Marg joining Hector for a Saturday afternoon, ritual Curry? The Hockey season must be over, which ironically means even more Hockey. And so Hector was driven to The Southside, passing the home of The Famous. Somehow, they only have two more home matches out of six left this season.
Arriving at The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) at 14.50, we were greeted at the door to the Function/Overflow room by a person I took to be an event organiser.
A wedding party was imminent, still, the Hector was invited to record the set-up.
In the main dining room, not a soul, though two tables would be filled by the time we departed. The aroma of incense permeated the seating area.
Dr. Hanane may be no more, instead, another familiar, young waitress greeted. A Saturday afternoon, no lunch menu, a challenge for Marg who did not wish to overfill her stomach. Masala Salmon (£9.95) accompanied by a House Salad (€3.50) was her solution. Perhaps – Salmon – was a consequence of witnessing Hector’s humble creation midweek.
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For Hector, it could only be Lamb Desi Qorma (€14.95), well it has been ten days since my wonderful Kalb Qorma at Desi Dhaba (Aachen). Yes, the Hector was abroad for a fair bit of March, if nobody noticed.
To accompany, the favoured Mushroom Rice (£3.95). To complete the Order, a large bottle of competitively priced, Sparkling Water (£3.95).
Spicy – was noted by the waitress, also – on-the-bone.
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Mr. Baig, Mein Host, came over to chat. I still cannot bring myself to call him – Archie. Our recent travels were outlined. Once again, he related how much of a struggle it is to honour the prices on the menu. The cost of Tomatoes, Cucumber, Lettuce and Peppers have increased dramatically in recent days.
Telling him – Marg has just ordered a Salad – was perhaps of little comfort. I took the opperchancity to advise him – you don’t have to buy Peppers!
We settled down for the wait. A Saturday afternoon, Nelson Street was unusually quiet. But then why take a car into the city, so many diversions and no-go areas. I have yet to see the catastrophe at Glasgow Central.
Adam wheeled out the fayre. This, I was told, is the new system. No more carrying plates. It is labour efficient.
House Salad
Am I being serious? Marg loves a good Salad. Those who witnessed the stream of Marg’s creations in the Lockdown Years, know she can produce something special. Today’s was more traditional. Needless to say, the two elongated Pickled Chillies would cross the table.
Masala Salmon
Presumably once coated in Masala, this has dried in whilst cooking. Marg:
A different choice for me me, when it arrived I knew it was the right option. A large piece of grilled salmon with crispy skin and juices to give it flavour. I added my large salad of lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, gherkins and the red cabbage which accompanied the fish dish.
There was a red sauce with the salmon which I poured over the salad. It had a sweet and spicy taste to it, and gave more to the salad. I thoroughly enjoyed the dish.
Across the table, Hector was getting down to business. A sensible portion of Rice after witnessing so much wastage on our recent European trip featuring Curry in three countries. Fresh Mushrooms, a sufficiency to act as the Interesting Vegetable.
Lamb Desi Qorma
The heated stand was new. As one who always retains Masala for the second half, a welcome addition to the infrastructure. The photo on the menu features almonds, where were my Almonds. Ginger Strips would have to suffice.
I counted the Meat into double figures, two bones only, one – Sucky. Plenty, and with the well judged Mushroom Rice portion, every morsel would be managed.
I decided to leave one of the acquired Pickled Chillies to the very end less, inadvertently, turn my Qorma into Achari.
The Masala looked divine. Thick, with an oily sheen, the aroma of Citrus confirmed this was what the Hector sought. Green Cardamom would be extracted and set aside as and when encountered. Whole Spice, Desi Curry.
From a slow start, the Spice peaked at a still comfortably high level. The Seasoning could have been a tad more. Beautiful Lamb, it’s only when one encounters Meat of this quality that one can look back to other venues and wonder of they have skimped. Biting into the Lamb, a blast of Spice. Saturated Meat, again, a parameter which defines efficacious Desi Cuisine.
On taking the remaining Masala, the Oil had separated, a quick stir required. How much do I like this Curry? I could be back here tomorrow and have the same again. Once upon a time I would have.
Just as well this was before the era of Curry-Heute.
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Somehow there are still around half a dozen city centre, or thereabouts, venues I have yet to visit, plus three which have relocated. Hector’s work is never done.
The Bill
£36.30
The Aftermath
The Wedding Party was underway. There are no photos.