A second visit to Curry Pot (139 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6PR) this week, but not this year. At 13.30 today, the appetite was facing inglorious defeat. An hour later it was a matter of where could I source a Lamb Chermiti? A double portion even?
It was 15.30 when I had reached Partick and walked the few blocks to Curry Pot, by then happy to have Lamb Saag (£9.50). The mood for Spinach comes and goes, however, foremost in my mind were two burning questions: a) just how much better is a Methi Gosht than a Saag/Palak Gosht, and b) just how wonderful was my Methi Gosht at Priya (Ayr) two days previously?
The serving chap confirmed that I would be sitting in, Mushroom Rice (£4.00) was duly added to the Order. In time a glass of water became part of the equation. Furthermore, for half of my visit I would not be dining alone. An Indian chap ordered almost the same Curry – Saag Paneer (£7.95), but with two Breads which were certainly more than a Chapatti. The Asian way: Bread with Curry as opposed to Curry with Bread.
I’ll put on the heater – was the added welcome as I took my seat. When the door opens, there is no escape from the cold blast. One is here for the food, not the ambiance.
A cold plate, but the Mushroom Rice was hot-hot. As splendid as always, but the power of Spinach would smother any further taste experiences from what would lie beneath.
Lamb Saag
Topped with two Ginger Strips, never pretty to look at, the six large pieces of Meat were arranged with half of the Spinach-rich Masala over the plateful of Mushroom Rice. Each piece of Lamb required halving. Super-soft Meat, in no way did it have time to absorb any Flavour from the Masala.
The Masala, if there was one in there, was the alternative approach to presenting this Curry. The opposite of what I had enjoyed at Priya which was definitely a Masala with Methi.
The speed at which I ate today was uncharacteristically quick. A combination of hunger and excitement. Bragging rights, I couldn’t wait to get to my next port of call, and eat the food before it gets cold.
A Dry, Earthy, but not Bitter Masala, the spontaneous desire for Spinach sated. But was this spontaneous, yesterday I bought a bag of fresh Spinach, what will happen to that now?
The Seasoning today seemed desperately low, at least the Spice built towards something that was decidedly Curry and therefore beyond Gemüse.
Whole Spices were unearthed, the inevitable Black Cardamom, but only after it had been bitten into, a piece of Star Anise, then a whole Peppercorn. Desi-style Curry.
The chap beside me was having his Cheese & Spinach, the Hector was once again fully appreciative of the quality of the Lamb. Don’t even think about it, a Cheese-based Curry would never stay down in Hector’s digestive system.
My two questions had answers. I by far prefer Methi to Spinach, and yes the Curry at Priya was truly outstanding.
The Bill
£13.70 Random numbers.
The Aftermath
I departed, without ceremony, I had somewhere else to be.
Dr. Stan would later enquire as to what is a – Lamb Chermiti…