Glasgow – Mia Sugar & Spice – Curry before Reality

This month’s trip to The Staggs, Musselburgh was excellent until the final hour when the news from The State Bar caused further concern – Jason.

Knowing that Marg would collect me later, and that Food was required, I resolved to visit Mia – Sugar & Spice (523 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G3 7PQ) before checking in at The State Bar.

Mia S&S was empty at 20.40, it is Ramadan. I took my usual seat at the rear of the street level dining area, acknowledging Chef #2. The #4 Son of Akhtar gave me a Menu, however, I already knew what I was having.

I was invited to sit on a leather chair but was happy where I was. I had to verify which Son I was dealing with – I’m well down the line – was his humble admission.

The order was given for Lamb Karahi, on-the-bone, with Extra Methi, one Chapatti.

There be Wi-fi

Could Russia secure three points in their opening match of Euro 2016? We had watched some of the first half, signal permitted, on the Replacement Samsung. I asked if there was wi-fi, there is – Yay. FYI – Mintchochip.

Having given the order in an instant, the usual order of events was disrupted. After a few moments The Waiter realised I had no Drink, and where were the Complimentary Poppadoms and Dips? All was soon rectified, the Sparkling Water as ever the preferred Accompaniment.

Despite the obvious Red Food Dye which The Hector outlaws in The Curry-Heute Campaign, the Spiced Onions were remarkably Fresh, and Tasty. The realisation once more came to mind, dining alone – The Dips – are for one. With a Co-diner one has to share. Should people people ask for more? Two Poppadoms were issued, one is always considered quite enough.

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The Lamb Desi was presented in a Black Cast Iron Karahi – Piping Hot – yet it is remarkable how quickly these receptacles cool. The Chapatti was Modest and Quartered, not the greatest Girth I have encountered. I was about to Dip into the Oil which collects around the mash, there was none. This was a true Dry and Thick Masala. Was Hector happy? The Masala was closer to Palak/Saag than the preferred Masala with Methi. Perhaps I have to instruct as I do in Helensburgh where Chef Rashid at the Akash knows to sprinkle Methi on top at the time of serving. I could see the Herb content but not the Salt, I could taste neither. The hoped for – Wow – was not there. I am learning still, keep to the Salma-style Dishes, accept that the searched for Flavours may then emerge.

The Tender Lamb was plentiful. Fingers were used to eat the Meat, the Chapatti employed to scoop the Mash. Yes, more Seasoning required.

Akhtar entered, still in his jacket, he came over to say – Good Evening. Surely around 22.00 people would come out to dine? He saw I was watching the Football. England scored just as I finished my Lamb Desi.

The Bill

£14.90. Hopefully, this was not their first cover of the day.

The Aftermath

Fearing the worst… to The State Bar.