Lord Clive and Lady Maggie of Crawley were last at The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) for the Ramadan Buffet. Dr. Stan would join us for the 14.30 rendezvous.
At first, the waitress offered us one of the booth style tables mid-room. Clearly, five of us would not fit on this. Instead, I pointed to the area of seating under the balcony. Never having sat here previously, this was a new perspective. Seasonal decorations confirmed that the nadir of sunlight looms. Marg loves this time of year, the Hector, well, one plays along.
The Lahori Lunch Menu (£8.95) was provided, although this suited Marg, I asked for the main menu, some serious Curry eating beckoned.
Maggie quickly spotted the kilo, Tawa Kirahi (£49.95), that’s even dearer than London prices, ouch, and no thanks. Yesterday at Staggs (Musselburgh) whilst celebrating Clive’s Big birthday, Jim declared that we are overdue going out for the kilo of Karahi Gosht, we won’t be having it here.
The thought of facing a plate of Meat remained daunting. Then there was last Thursday’s near overdose of Spinach at Kabana (Manchester) which somehow appeared not to have sated the appetite. In conversation with Dr. Stan, I had declared my intention to have Kofta Palak (£12.95), Nan Bread (£3.25) to accompany. The Village is the only Glasgow Curry House known to Curry-Heute where this wondrous creation is available seven days a week. I fully expected Dr. Stan to follow suit, however, so rare are his visits here, he was not for missing out on The Village classic – Lamb Desi Qorma (£14.95) accompanied by Veggie Rice (£3.95). Wot, no Mushrooms?
I had promised Clive his favoured Keema Naan (£4.95). Perhaps thereafter, the choice of Curry would be incidental. What does a man have with a Keema Naan? Keema Mutter (£12.50)! Can a man have too much Mince?
Maggie was all over the menu. In her own time she found Dhansak Gosht (£13.95) and announced Mushroom Rice (£3.95), to share. Such is the modest portion of Rice at The Village, the Hector wouldn’t be sharing a portion of Rice with anyone.
From the Lahori Lunch Menu, Marg chose Vegetable Pakora, then Lamb Curry with the two Chapatti option. She only ever eats one. A glass of Mango Lassi (£3.50) was her indulgence for the day.
Not to be outdone, Maggie announced a Starter – Vegetable Pakora (£4.95). Unlike two days ago at Curry Pot, Dr. Stan was not tempted to follow her lead. Maggie ordering a Starter usually leads to half of her main course being abandoned.
The waitress took the Order. Dr. Stan discovered that his Desi Qorma would be served on-the-bone regardless of his preference. Maggie pitched a – medium – Spice Level, Hector – medium plus, whilst Clive opted for – Spicy.
The Hector has learned not to ask for – Spicy – at The Village. Depending on which Chef is on duty, Spicy can end in tears. Clive would manage whatever came his way.
Jugs of tap water was the only tipple, well, apart from the Mango Lassi which appeared to be good value. Who drinks with a straw?
Vegetable Pakora
Today was the first time I have seen the Lunch Menu and full portion side by side. Three pieces versus five, and the latter had the extra Dip.
Once again, a piece of Pakora came Hector’s way, for review purposes. Despite the likelihood of having been double fried, the Pakora tasted fresh.
There was an instant blast of Spice, the Seasoning impressed also. Decent Pakora. The main participants had their say.
Marg – Crispy on the outside, potato, vegetables & spice on the inside. Enjoyed the red & sweet sauce to dip the Pakora into. A very small salad accompanied the dish.
Maggie – odd number 7 pieces. They were tasty and large.
I counted – five.
There was an appropriate wait before the mains were presented.
As expected, Marg only had one of her Chapattis, and Hector just over half of the Plain Naan. Served in quarters, I forgot to ask for it to be served whole. This was as poor a Naan as I have encountered for some time. Thin, the merest hint of burnt blisters forming, unrisen and a hint of Wholemeal Flour as with the Chapatti, totally uninteresting.
The Keema Naan was similarly served in bits. I always look for individual grains of Mince, here was the lesser Paste/Donner-like sheet spread across the interior. It was duly devoured, so Clive had no issues.
Dr. Stan, sitting at the far end of the table, did not disclose what Vegetables were mixed through his Veggie Rice. Other than a piece of something green, the photo reveals zilch. The Mushroom Rice was as Hector usually orders when having a – Curry – at The Village. Curry Pot (Partick) has set the standard for this accompaniment, as was confirmed by four of us two days ago.
Kofta Palak
Four Meatballs were smothered by the Spinach-rich Masala. The Meatballs themselves were lacking both Seasoning and Spice.
A bit peely-wally, I had to wonder what had happened here. The Seasoning in the Masala was a tad below the Hector idyll. Still, there was a good blast with the Spice building towards – medium-plus – as asked for.
In my mind throughout was the same Dish as served at Karachi (Bradford). I’m sure The Village has matched this level of satisfaction for a Kofta Palak previously, not today.
Lamb Curry
The smaller karahi for the Lunchtime Menu, this quantity definitely suits Marg. I didn’t have to sample this to know that this wold be a fine example of The Village Curry.
Marg: A smaller dish, with a thick rich red sauce full of spice and flavour. Large pieces of tender lamb cut easily and I used the Chapatti to pick up these smaller pieces. A very satisfying meal with the Mango Lassi a perfect change.
*
*
*
Dhansak Gosht
Daal – said the waiter as he placed the karahi on the table. I had to assure Maggie that Daal/Dhansak is the same thing. How this offering was allowed to leave the kitchen baffles this observer. Swimming in Oil, the excess should surely have been dabbed off. Large Lentils, I think we both expected more of a – mash.
Once Maggie got underway, I had to ask about the quantity of Meat in her Curry. I could see none. Maggie assured me there had been plenty, she had eaten it.
To deal with the Oil, I advised Maggie to stir it into the Lentils, there was an appreciation that here lay the Flavour. In the end, half a karahi of Daal was abandoned.
*
Maggie: Large portion, the first thing I noticed was the ghee. Too much for me, needed a good stir as all the spice was in the ghee. Large pieces of lamb no gristle. Mushroom rice large portion enough to share. Not as good as Curry Pot.
*
*
Keema Mutter
The peripheral Oil was a bit more than required. Again, once mixed in, fine. I have never dared to have a Keema Naan with Keema, maybe I should try it. Clive:
I asked for it spicy, it was. The spice level, same as Curry Pot, hot, not too hot.
Texture not oily. And as for the Naan – generous Keema, seems in there.
Lamb Desi Qorma
As has been written oft in these pages, the Curry that made Hector resident at The Village in the pre Curry-Heute days. It’s all about the Masala, viscous, The Village Curry Taste at its finest. To go to The Village and not have this Curry takes self discipline. Dr. Stan:
It was really good, well spiced, tender meat, I’ve forgotten how it was, the Desi Korma.
Quite a mixed bag, varied quality, it’s all down to which Chef is on duty. There is always great Curry to be had at The Village, today, some of us had it.
The Bill
£87.40 Five diners, all well fed, great value.
The Aftermath
Mr. Baig, Mein Host, had acknowledged us in passing. Our departure was low key. After a week on the road, today was the last party. When will Hector sit down and face the now seemingly – daunting task – of facing up to a Lamb Curry?