With Scotland playing a pre World Cup friendly match, and losing as I left the house, perhaps not a sensible time to go for a Southside Curry, however, The Village “Curry House” (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) is close enough to the River Clyde to walk back across if necessary.
Arriving at 13.40, one of The Famous had rescued the match just before half time. The Village was unusually empty for a Saturday afternoon, just the four tables occupied. A regular waitress, whose name might be forthcoming in time, showed me to a small table.
Having been deprived of Lamb Desi Qorma (£14.95) for some time, today was the day to rectify. As ever, Mushroom Rice (£3.95) would accompany.
Desi, on-the-bone – understood.
Usually the Hector qualifies for a jug of chilled tap water, today, a glass, with a straw.
Being able to watch the match on the trusty Oppo, there was a sense of pleasure when a new member of The Famous scored, twice. We cannot have this, thoughts of grandeur may surface, then I realised we were playing against ten men.
Would you like Poppadoms whilst you wait? – asked the waitress.
Declined as always, just bring them if you want me to have them, I started to speculate as to the delay. No Mr. Baig today, no kitchen staff I recognised. Who was the duty Chef? Someone new who was not au fait with Desi Qorma? I hoped not.
Negative waves may have been planted already.
I was advised that the Rice bowl was extremely hot. Unlike peeps who automatically touch any hot vessel that comes with such a warning, I did not touch it directly. A napkin was put to good use.
A plateful, lightly Spiced Rice and fresh Mushrooms, Vegetable Biryani aside, one day, I’ll find a better non-Bread accompaniment. Usually, I can finish this, today, a few grains had to be abandoned.
Lamb Desi Qorma
The aroma is unique, the Citrus from the Yoghurt. The Masala today looked to be appreciably Thicker than what is usually served at The Village. More Yoghurt was my deduction. The Oil was separating, as it must.
On decanting, I stirred in the Ginger Strips, let the crunch surprise me later.
Big Seasoning! With the Coriander also now strewn through the melange, Flavours slowly starting to emerge. On the first intake of Meat, the Spice was released, a good level of Spice was accruing. Hector, slow down!
The great danger of enjoying a Curry too much, too quickly.
The Meat count was in double figures, plenty to eat here. In time, I realised this Curry was much drier than usual. There was also a sub-Achari Tang. The Village Curry Taste did emerge in time, however, this then felt like the Desi Qorma flavour was being subdued.
The retained Masala came to the rescue, but maybe I still felt that I have had better Desi Qorma at The Village on my many previous visits.
The Bill
£18.90
The Aftermath
Different Chef today? – I put to the waitress as I paid.
Not as good as usual.
Taking the Subway back across the river guaranteed missing the football traffic.