The – Silly Season – officially ends tomorrow, the feast of – The Epiphany.
Next time, less Myrrh – before then, Marg gets to celebrate her birthday. Wendy and Peter were invited to join us for 19.00 at Chimes of India (914-916 Sauchiehall Street, Kelvingrove, Glasgow G3 7 TF).
Marg’s choice of venue – they need the business.
First to arrive and no sign of Vini, Mein Host, the rest of the staff certainly recognised us. After the two diners in situ departed, we four had the place to ourselves.
Poppadoms, Mango Chutney and a towering pot of Spiced Onions were on the table in an instant, how it should be. Peter spotted the price of these on the menu – you have been here before.
It helps.
Hector, last to tackle the amuse bouche, the Spiced Onions stood out, well Seasoned, and a wee Coriander hit.
Drinks were ordered, a large bottle of Sparkling Water (£4.70) for Marg and Hector, a large Red Wine (£8.95) for Peter. Wendy ordered Irn Bru (£2.95) to start, later a glass of Mango Lassi (£3.80).
Hector was sticking to the Curry that triggered so many return visits – Desi Lamb on-the-bone (£12.95) with the favoured Mushrooms (Rice) (£3.90). And yes, I have tried most of the items on the Main Course (Lamb) menu, as well as other Vegetable-based delights and even the Fish, where Marg was headed this evening. Masala Fish Curry (£15.95) would also be accompanied by Mushrooms. Having showed Marg a photo of the Fish Curry, she accepted that a Chapatti (£1.75) might not be appropriate, too Soupy. No – dipping fest – then.
Peter followed Hector’s lead, Desi Lamb, also on-the-bone. To accompany, Nan Bread (£3.50). Wendy sought a Sweet & Sour variant, Chicken Tikka Chasni (£11.95) was the simple option. She did consider South Indian Chilli Garlic (Lamb) (£12.95), bus was concerned about the declared – Hot and spicy – in the description. The waitress said it could be dumbed down, but at the risk of losing the intended Flavours. A Chicken Curry it would be, at least Chicken Tikka Chasni is a new addition to the coverage of the menu at Chimes of India.
With Marg promising some of her Mushroom Rice, not mine, Wendy mooted a Side of Daal Makhani (£6.95). Once more, I was able to show a photo of this as experienced here previously. Sorted.
As we were here – to dine – Marg proposed we all share Mixed Pakora (£10.50). With three pieces in each of four styles of Pakora, the waitress suggested an upgrade to four. Not necessary, some had already dismissed the ones not wanted. Consequently Peter was facing lots of Chicken.
To conclude the Order, I asked for – extra Desi.
The complimentary Poppadoms etc. taken care of, the Mixed Pakora duly arrived. The ladies took care of the Salad elements and purloined most of the Haggis, one component the Hector had dismissed. If Hector desires Haggis Pakora, then a single Haggis from any Fish & Chip shop is surely comparable?
One piece of Vegetable Pakora, double fried, OK, and two pieces of Fish Pakora was my allocation. Fresh Fish Pakora cannot be beaten. That this Fish was Haddock was ever so clear, distinctive, tasty. But two pieces only, maybe time to cross the river for a plateful.
Peter – The Fish Pakora incredibly fresh, tender. The Haggis, excellent flavour. The Chicken was just – Chicken.
Wendy – The Haggis Pakora was excellent, not too much batter, lots of Haggis. Vegetable Pakora good too. I Particularly liked the mango dip.
Marg – a large plate with Mixed Pakora arrived after the complimentary Poppadoms. Thoroughly enjoyed the rich Haggis and Vegetable pieces. The Fish and Chicken was shared out amongst the others.
Hector – Who actually ever wants Chicken Pakora?
There was a sufficient gap between Starters and Mains. Hot plates were presented, the joy of being in an actual restaurant.
The Mushrooms in the Rice were outstanding. Presumably cooked separately in whatever, before adding to the equally tasty Pilau, a great combination. A decent plateful, Hector was still not for sharing.
The Bread at Chimes of India has yet to impress this commentator. The Nan, served in quarters, why, was thin, unrisen, but at least showed signs of blistering.
Contrary to what I think makes the perfect Naan, Peter had other ideas:
The best Naan I’ve had (in a while). Not too thick and doughy.
Ah well.
Daal Makhani
Dark, thick, earthy, with menacing Lentils to the fore – is how I expect a Daal Makhani to appear. For Hector, this was too light and creamy, too Soupy. For the person who ordered it, seemingly acceptable.
Chicken Tikka Chasni
The resemblance to the Daal Makhani was observed by all, another Creamy, Soupy creation. There did not appear to be much Chicken relative to the quantity of Masala. Wendy was satisfied with some of Marg’s Rice and a piece of the Naan. Maybe this Curry called for a huge, puffy Naan for a dipping fest?
Wendy – It was ideal for me. Creamy with a sweet and sour kick. I coupled this with the Daal which was great. Both very filling.
The Lassi was far too rich for me, a miniature would have suited.
Marg quickly took care of the leftover Lassi.
Desi Lamb on-the-bone
Extra Desi – said the waitress as she presented my Curry, not Peter’s. The difference was even more whole Green Chillies. Hence, the Spice Level of the Curry was self administered. I left one Chilli.
The Seasoning was low, another reminder of how much I enjoyed my Methi Gosht at Priya (Ayr) on New Year’s Day.
Sucky Bones were to the fore, the Meat falling off. There was no need to count, the plentiful Lamb was self evident. The Meat to Masala ratio was therefore commendable.
The Masala was speckled with Herb, in time a piece of Star Anise was revealed, Desi confirmed.
As the pile of bones accrued, so the enjoyment of the Sucky Bones was appreciated. The Meatiness too from the Lamb. An array of Textures from chewy through Tender to Super-soft, possibly due to topping up the Lamb Pot. Enjoyable, but the lack of Seasoning was limiting full enjoyment.
On adding a Soupçon of Daal Makhani, there was no great extra burst of Flavours.
The Spiced Onion was the most potent thing I had this evening, maybe it should have been avoided. Had the Spiced Onion already stymied the taste-buds?
Peter – Desi Lamb tender, excellent flavours without being too spicy.
Malbec, tasty.
*
Masala Fish Curry
The Masala could have been identical to that served with the Desi Lamb. There was visibly abundant Fish in the portion, especially compared to many a venue visited. Whether this justified the extra £3.00 charge for Fish remains debatable. Fish Curry in Mainland Europe is typically cheaper than Lamb, nowhere in the UK is far from the sea. Marg had much to say:
A large plate with my Masala Fish Curry and a good-size of Mushroom Rice completed my dinner. The rice added good textures to my thin masala sauce. The fish pieces were numerous and tasty, cooked in the onion and tomato gravy with herbs and spices.
A very pleasant dish, full of flavour. Added the creamy Daal for a different taste.
Ordered Masala Chai to round off a lovely meal. A lovely atmosphere with a very attentive waitress.
Em, we had the place to ourselves…
There was but a scrap of Naan left on the table at the conclusion of the meal. Marg had her Chai. In the otherwise empty restaurant we were under no pressure to depart.
The Bill
£114.90 … of which over £30.00 was for Drinks. Still, good value for the Curry etc.
The Aftermath
Our pleasure was expressed as we departed.
Back out into the freezing night. As for one chap, briefly resident in the East End, sadly, those in charge have had their own epiphany, and have well and truly left him out in the cold. Perhaps this – Silly Season – is continuing after all.