Hector met Gordon some thirty five years ago. This evening we dined together for the first time, though for a couple of the early years we did eat regularly under the same roof, complicated. Part of the reason why we met up this evening will be revealed below. Having flown across The Pond from Florida, only the Very Best of Glasgow Curry could be consumed. Yadgar and Ambala Desi Bar were considered, however, for ease of access Karahi Palace (51 – 53 Nelson Street, Glasgow, G5 8DZ) was Hector’s Recommendation this evening. It is the start of The Silly Season, we had to rendezvous as far from Office Parties as possible, once again The Laurieston was chosen.
The Karahi Palace is a bit chilly at this time of year. A Group of Chaps occupied the two sheltered tables, the remaining window table is all that was available, quite a little crowd this evening, all eating Curry.
Chef Rashid was nowhere to be seen, Mein Host – Ayaz was overseeing the cooking, Qaiser was on Delivery Duty. This meant – The Other Chap – served us. Gordon was happy to follow Hector’s Choice: Karahi Lamb (£7.90) accompanied by a Chapati (£0.70). One Substantial Karahi Palace Chapati is quite sufficient. On-the-bone is taken for granted at Karahi Palace, they have stopped serving Boneless. Spicier than Medium is a safe option.
The Young Spanish-speaking Lady brought the Salad and Raita, neither were touched. I wondered if Gordon had acquired – Spanish – in his years living in the USA, apparently not. The Salad was even more Modest than normal, no Cucumber. Qaiser appeared with a box of Cucumbers mid session, too late for us.
The two Karahi were presented with Sizzling Oil and Masala, always an impressive sight, where is the audio? The Chapattis were too hot to handle initially, no way could the Meat be tackled until the Sizzling has ceased. We both scooped the Minimal Masala from under the Lamb on to strips of Chapatti, even for The Hector after seventy-plus visits, this never ceases to amaze.
Full of Flavour, the Spice and Seasoning also hit the mark. Any discerning Curry Lover could not fail to be impressed by this interpretation of Karahi Gosht. The lack of Ballast sets the Standard that the majority of venues fail to reach. The Lamb was a mixture of Chops and Other Cuts, as Tender as Lamb could be. The pile of bones were set aside, there was still a Mass of Meat to be consumed. By eating directly from the Karahi, the temperature of everything was maintained. Why decant to a cooler plate?
Excellent, full of flavour, a good balance – was Gordon’s verdict.
Everyone who visits Karahi Palace and orders well, should leave content.
The Bill
£17.00. Each? – asked Gordon when he went up to the counter. He was pleasantly surprised.
The Aftermath
And now for the real business of the day. Gordon managed to secure tickets for Marg and Hector to see CAN in London next year. Spot the – Vitamin C – t-shirt. This is Hector’s all-time Favourite Band and nearly twenty years since their last – almost – get together in Köln. There will definitely be Curry that day. Any recommendations for venues near the Barbican are welcome.