On my return from the recent Italia/Yorkshire Trip, people were keen to tell me that The Village Curry House (119 West St., Tradeston, Glasgow G5 8BA) had been closed for refurbishment. Today was the day for a Lidl shopping, Mother expects….Curry-Heute.
Arriving just after 13.00, Mr. Baig was coming out of the West St. entrance, he waited for us to cross the road. I asked about the changes, a – Steakhouse – was mentioned. You’ll be selling alcohol next – I jested. There was a definite shake of the head – No.
The Village was quite busy, people had spilled over from the accepted Lunchtime seating area into the Restaurant proper. I found a small table nearest to the Nelson St. entrance. To get to our seats we passed the most obvious change since my last visit, the Sweets and Ice Cream now line this area. Where will the Ramadan Buffet be set up? – came to mind
Only the – Lahori Lunch – Menu (£5.95) was on the table. This always suits Mother: Vegetable Pakora and Lamb Curry with Boiled Rice is an elegant sufficiency. Knowing the Main Menu quite well I did not bother asking for it – Lamb Desi Kourma (£7.50) – Hot – with Peas Pilao Rice (£2.50). Mother asked for a Portion of Mango Chutney also.
Mother was keen to tell me that since her last visit here with me, she had been with a friend. The Waitress who took the Order had to be told also, also the other one. So it goes.
The Vegetable Pakora arrived in a flash, three large pieces. The Mango Chutney accompanied the two Dips, a contented Mother. One piece of Pakora crossed the table. A bit on the Dry side taste-wise, the Dips were put into action, better. Given the dark hue, it was apparent that as is the norm in too many venues, the Pakora had been cooked then reheated. With the Akash (Helensburgh) laid to rest, where can one get freshly cooked Pakora?
The accompanying Salad proved to be Substantial, it took Mother quite some time to eat her Salad and the two pieces of Pakora.
I enjoyed the flavour of that. I like it crisp not hard.
Lamb Curry
Four Large pieces of Lamb sat in a Thin Masala. With the Rice occupying half of the plate, this was very much – Lunchtime Menu Curry. Each piece of Meat was halved or more. If it took Mother an age to eat two pieces of Pakora, the now numerous pieces of Meat took a very long time. Hector was well finished by the time Mother stopped eating. Satisfaction was evident:
I liked it very much, if nobody was here I would lick the plate – said the Lady who brought me up.
Lamb Desi Kourma
For Hector, this has always been The Village Signature Dish. As far from – Korma – as a Curry could be, absolutely no sign of Cream or Coconut.
The statutory eight pieces of Meat were decanted to the plate of Peas Pilao. I could appreciate immediately that this Masala was much Thicker than that across the table. Almonds topping the Masala added further Diversity.
The Spice Level was fine, not demanding, a so familiar Flavour emerged, The Village Curry Taste. This Dish has the added added bonus of – Citrus. A decade ago I was here, well in the original Cafe, eating this once a week.
The Meat had to be halved, a Sensible Portion was now perceived. The right amount of chewing was required for the Tender Lamb. Notes on the Seasoning were very much an afterthought, conclusion, it was – spot on.
The remaining Masala was poured over the final pieces of Meat and Rice. It was all over too soon. Next time I should order this by the Half-Kilo.
The Bill
£15.95. No problem with this, great value.
The Aftermath
I asked the other Waitress, Pamela, about the ongoing alterations. She summoned Chef Adnan. He pointed to the area where the Sweets had been, he theorised that this would house a new grill. When I went over to inspect this I spotted seats had been installed along the wall. So, maybe not. A new area will be set aside for the Ramadan Buffet. Time will tell.
When I returned to the table Pamela was busy writing a Recipe for a Beef Casserole. How she and Mother ended up here remains a mystery. Cranberries, Red Wine and Shallots, bring it on. But it’s not Curry!