Glasgow – Yadgar – Visit #90 – Yadgar is that Special!

Some of The Hector’s recent Curry Experiences have been decidedly  Frustrating, this week should go a long way to restoring the Levels of Expectation. On Monday evening, Marg and Hector had typical #1 Class Karahi, where else but the New Karahi Palace. This evening we have guests in town, Dr. Alasdair and Mags have featured in Curry-Heute once before at the Ganges, Carnoustie. Having travelled extensively, and around India in particular, if one is going to take Glasgow Novices to one Glasgow Venue which knocks the sox of everywhere else, then it has to be Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP). For the record, Marg had a Friday evening Hockey Match, unheard of, until tonight.

Three trains to Queens Park must have felt like a Magical Mystery Tour, they had no idea where they were going. A friend in their home-town had predicted Mother India, ten years ago or more, yes. Glasgow has moved on, so has Hector’s awareness of where the Very Best Curry is served. We popped in to the Desi – Curry Palace, partly to see if Waris was on duty, partly instinct. I was recognised by a New Chap serving behind the counter, Despite being busy serving someone else he waved me towards him, twice. His name will have to be re-established at a later time, however, I knew him from his days at The Village. I’ll be interested to find out why he left one of Glasgow’s Foremost Venues to work in this very Modest Establishment. Anyway, Waris was not there but The Chaps were keen to tell me that they have taken over the small Cafe next door, in the next month or so, there will be another welcomed addition to the Southside Desi Curry Cafe Scene. Their previous attempts at seating did not last long culminating in Waris inviting us to his home for the Namkeen Karahi.

20.00 is the latest I have ever dined at Yadgar on a Friday, there was only only double table free. Naveed and Omar were behind the counter, warm greetings as we entered. A couple of New Chaps were front of house. The tables were wiped, thoroughly, we were set. The Dips and Spiced Onion preceded the arrival of the Poppadoms. Mags told me she was hungry.

You will not be saying that in an hour.

Shkoor, Mein Host, came over to greet and be introduced. I asked one favour: could we have twenty minutes between Starters and Mains? On occasion the latter has arrived too timeously.

The Salad arrived, we all had quite a plateful.   Oh, new plates were in use, new chairs also, the cumbersome ones have gone, finally. Slightly smaller tables may even permit another couple of chairs to feature.

Not only did Dr. Alasdair and Mags have no idea where they were eating, they knew nothing about what was planned. Omar brought the Fish Starter.

The Scottish Haddock – I announced as the tray was placed in the mid-table.

This is salmon – spotted my co-diners.

Six pieces of Salmon, two each. Once upon a time I tried serving my own Machi Masala as a Starter, we had to wait hours before we could face The Mains. The Salmon tonight was surprisingly Light. Mags limited herself to one piece, I envisaged a Doggy Bag already, however the last piece was shared around the table.

Juicy – was Mags first take on the Salmon. Just superb, surprisingly juicy.

Dr. Alasdair was impressed by the Spiced Crusty Topping. He tends to find Salmon to be a bit of a disappointment currently, this impressed, and some. This was exactly how he would seek Salmon.

Shkoor was back – I see the Scottish Haddock has been transformed….

Yes, this is what the Fish Market had this week.

And I thought you had your own boat.

Dr, Alasdair admitted that he could have left Yadgar at this point having had the appetite sated. They still had no idea what was coming next, nor how much. As it happened, Hector was slightly in the dark to.

When three or four Diners – are fed – at Yadgar, the norm is to serve two Karahi, tonight was no exception. Omar placed them on the table, Hector began the Photographic Ritual. Clearly I was concentrating on framing the Karahi, not examining the contents. Shkoor was across once more.

This is Goshat Karahi on-the-bone, as Hector asks for it; this is Lamb Chops Achari. – pointing to the Karahi right under my nose. I had not spotted the Lamb Chops, they were shrouded in the Classic Yadgar Masala. This is probably my Favourite Yadgar Dish, Mags helped herself, then I realised I had to interrupt.

One would not appreciate the Wonder that is Yadgar Goshat Karahi if one had a mouthful of Pickle before hand. We set about tackling the Yadgar Signature Dish. It was maybe not as Piping Hot as I would prefer, but far from lukewarm. Both of my Guests marvelled at what they were eating. The Tenderness of the Lamb, the ease at which it fell off the bone, the Richness of the Masala. They could not have read my usual words, yet these were the very words coming out of their mouths. It was agreed that one could not eat this every day, far too Rich.

Superb – was repeated often.

The Lamb Chops Achari was appreciably Warmer. Once again we marvelled at the Softness of the Meat. Pickle is not Dr. Alasdair’s Favourite, however he did this justice before returning to the Goshat Karahi. Mags and Hector probably did most damage to the Achari.

Shkoor whisked the Goshat Karahi away briefly to drain off what he spotted as Excessive Oil collecting on the Sides. Given the size of the Karahi, this was appreciated.

The Chapattis kept coming. Again in recent weeks I have had some some examples which were far from impressive. The Yadgar Chapattis are Larger than is served at most venues, slightly Thicker too, but still Light. One is Hector’s limit, Dr. Alasdair tore in.

It was Naveed who replenished the supply of Chapattis. I wished him Happy Birthday again. I was convinced it was today, four days ago…so it goes.

As ever, the offer was made, could they do any more for us. A second stomach? That tired Cliche. Shkoor proposed a bed upstairs for a few hours. One day they will buy the upstairs flat and let folk recover, or maybe not.

We ate on, eventually it was time to admit defeat. We still had a Decent Portion of both Goshat Karahi and Lamb Chops Achari. Perhaps the Doggy Bags will find their way to Carnoustie?

The Bill

One should never be presumptuous. I asked Shkoor quietly if we could settle.

The usual fee.

And so it was £45.00. (3 x £15.00 flat fee, Buffet Prices)

The Aftermath

Dr. Alasdair went up to the counter to chat some more with Shkoor. He was impressed by  – We serve the food we cook for ourselves.

Three Diners departed, we had been fed. The Novices declared their intention to return, one day.

See you tomorrow. Shkoor was almost taken in. Hector has another Curry Plan for tomorrow, surely a break from Overindulgence in Lamb?