‘Tis a Friday afternoon, an hour before the usual rendezvous, some traditions die hard even though Friday is now just another day of the week. What has happened to the Friday Curry Club? Answers below please.
After some bizarre Curry Experiences in the past week, Hector decided to return to the tried and tested. A Lamb Karahi was required, where better than The New Karahi Palace (51-53 Nelson Street, Tradeston, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) to secure such a Splendid Dish?
Arriving just on 16.00, Qaiser was seated, waiting for the teatime rush. Ayaz, Mein Host, was at the rear of the open kitchen. Rashid, The Chef, was nowhere to be seen. Hector, The Lone Diner, took his preferred seat at one of the four downstairs tables. The fan heater was blasting away, the room was warm, thankfully. It can be chilly down here.
Ayaz came over to check if I wished Normal Portion or the Half Kilo. When such an offer is made it is difficult to resist, however, sense prevailed. Normal, with One Chapatti please. In the language of the house, my requirements were relayed to the New Chef, I shall translate.
Lamb Karahi, on-the-bone, Well Seasoned and with Extra Methi.
Ayaz brought the Modest Salad, plates and napkins moments later.
Both TVs were showing an Asian Channel, it’s amazing that although the programmes are in The Language, the adverts, mostly for legal advice, are in English. So it goes.
The Chapatti was too hot to handle, Puffy, Light, but still would have the Thickness that makes this interpretation stand out from any other Glasgow Venue. This was a Chapatti.
The Karahi was piled high, the Masala- Mash sizzled. It was obvious that this had not been cooked by Ayaz/Rashid, there was more Masala than is normally served, the Oil was more apparent too. Some could be put off by this, not The Hector. This Masala was a Wonderful Pulp, Tomatoes featuring prominently. Dipping the Chapatti and scooping the Masala is always a Pleasurable Experience.
The Lamb was Magnificently Tender. That it had been pre-cooked is now taken for granted. The Chef had achieved a different Background Flavour to this Karahi than is the norm. Still better than what is served in The Mainstream, perhaps the Methi had been been Restrained. As has been written often, I could eat here every day.
The Bill
£8.70. One Lamb Karahi, One Chapatti with Girth.
The Aftermath
Qaiser assured me that Rashid would be back from vacation next month. Meanwhile, one suspects Ayaz may well be cooking more than normal in the interim.
Later that Evening
The Man from Bradford showed up, unexpectedly.
Where are we going for Curry?
Too late, and why did you not tell me you were coming north?
Once more The Burger King had no Curry.