The Rickmeister is in town, taking care of Dr. Stan in his hours of need, reportedly. Methinks there are nefarious reasons why he is up in Glasgow this weekend. Somehow his Diary had a Barrel Party noted, long before the rest of us, including The Host, more of this on Saturday.
It has been a long, long time since The Hector and The Man from Bradford had Curry together. Hector has even questioned if Ricky still eats Curry given his poor showing at Manchester earlier this year. Hector is told that the Staff in the Curry Houses in Bradford are concerned about my lack of presence in the Curry Capital this year. This will have to be addressed, but not until 2017.
Karahi Palace is where Ricky assumed we would be going, Hector had other ideas. There are Glasgow venues which The Man from Bradford has not visited, Ambala Deli Bar (11 Forth St., Glasgow, Scotland, G41 2SP) has been The Discovery of 2016, the Handi Gosht the Outstanding Dish.
The rendezvous was at the Laurieston where there is still one cool Real Ale Tap and two warm ones, strange. Mr. Boyd was intending to join us, but changed his mind, twice, or was that three times? As we departed there was a brief conversation with Curry-Heute Followers, last seen in Karahi Palace on Mr. Boyd’s 75th Birthday. Ricky admitted that Bradford Curry and Glasgow Curry are on a par (in the venues we rate), however, Bradford Curry is 40% cheaper.
Hector’s preferred table was free. Ricky decided to sit adjacent to The Hector, no doubt to observe all. This is nice – was an early comment with reference to the Decor. I still think Amabala resembles an Ice Cream Cafe.
Naveed was introduced to The Man from Bradford. From Swansea on Sunday, Bradford today, people are travelling some distance to dine here. Naveed brought two warm cans of Fanta and a small ice bucket. These were instantly exchanged for warm Mango Rubicon (£1.20). The fridge had broken down.
There was a discussion about Bread
Paratha (£2.70) can be outstanding at Ambala when the Layered/Flaky version is produced. Naan (£2.00) can be Light and Fresh, but not consistently. Chapattis (£1.10) are also the Light variety not the more Substantial Chapattis as sold at Yadgar or Karahi Palace. Rice was not considered, though it could work with Handi Gosht.
Ricky declared – Naan. I knew why, he didn’t admit. In Bradford, Three Chapattis, a Paratha, a Naan, or Rice is inclusive. Three Chapattis at Ambala would be £3.30, no way.
Naveed took the order – a Large Handi Gosht (£16.99) and two Naan (£2.00). On-the-bone was confirmed and Hotter than Medium. The Menu has – one-the-bone – as Standard, that verification was required suggests Boneless is also available.
Fifteen, twenty minutes – was the quoted wait. Not a problem.
Ricky was convinced that one of the Chaps at the next table mentioned Manningham. They were gone before he could engage them.
The halved Naans and the Large Karahi arrived in good time. The Naan immediately impressed, Light and Fluffy with a sufficiency of Well -fired Bubbles. This has been Hector’s Bread of choice in recent visits. One suspects The Bread Chef was working this shift.
The Handi Gosht had more Masala than Ricky would tolerate in Bradford, however, such is the Thickness, Hector was confident this would be acceptable.
This is good – was Ricky’s almost immediate comment. Success.
The Sucky Bones were Marrow-rich. The Lamb was Tremendously Tender. The Intensity of Flavour from this Dish was why I brought Ricky here, it is Unique, a Standout, a – Wow! – on every visit. The Spice and Seasoning were spot on, everything about this Meal was Perfect.
You don’t get as much Meat when it’s on-the-bone. Ricky is convinced it’s all cooked in the same pot and they have to strip the bone at time of serving. Hopefully not.
We had enough, as ever, Hector managed just over half of a Naan. Ricky thought the Naans could have been larger, but was happy to take some of the Hector Remnant.
I’m a bread person – was the excuse. Ricky praised the Naan in terms of Quality.
No complaints whatsoever – is as good a complement as one can expect.
The Bill
£23.19. We had nine minutes to catch a bus into town, Naveed brought The Bill with due haste.
The Aftermath
Excellent Curry – was announced at the bus stop. The Man from Bradford knows his Curry.
Perhaps the People from Glasgow should give Ambala a try? The 59 departs from underneath the Heilanman’s Umbrella.