my usual window spot. The three menus were brought. The value of the Lunch Menu (£10.95) was outlined. The Hector had already planned what was to be had and it wasn’t there. On ordering a jug of water, the Drinks Menu was also withdrawn.
Cauliflower Potato Green (£9.50) and a Side portion of Dal Makhani (£6.95) should be quite a plateful. I saw enough Rice this week at Dessi Tadka (München), Bread was calling. As I relayed the Order, concluding with Keema Paratha (£3.95), I added:
I bet nobody else has ordered this combination.
Starters, Poppadoms? – was mooted.
If I eat all I’ve ordered, I’ll be surprised.
If Vini, Mein Host, had been here, a Poppadom would have simply arrived.
My three fellow diners finished their Curry and departed. They were soon replaced by another couple. It is good to see others appreciate the merits of this humble establishment.
Whilst I waited, the delivery of kitchen supplies was underway. An event I have witnessed here on my previous Saturday visits to Chimes of India. The Aloo Gobi was served first.
Cauliflower Potato Greens
Greens – turned out to be Peas, now we know – Aloo Gobi Mutter. The Minimal and Thick Masala Mash was as hoped for. Ginger Strips topped the melange, a whole Cherry Tomato had been cooked in. With multiple plates, I had to decant to the warmed dinner plate. On licking the spoon, oh, there’s Spice here.
Dal Makhani
Brown Lentils and Beans were smothered by the Creamy Dal Masala. The portion, a Side, was served in the same bowl in which the Rice is served at Chimes, a veritable plateful. I decanted half, I already knew eating that much could be a challenge.
Last to arrive was the Keema Paratha.
Served in four pieces, I should have asked for it to be served whole. Thin, a bit limp, I have seen better Paratha. The all important interior was inspected. Brown Mince, not the nasty pink Donner-like Meat served in lesser establishments. The Mince was somewhat sporadic.
Dipping the Bread in the Dal revealed a Dry, Earthy Flavour, Nothing too powerful, just a pleasant accompaniment to what was the main event here.
The Potatoes had absorbed the Spices and hence the Flavours. Tick. The Cauliflower was soft with just a hint of a resilient crunch, perfect. The Flavour of the Cauliflower itself should always be a standout in this Dish. Today, everything was working together as it should. The Peas and Tomato were an added bonus, the latter exploding with Flavour when chewed.
Had I ordered Rice, this meal wouldn’t have worked. This combination was crying out for Bread, yet I only managed half of the Paratha. There was a lot of food here. Pleasant as it was, the Hector by far prefers Meat in his Curry.
As I ate, so Chef Sharma came through the restaurant. He stopped to engage. I explained that I was having something different. Had I ordered my usual Desi Lamb, he may well have guessed for whom he was cooking. He related that last night, a large group of diners, led by Curryspondent Lee, had been present. He thanked me for recommending Chimes of India to them, and filling their coffers.
As further thanks, a complimentary scoop of Ice Cream and Gulab Jamun was presented. The latter was warm, as I like it, and the Ice Cream, was, well outstanding. Next time I see Vini, I shall hopefully establish the brand.
The Bill
£20.40
The Aftermath
Back out into the cold and wet. The Hector fancies somewhere warm and dry, watch this space…