Glasgow – The Village Curry House – Lunch with Dan, The-Tour-Man

Yesterday, a certain Social Medium flagged that Dan from Colorado Springs was in Glasgow. Dan, was our Tour Guide back in 2009 when Hector, Marg and Steve took a posse of Lomond School pupils to the USA: Las Vegas, Mt. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Glen Canyon, Boulder Canyon and Grand Canyon. We have communicated periodically since then, Dan has fond memories of our Trip, and still has a high regard for the pupils and their exemplary behaviour throughout.  I knew that one day our paths would cross again, Curry-Heute was arranged.

Our noon rendezvous was pre-empted by a chance meeting at Glasgow Central Station. We headed across the River Clyde, Hector this time showing the sights. It is about time there was serious Urban Redevelopment in this part of town. The objective was The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA), where else would one take a Chap for his first experience of Punjabi Cuisine in Glasgow?

The Lunch Area was almost fully occupied as we entered at Noon, a table was selected, the Lunchtime Menu perused then dismissed, let’s be a la carte.

Dan had never seen a Menu like this, what to have? Had Hector not been overindulging on Curry in the past few days, then Lamb Lahori Kirahi (£7.95) would have been the choice. Dan accepted that he should try this. A Garlic and Coriander Naan (£2.95) was the recommended accompaniment.

For Hector, it had to be The Village Signature Dish, the Curry I was hooked on for years – Lamb Desi Kourma (£7.95). This Curry, as those who have read these pages before know, is far removed from the Dry-Thick Masalas I have come to love more since the inception of this Blog. This – Desi Kourma – bears little resemblance to – Korma – no Coconut or Cream is harmed in its preparation. Mushroom Rice (£2.50) was deemed to be the best accompaniment. Whatever happened to The Village Mixed Vegetable Rice from the Cafe days? Pukka as The Village has become since the move into the new premises, one has to admit, the prices remain very attractive.

The Lunchtime Doris came over to take our order, it was 12.15, a vibration in my pocket meant I had to stall her. A few minutes later, in walked Steve. I had managed not to spill the beans, this was a complete surprise to Dan who assumed that Steve and Marg would be at work. Isn’t everyone – Retired?

Steve studied the Menu then chose the same as Dan. The Order was given, tap water would suffice, let our American Friend appreciate the output from Loch Katrine. A second jug was procured at the third attempt.

Lamb Desi Kourma

The Colour of this Dish has varied through the years from Light to the Dark, Rich Brown which was presented today. The Masala was the Standard Blended Indian Masala in appearance, and thankfully this was in no way excessive; here was a decent balance of Meat and Masala. The Tender Lamb had been counted carefully, the Standard Eight. Had this been dinner I could have gone for the Half Kilo, had we ordered from the Lunchtime Menu, there would have been appreciably less. Most of the Mushroom Rice was decanted, a bit more than I knew I could manage. Why decant? The dinner plate was larger.

Lunchtime Doris had asked if any of us required – Spicy? The Spice Level as given is quite sufficient, no need to be a hero, and the Flavour could be compromised. The Seasoning was there, it could be this very Curry which set the Seasoning Level I crave. It does not taste – Salty – by any means, though without this Level of Seasoning, the Desi Kourma would be – Bland. The hoped-for Citrus came through, this took me back some ten years, way before the days of Curry-Heute when I was a virtual resident at The Village. Green Cardamom, Cloves and Black Peppercorns were all picked out as – Alien Solids, each adding to the complexity of Flavour. This is still a Wonderful Curry!

My only criticism was the temperature of the Mushroom Rice. It was – Warm – rather than – Hot.

I have noted how I tend to avoid The Village for months, then visit in clusters. It is three weeks to Ramadan, for Hector this means – The Village Buffet. The sunset will be @21.45 at the start of Ramadan, getting later still each day thereafter. The place will be stowed.

Lamb Lahori Kirahi

A Darker Brown, a much Richer Masala compared to the Desi Kourma, this is the other standout Curry at The Village, though I must re-familiarise myself with their – Handi.

The Naans arrived in one basket, both folded. The splendour of the Coriander Topping was never revealed to the camera. Sharing one Naan would have been sufficient.

Dan was warned that he would be expected to give a quote at the end. As he ate his first ever Punjabi Curry I noted a few comments.

This is a lot of food.

He studied the Masala and remarked on the depth of flavour from the Spices. Steve led the way:

The meat was tender, the sauce had a slight kick with lots of flavour bursting through, quite tomatoey.

Dan – The Tour Man:

This is a first for me. A tremendous dish, tender lamb cooked to perfection. I don’t know what the Spices were, but I would look for this and see if I can find it back in the States.

The Bread complemented the dish well.

Mr. Baig, Mein Host, appeared at the till opposite from where we were sitting. He acknowledged me and spotted I had someone new in The Company.

This man has come all the way from Colorado to dine at The Village.  – (OK, an exaggeration)

Introductions were made, the inevitable photo captured. A Perfect Lunch.

The Bill

£32.25. ($41.60) For three Diners… Excellent value. I suspect Dan was surprised.

The Aftermath

We had time for one Ale before Dan’s – Tour Guests – had to be met.  Dan is off to Islay tomorrow then on to Skye and Speyside, escorting a group of Fellow Americans on a tour of Distilleries.

Passing the Karahi Palace I related how I had walked past it for years, for ambience, The Village wins.

The Laurieston, a recent Glasgow Pub of the Year,  is a Bar which again a stranger to Glasgow would pass by.

Let’s step back some sixty years in time…

I witnessed Mr. Clancy escort two Chaps who were – Foo already – to – The Lounge. They were out in the street before they knew what had happened, amazing skill.

Two stops on the Subway to Buchanan St., another first for Dan. Hopefully it will not be another eight years before we see him again.